God Calls Us Strong in the Grace that is in Jesus Christ

Concept: Defining a life that is strong in the Grace of Jesus Christ   

2 Tim 2:1-7 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. NASU

As we have seen in our study up to this point there are many aspects to our lives as Christians which can be seen in the many names God uses to address us. This passage uses three metaphors to explain what it means to be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ. The three word pictures that are used are the solider, the athlete and the farmer. Over the next few days we will look into these more, but today let’s look at the first two sentences.

1.      You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

If we said we must be strong in Christ that would put the burden on us to live up to a certain code. Our verse says to be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ. Now grace is defined as God’s unmerited favor toward us. So, we must be strong in the grace or unmerited favor. If we were to rephrase this we might say let God’s grace be your strength, or lean on His unmerited favor let it hold you up and carry you along.

2.      The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. In other words as you learn about God’s goodness and grace teach others who follow Him and who have put off the wicked ways of the world so that they might grow in His grace and be strong and also pass along or teach others.

God’s grace and goodness are not for our private or secret use, but are intended to be given away, taught and demonstrated in everyday life, to others who are also seeking to follow God and have a pure desire to serve Him and live by His grace.

Jesus came to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand or the rule and reign of God are at hand. We are to pass along this life changing news and truth so that the world order of corruption and darkness in our separation from God is replaced with a world order of life where we enjoy the light and life God has for us. It was so in the book of Acts where it says in Acts 17:6 ‘These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;’ KJV

Artwork by Graham Braddock