end notes for a Grace Symphony

BACKGROUND/ 2 Timothy 1:3-5 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Each one of us has received certain gifts of God through faith. Each one of us must stir up those gifts if they are to live or to bring forth fruit. Each one of us must not be fearful or intimidated in exploring these gifts; but instead remember that we have love, power and self-discipline backing us up in this. 1 John 4:17-18

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

2 Timothy 1:8 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

We are called to be bold and unashamed witnesses of what God has done for us. We are called to stand with those who are suffering for this testimony. We are called to be prepared to suffer if necessary in the process of sharing God’s love. 2 Timothy 3:12

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 1:9 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

Our calling in the Lord is not based on our right or wrong deeds but on His grace and it is holy (set apart, sacred) Our calling by grace was based on His purpose. Purpose precedes grace. Our calling in Christ Jesus was even before Adam/we sinned; before creation! Ephesians 1:4,9-10

4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love... 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth — in Him.

2 Timothy 1: but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

The Good News is that God’s eternal purpose is no longer a secret. It’s now revealed since we ‘saw’ Jesus. The Good News reveals God’s eternal life and immortality in us and proclaims, “Death has been cancelled”! The Good News ought to be every minister’s and ministry’s concern. 1 Corinthians 15:52-54

For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."

2 Timothy 1:12 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Do not suffer for nothing. There is a purpose behind it all and it must be celebrated. Do not be ashamed when you find yourself suffering. Even Paul, with all his faith and revelations suffered. Do not worry about your salvation or security in the Lord. That is the Lord’s work not yours. Yours is to believe. 1 Corinthians 15:52-54

Ephesians 1: In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

end notes for a Grace Symphony