God saves through Jesus (9). What does he save us from? Death and punishment for transgressions (10). Why does he do this? Not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace (9).
God calls us to a holy (separated and pure) life, a holy calling (9). What is the holy calling (piety)? Piety is a translation of a Hebrew expression and several Greek terms meaning “the fear or reverence of the Lord” (Job 4:6, 15:4, 22:4, Acts 3:12, Heb. 3:1, 5:7). 1 Tim 5:4 specifically equates this to conduct with our physical and spiritual family.
Paul first and foremost in this letter before his death was to encourage Timothy, his beloved friend and plebe to continue the life to which God called him in Christ Jesus. A life of faith, holy calling, and grace are not for the faint of heart; yet perfect for the faint of heart because Jesus is able to sustain and enable us to thrive. “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (12). The day is the day of resurrection into eternal life without fear and doubt, with love ever-increasing love, peace, and perfect company and place.
