Blake Allen, Young Adult and Student Pastor, LHBC
2 Timothy 1:1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. .”
Have you ever noticed how the Apostle Paul begins his letters? It’s always the same. The same structure is used in all 13 of Paul’s letters. He always begins with an introductory paragraph before addressing the main concerns of the letter. So what, right? What is significant about Paul’s opening statements? After all, we typically start letters with, “dear so and so” or “to whom this may concern” or “greetings.” But Paul’s introduction is not your typical greeting. It’s more of a declaration/recognition of his identity in Christ.
Before Saul became Paul, he lived as a tyrant persecutor of God’s church. He had no hope, no ultimate purpose, no understanding of the meaning of life, and ultimately no true life. But on the road to Damascus he encountered God and found a new identity in Christ.
In Christ he knew who he was (no longer Saul but Paul), he knew what he did (an apostle), he knew who he did it for (Christ Jesus), and he knew how he did it (by the will of God) and he knew whom he was meant to minister to (to Timothy). And when you encounter Christ you receive a new identity in him. You find your purpose and meaning in life. Because in Christ you know who you are, what you do, who you do it for, why you do it, how you are able to do it, and the mission assigned to you.
Are you finding your identity in Christ? Nothing else will give you meaning or purpose. Your identity is hidden in Him.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Heavenly Father, may we realize our purpose in you. Thank you for the sacrifice you made so that we could experience new life in you. Help us to realize our purpose and identity is found in you. In Jesus name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.