Be Strong in Grace

2 Timothy 2:1–13

Intro: The theme of these verses is fruitful Christian service. Timothy, as we saw in chapter 1, was prone to shrink back from exercising his spiritual gifts because of shyness or fear of controversy. Three times Paul exhorts Timothy, either directly or indirectly by example, not to be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul, who was in prison because of the gospel (1:8, 12, 16).

1. (V1) Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus

Ephesians 6:10–11 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Guzic commentary:

God makes the resource of His strength available to us (Ephesians 6:10-11).

Yet it does not come as we sit back passively and suppose that God will simply pour it into us. He brings His strength to us as we seek Him and rely on Him instead of our own strength.

2 Peter 3:18 “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

2. (V3) Endure hardships as a good soldier

a) Absorb the blow

Imagine what life would be like if American soldiers refused to endure hardship

What are some of the sacrifices a soldier may need to endure?

-Leaves his family behind

- They endure being uncomfortable, pain, and suffering

1 Timothy 1:18 “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,”

3. (V4) Don’t get entangled with the affairs of this world

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

a) Be carful not to be distracted with things that pull you away from God and serving Him (Sin or distractions)

3.1 The goal is to please him who enlisted you as a soldier

a) One thing to remember is we don’t work to please man, but God is who we strive to please

God pleaser, not man

2 Samuel 7:12 ““When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.”