Grace, Grit, and Gospel

Introduction

Biblical: Paul wrote 2 Timothy just before his death… As he neared the end of his life, he wrote 2 Tim 4:6-8. I want to go the distance with Jesus, and end like Paul.

Subject: Following Jesus for the long haul takes grace, grit, and gospel.

Body

Grace — Strengthen others with the grace you have received. Be strong in Christ’s grace and pass the pattern on to others who will pass the pattern on to others.

Exposition

2 Tim 2:1… This means you don’t rely on your own strength but draw strength daily from the undeserved favor and empowering presence of Christ. How do we do that?

Admit your weakness. “Lord, I can’t do this without You. I need Your grace today.”

Draw near to Jesus daily. Grace is “in Christ Jesus.” Make space for Him.

Obey by grace—not for grace. We don’t work for God’s approval—we work from God’s approval.

Surround yourself with grace-people. Grace grows when it’s shared (see v. 2).

2 Tim 2:2… Pass the pattern on to others who will pass the pattern on to others who will pass the pattern on to others who will pass…

Application: Receive grace and pass it on. Stop trying to do ministry or parenting or leadership or marriage in your own strength. Ask God for grace. And share what He gives. Who are you training to follow Jesus?

Grit — Stay committed when it’s hard. When life gets tough, get tougher and give your all to Jesus.

Exposition (2 Tim 2:3-7): Grit, determination, focus, commitment, diligence, discipline, perseverance, hard work… Reflect (v. 7): “God, show me where I need more grit and give me the grace to have it.”

Illustration: I’m not going to promise you that becoming a Christian means a life of never-ending adventures and excitement. Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it’s boring. There are mountaintop experiences with God, but you get to the mountaintop by climbing… Our hike in the mountains of Tennessee…

Application: Don’t quit. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe ministry feels thankless, parenting feels exhausting, your marriage is in a dry season, your job feels like a dead end, or you’re just waiting on God. Maybe God hasn’t answered your prayers (for kids, to find someone to marry, for a different job). Stay the course.

Gospel — Remember Jesus and keep going, for your sake and theirs. Don’t forget the good news of Christ’s grace for you and others.

Exposition

2 Tim 2:8… Jesus is God’s Anointed Savior, Resurrected Son, and Promised King.

2 Tim 2:9-10…

2 Tim 2:11-13…

For v. 12b, see also Matt 10:32-33.

Disown = conscious, wilful rejection of Jesus (like the religious leaders) vs. Faithless = a moment of doubt or failure (like Peter)

For v. 13… There’s an unexpected twist, and therein lies the beauty of the gospel: God’s love for you does not depend on your faithfulness but on His.

When we fail (and we will), we can run from God or we can run to God.

Illustration: Lucy showed me how she got out of the fence…

Application: Fix your eyes on Jesus—He is faithful. He rose from the dead. He is the fulfillment of God’s promises. He is always faithful, even when we struggle. Remember Him. Trust Him.

Conclusion

Following the pattern and living for Jesus requires grace, grit, and gospel. Whatever God has called you to—whether it’s discipling your kids, leading a Growth Group, loving your wife, caring for a friend, or enduring a season of struggle—be strong in grace, endure with grit, and remember the gospel.