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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. 2 Timothy 1:9a

Read: 2 Timothy 1:9-10
Listen: 2 Timothy 1

Paul challenges Timothy not to be ashamed but willing to suffer for Jesus for one reason—the gospel. He reminds Timothy that they’ve been rescued completely through grace and given real, true life. Paul never gets over the wonder of this radically transformative news. Paul lives in complete amazement that God found and rescued him: dead in transgressions and sins, moved from death to life only because of God’s grace. Paul experiences Jesus as “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Paul urges Timothy never to abandon this message of rescue, grace and life.

Our world still desperately needs this “death-to-life” gospel message. We, like Paul, “were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:3-5a). Recognizing the incredible nature of the gospel helps us not be ashamed of it.

TODAY: If you have not yet placed your faith and trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sin, you can do so today by admitting your need for Jesus’s forgiveness and inviting him into your life. If you are a follower of Jesus, join us for the Ada Bible Academy to learn how to share the gospel or discover how the early Christians lived unashamed of the gospel despite deep suffering. Learn more and register at adabible.org/ada-bible-academy.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Exodus 26-27. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider the articles for the Tabernacle and how these may point to Jesus.