The Promise

II Timothy 1:1-2

Promises are very important to us. Children are quick to remind us of promises made and then broken. "But you promised…" is a phrase that is heard often by parents. When my wife and I were dating, I wanted to express my love and commitment to her, so I bought her a sweetheart ring or promise ring…meaning that I promised my love to her and her alone. Later she received an engagement ring that represented another promise of sorts. Then on July 18, 1970, I stood before her and a host of family and friends and made another promise to her. I recently read a cartoon where a wife asks her husband, "We have been married a long time, when do we get to the 'for richer' part?" Promises are important aren't they?

'The Promise' is a popular title. A quick check of the internet found that there are twelve albums, seven songs, six books, two plays, one band, three television shows, eight movies, and there will be at least one sermon by that title. So obviously some clarification is necessary as we begin this morning; the promise that I refer to is the same one that the Apostle Paul spoke of when writing to Timothy.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, (2 Timothy 1:1)

I. The Description of that Promise. v1

II. The Ingredients of that Promise v2

Have you received the promise? Do you know God's grace, mercy, and peace? Have you placed your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary? If not, I invite you to come today without delay. Christian, are we living each moment with the awareness of God's wonderful promise to us? Whatever the need we invite you to come now.