Today’s Devotion
Topic: God’s Own Purpose
Text: 2 Timothy 1: 8- 9
8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. AMEN
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who has been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13: 1- 3)
Beloved, we are made in the image of God for His pleasure, and called into the body of Christ for His purpose. We are not our own; we belong to God. And God does nothing for nothing, there is always a purpose whose end is beautiful and glorious.
When the Apostles gathered to worship and pray, the Holy Spirit told them to SET BARNABAS AND PAUL APART FOR THE WORK TO WHICH HE HAD CALLED THEM. Many of us are confused about our purpose and calling. Some of us can sense an interest in a particular area of life, but to be able to tell if that is exactly God’s plan for our lives or not is the problem.
However, 2 Timothy 1: 8 provides four fundamental conditions that should precede our ability to determine God’s purpose:
i. Being able to decide never to be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord Jesus Christ: Yes, and also all others who labour for His sake, either in direct ministry or in the various careers they find themselves. For it doesn’t matter where we find ourselves, our lives must reflect the testimony of Christ so that others might know and believe. If we are able to take such a stand, then we are simply ready to do His will.
ii. Being ready to suffer for the sake of the gospel. One day, our Lord Jesus Christ told the disciples that, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15: 18- 19).
He also said in John 16: 33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This means no matter what we face or are made to go through, we should know that we are chosen to be more than conquerors through Christ, so we don’t despair.
iii. Understanding that we are saved and called to a holy life: Yes, and its not because of anything special we have done, but so that God can demonstrate His purpose and grace through us. When we choose holiness through grace, we take after the very nature of God, and that includes His purpose.
iv. Finally to rely entirely on THE GRACE OF GOD, to see us through: The strength of man is so limited in every matter. That divine favor or goodwill from God called GRACE, is what sustains us through all and makes up for our personal shortfalls or inadequacies. Romans 3: 24 says, “Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins “
That is why in his personal testimony, Apostle Paul said, “but by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. (1 Corinthians 15: 10).
Dearly Beloved, once we grasp full comprehension of the the above pre-requisites, it becomes easier to identify the direction of God through fellowship. As we worship, pray and meditate, He unveils His purpose to us as He did with the Apostles, and also gives us the strength to carry on.
So instead of being all confused about your purpose on earth and in the body of Christ, why don’t you set your mind to fully imbibe the testimony of Jesus, being prepared to suffer for His sake, living in His gift of holiness and doing all these trusting in His grace and not your own abilities?
Then after, draw closer to the Holy Spirit in consistent fellowship and you will not miss your way. “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2: 13). Begin to pray now. Kindly click, watch and be blessed: https://youtu.be/J6fuMFN7sso
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