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I hope you’re enjoying our time together in 2 Timothy. As we read Paul’s words to his spiritual child, Timothy, we get an insight into both the more particular role of the pastor but also the wider gospel work that every member of the church is swept up into.

One particular truth has struck many of us this week. Paul reminds Timothy that God, ...saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began… — 2 Timothy 1:9

The truth of God’s election of his people is always presented to us in the Scriptures as a great comfort and assurance. The 39 Articles of Religion (the theological constitution of the Anglican Church) remind us that this great truth is "is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort… because it doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoyed through Christ” (Article XVII).

We saw last week that there is even more in this purpose and grace to give us confidence. Not only can we be assured that our own eternal status is secure in God’s hands but the progress of the gospel is also equally certain:

…I am convinced that [God] is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. — 2 Timothy 1:12

The progress through the ages of the gospel message, the “good deposit” which is entrusted Timothy and which he is encouraged to guard, is not ultimately teetering in human hands. There is a divine certainty at work as it is handed on from one to another down the years.

This can raise an important question.

If this is all so certain, what is the need for me to contribute my own effort?

As we read through 2 Timothy we see two clear answers to this genuine conundrum.

First, there is the simple challenge: how could we not be involved? The gospel is such a wonderful, precious thing, the purpose of God such an incredible act of grace towards us and others, that we are swept up into it. I don’t know about you, but I naturally speak of the things that I love the most. My wife, my children, my heritage across Europe, and the (not so) mighty Sheffield United. Jesus reminded us that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. If our heart is full of Jesus and the Gospel, it will naturally tumble from our lips (whether or not God’s election and predestination is truth!). You get the sense reading any of Paul’s letters that he couldn’t possibly not speak about Jesus.

Second, we see the remarkable truth that our action is God’s chosen method to bring about his purpose and grace. Like a parent allowing their toddler to help with baking the cake (even though the amount of mess is massively increased) God brings us into this task. We get not only the joy of being saved but of being part of the way that others are saved. And part of God’s great plan for the Universe. Yes, it can be very hard. But it’s so very worth it. Here’s what we’ll see Paul say this coming Sunday:

Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. — 2 Timothy 2:10

The same Paul who so many times teaches us that people’s conversion is ultimately in the hands of God also speaks of the necessity of his and our involvement. It’s almost a contradiction that he endures so that the elect may obtain salvation! And yet he does! This is life set before us. This is the great purpose set before us that we become part of.

The great truth of God’s purpose and grace pushes back at my question “so why do I need to be involved?” with a question of it’s own: “how could you not want to be involved?”. My prayer (and, I think, Paul’s desire in writing 2 Timothy) is that we would be so taken by God’s purpose and grace that we would long to play our part. Even if we still can’t understand how it could be that the sovereign God of the Universe would use us as a vital part in it.

David Ould
Senior Associate Minister

 

Pray for Confidence and Joy in Evangelism

Give thanks for God’s purpose and grace, given in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and for the gospel that brings salvation, life and immortality to light. Ask God for confidence, assurance and joy among his people, knowing that he is able to guard the good deposit and that the progress of the gospel is secure in his hands. Ask God to fill the church with such love for Jesus and the gospel that it would naturally overflow in faithful witness, and to use his people as part of his purpose and grace so that others may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.