“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,” – 2 Timothy 1:9 NKJV
Welcome to the 18th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we concluded our series on the Gospel by learning to celebrate the assurance of eternal life we have and the responsibility it places on us as believers. We also began a teaching series on purpose by defining what it is and what it is not.
We started the week by learning that the gift of eternal life through Christ should evoke joy and endless celebration in us. The death, burial, resurrection, and glorification of Jesus have given you something to shout about: eternal life! Your response to this glorious gift should be continual rejoicing in the provisions of Christ (1 Peter 1:8). As with the Samaritan woman and the early Church, this joy should fuel our passion to share the good news with others (John 4:28-29).
Tuesday’s devotional stirred us to evangelize boldly and joyfully (John 4:28-30). Sharing the Gospel is both an expression of our love for God and obedience to His command (Mark 16:15). When you love someone, what matters to them becomes important to you. Since God desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4), sharing the Gospel is one of the best ways to show that you love Him. As Christ’s ambassadors, it is our responsibility to reflect His love and help others find their way to Him (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
On Wednesday, we were reminded that God wants us to be assured of our salvation and eternal destination. The Bible is clear about the standard for salvation and the guarantee of eternal life (John 3:16; 1 John 5:11-13). The moment you believed, God sealed you with the Holy Spirit—the guarantee of the eternal life you received (Ephesians 1:13). You can be confident in your salvation because the One who called you is faithful and able to keep you to the very end (Jude 1:24).
On Thursday, we began our series on purpose by looking at what it is not. Purpose is not about happiness, career, or something unique and mysterious. True purpose isn’t determined by us, but by our Creator, God (Psalm 100:3). As believers, we were created for more than worldly success or recognition. Our purpose is rooted in God’s design and intentions. As you continue to seek Him, you’ll find that purpose is less about what you achieve and more about becoming more like Christ and glorifying God.
We ended the week on Friday by defining what purpose is. Purpose is that one thing for which you were created and at which you must succeed; otherwise, nothing else you succeed at will count. As people created by God, that one thing is to know Christ and make Him known. To live purposefully is to no longer live for yourself, but for Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:15). He becomes the reason behind every decision, action, and pursuit in your life.
Dear believer, God didn’t just save you to rescue you from hell; He saved you so you could live for Him. Rejoice in this gift, and from today, respond by living every day purposefully, on purpose.
Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Kings 6-9; 2 Peter 1:1-2:19