Paul challenged Timothy to not be ashamed of the testimony regarding Christ, nor of his own testimony, though he was his prisoner. Rather, Timothy was to “share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Tim. 1.8-9, ESV). Now Jesus, God’s messiah, has been revealed, the very one “who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (v. 10). It was the Father’s sovereign plan to send his Son; it was Jesus’s work to die on the cross and rise again victorious as Lord and King; and it is the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, and we should then guard the good deposit of faith that has been entrusted to us.

The Scripture bears clear witness of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, acting in history to bring about his purposes for his own glory.

Not because of any work that we have done, or any righteousness that we own, did the Father forgive us and redeem us from all unrighteousness and its effects. Rather, only because of his love given through Christ can we relate to him as his children.

Father, thank you for your marvelous love and grace which has cleansed, healed, and made us whole. Enable me to live for you today, obeying your will and following your word, as you lead me by your Spirit. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Weekly Reflection on the Priesthood of all Believers
It is reasonable to hypothesize that the identity standard for ambassador and the identity standard for priest represent different dimensions of a single identity standard – like two sides of the same coin. As ambassadors, we represent God (the Sender) to the people (the Receivers), while as priests we represent the people (the Senders) to God (the Receiver). Yet, in reality, the Hebrew priests of the Old Testament not only represented God on behalf of the Jewish people, they also represented the Jewish people on behalf of God.

~ Scott Breslin, Embracing Our Priestly Nature at Work: A Theology and Practice for Ordinary Saints. Eugene OR: Resource Publications, 2017. p. 32.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Enter the Priesthood of All Believers, 1 Peter 2.4-10

Book Reading
Breslin, Embracing Our Priestly Nature at Work

Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Tuesday, June 14, 2022