Life IN Focus

S - 2 Timothy 1:1, 2:1 (NIV): "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus … You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

O - The correspondence is from a "father" to a "son", from a senior to a junior, from a quarterback to a team member, from one dear friend and brother to another.  It is written after years of being together and in the shadow of Paul's impending "departure" … code for execution--unjust, undeserved (just like Jesus).  The focus of the letter remains the focus for both of their lives … Jesus.  Notice that life and grace are IN Jesus.  They are not in verses of Scripture; accurate theological conclusions or corporately agreed upon creeds.  Paul and Timothy did not serve a mission or method or goal. They served a person.  Grace and eternal life did not come to them via what Jesus said nor by prophetic insights or scriptural promises.  Life (eternal, vibrant, irrepressible) and grace (amazing, indefatigable, sufficient) are IN Jesus and come from Jesus. 

A - I am not saved by what Jesus said or by what I think he said.  I am saved by Jesus, crucified and raised from the dead.  Grace is not found in the Scriptures or in truthful conclusions from them … it is found exactly as life is found; One Source, One Hope, One Savior, One Friend of the whole world. Jesus never called one person to a cause … only to himself.  Follow Me is the call (money, missions (causes/projects) and methods all want to divide us). Today I will follow him who is life … receiving the grace that is in him.  Today will be a very good day! 

P - Lord who is life,

I am very grateful to be loved by you … first, most and forever.  I am very grateful to NOT be called to a cause or mission or goal. Today I run to you for life and welcome your life and grace to flow into and to come out of me.  I'll stay near and follow … all the rest is up to you.  I do love you back.  Whatever is in your heart to do today my answer is yes.  Jesus, I am yours.

Steve