Chosen and Called: Living in God's Purpose 2 Timothy 1:9
Introduction:
Today, we gather to explore the transformative truth found in 2 Timothy 1:9, which proclaims, "For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus."
Point 1: Saved by Grace
At the core of our faith lies the profound reality of God's grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9 reaffirms this truth, stating, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast."
In these verses, the Apostle Paul emphasises the foundational truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He highlights that salvation is not earned through our own efforts or merits but is solely a gift of God's grace. This underscores the importance of recognising our dependency on God's grace for our salvation, humbly acknowledging that it is not something we can achieve through our own works.
Our salvation is not earned through our own merit but is freely given by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
As Max Lucado beautifully articulates, "Grace is simply another word for God’s tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave."
Titus 3:5 (NLT) complements this understanding, stating, "He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit."
Similarly, Titus affirms that salvation is not based on our works but on God's mercy and grace. It is through His mercy that our sins are forgiven, and we are given new life through the Holy Spirit. This reinforces the concept that salvation is entirely a result of God's initiative and not our own righteousness.
Romans 5:8 (NLT) declares, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
This verse encapsulates the profound depth of God's love for humanity. Despite our sinful state, God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. It underscores the sacrificial nature of Christ's death and the unconditional love that God has for each person, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
Point 2: Called to Holiness
God's salvation not only forgives our sins but also calls us to live transformed lives marked by holiness.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NLT) further elaborates on the implications of God's holiness for believers: "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'"
Peter exhorts believers to strive for holiness in their lives, reflecting the character of God who has chosen them. This emphasises the transformative aspect of salvation, as those who have been saved by God's grace are called to live in a manner consistent with His holiness.
Our calling to holiness is not a burden but a privilege, as it reflects our identity as God's chosen people. As Oswald Chambers said, "Holiness is not simply what God gives me, but what God has given me that is being exhibited in my life."
Ephesians 1:4 (NLT) reinforces the idea of God's sovereign choice in salvation: "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes."
Here, Paul highlights the predestined nature of God's love and choice in selecting believers to be holy and blameless in His sight. This underscores the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing God's eternal plan and purpose for those who are saved.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NLT) admonishes believers to live lives that are pleasing to God: "God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives."
This verse emphasises the call to holiness that accompanies salvation. Believers are called to live lives that are set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His righteousness and purity in all aspects of their lives.
Point 3: God's Eternal Plan
Before the foundations of the world, God ordained our salvation and calling to holiness.
Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT) speaks to God's foreknowledge and purpose in the lives of individuals: "I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."
Our lives are not accidents but part of God's sovereign plan, designed to reveal His glory and grace to the world.
Jeremiah's call to prophethood serves as a reminder of God's intimate knowledge and sovereign plan for each person's life. This passage underscores the personal and intentional nature of God's involvement in the lives of believers, from before their birth.
As Charles Spurgeon eloquently stated, "Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us."
Ephesians 1:11 (NLT) reaffirms God's sovereignty over all things, including salvation: "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan."
Paul emphasizes that believers are chosen by God and united with Christ, resulting in an inheritance from God. This highlights the divine orchestration of salvation and the assurance that God's plan will ultimately prevail.
Romans 8:28 (NLT) provides comfort and assurance to believers amidst trials: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
This verse assures believers that God works all things together for their good, including the process of salvation. It underscores the overarching sovereignty of God and His ability to use even difficult circumstances for the ultimate good of His people.
Conclusion:
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) states, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast."
In these verses, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the foundational truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He highlights that salvation is not earned through our own efforts or merits but is solely a gift of God's grace. This underscores the importance of recognizing our dependency on God's grace for our salvation, humbly acknowledging that it is not something we can achieve through our own works.
Titus 3:5 (NLT) complements this understanding, stating, "He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit."
Similarly, Titus affirms that salvation is not based on our works but on God's mercy and grace. It is through His mercy that our sins are forgiven, and we are given new life through the Holy Spirit. This reinforces the concept that salvation is entirely a result of God's initiative and not our own righteousness.
Romans 5:8 (NLT) declares, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
This verse encapsulates the profound depth of God's love for humanity. Despite our sinful state, God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. It underscores the sacrificial nature of Christ's death and the unconditional love that God has for each person, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NLT) further elaborates on the implications of God's holiness for believers: "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'"
Peter exhorts believers to strive for holiness in their lives, reflecting the character of God who has chosen them. This emphasizes the transformative aspect of salvation, as those who have been saved by God's grace are called to live in a manner consistent with His holiness.
Ephesians 1:4 (NLT) reinforces the idea of God's sovereign choice in salvation: "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes."
Here, Paul highlights the predestined nature of God's love and choice in selecting believers to be holy and blameless in His sight. This underscores the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing God's eternal plan and purpose for those who are saved.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NLT) admonishes believers to live lives that are pleasing to God: "God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives."
This verse emphasizes the call to holiness that accompanies salvation. Believers are called to live lives that are set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His righteousness and purity in all aspects of their lives.
Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT) speaks to God's foreknowledge and purpose in the lives of individuals: "I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah's call to prophethood serves as a reminder of God's intimate knowledge and sovereign plan for each person's life. This passage underscores the personal and intentional nature of God's involvement in the lives of believers, from before their birth.
Ephesians 1:11 (NLT) reaffirms God's sovereignty over all things, including salvation: "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan."
Paul emphasises that believers are chosen by God and united with Christ, resulting in an inheritance from God. This highlights the divine orchestration of salvation and the assurance that God's plan will ultimately prevail.
Romans 8:28 (NLT) provides comfort and assurance to believers amidst trials: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
This verse assures believers that God works all things together for their good, including the process of salvation. It underscores the overarching sovereignty of God and His ability to use even difficult circumstances for the ultimate good of His people.
In summary, these passages collectively emphasise the foundational truths of salvation by grace through faith, the transformative nature of God's love, the call to holiness, God's sovereign choice and purpose in salvation, and His assurance of working all things for the good of believers. They remind us of the centrality of God's grace in our salvation and the importance of living lives that reflect His holiness and purpose.
Application and Call to Action:
As recipients of God's grace and participants in His eternal plan, let us embrace our calling to live holy lives.
May we walk in the confidence of our identity as God's chosen ones, knowing that He who called us is faithful.
Let us seek to glorify God in all we do, demonstrating His love and grace to a world in need.
As we go forth, let us be reminded that we are not saved by our own efforts but by God's grace, and our lives are to be a reflection of His glory and goodness.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for choosing us, saving us, and calling us to live holy lives. Grant us the strength and courage to walk in obedience to Your Word, empowered by Your Spirit. May our lives be a testimony to Your grace and glory, drawing others into relationship with You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
