The Promise of Life
Today’s Verse:
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, ~2 Timothy 1:1
The Scripture for our devotion is one of great encouragement for our faith. It is a reminder that when Jesus Christ is your Saviour, you are the recipient of the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. This takes us back to John 10:10 where Jesus first gave this promise: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The promise of life is an abundant life. As Paul waited in his prison cell for the day and time when the executioner would take his life, he was not facing this with discouragement but with optimism and complete faith in God. He knew that he was in the will of God and that the promise of life was one that is lifelong. Let us see what the promise of life is.
It is everlasting life.
“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:16). The first and most important aspect of the promise of life is knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and having complete assurance that your sins are forgiven and Heaven is your home. Everlasting means never-ending. It is a life that is long-lasting and with no end. Everlasting life means we are passed from death to life. The promise of life begins with salvation in Christ Jesus.
It is an essential life.
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” God has a divine purpose for our life. It is called the will of God. We are not in this life to live aimlessly and without direction. God wants us to know the great potential of a life surrendered to Him. When we are doing His will, there is joy, peace, accomplishment, and satisfaction. We look at our lives based on what we can do. God sees our life based on what He wants to do through us. Hudson Taylor used to say, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
It is an extensive life.
Think of what God did through Paul. He traveled thousands of miles to preach the gospel, start churches, develop disciples for the Lord, mentor leaders, and have a writing ministry. Yes, he also had much opposition and numerous trials, but by staying focused on what God wanted him to do and where he was supposed to be, he helped give an extensive expansion of the gospel ministry. The promise of life takes us farther, stretches us further, and opens more doors when we are in submission to God’s Word.
It is an exciting life.
Timothy was discouraged. Paul wrote to him to remind him of how exciting it is to be saved and serving the Lord. It is a joy to be a preacher of the gospel. It is a joy to give the gospel to sinners and see them come to Christ. It is a joy to pray and see God answer prayer. It is a joy to see how God builds His church through committed disciples of Christ. It is a joy to see other men become soulwinners, leaders, and preachers. It is a joy that God is patient with us and uses us in spite of ourselves. Don’t neglect the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. Don’t follow people who have a disregard for the ways of God. Stay focused on living for Jesus and experiencing His abundant life.
Have an abounding God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 10-12