Young People's Group

The Challenge to Be a Strong Christian

by Mitchell Tan
July 21, 2017

APPLICATION OF GRACE TO OUR LIFE

Grace is key to finding strength in life and ministry. This was something that Paul challenged Timothy to have as he sought to serve as a servant of God.

“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:1

The source of grace is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. As we learn to humble ourselves before Him and to exercise faith in Him, we can learn to be strong. The Lord would grant us His grace. Our challenge is to know how to apply this grace to life and in all that we do as students and as Christians.

HAVING A STRONG SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO PASS ON THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2

The apostle Paul was concerned about passing on the truth of God’s word to the next generation. Paul challenged Timothy to have a strong sense of commitment to learn well the lessons he had heard from him and to entrust them to others who were faithful to God. They in turn would be able to share with others these truths. Young people, let’s seek to be committed to passing on the truth of God’s word to others.

HAVING A MINDSET OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN SOLDIER

“You therefore, my son, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
2 Timothy 2:3-4

1. GOING THROUGH SUFFERING TOGETHER

Paul had earlier challenged Timothy to share with him in suffering for the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8). He was now urging Timothy to endure hardship together with him as a good soldier. He must seek to learn to bear and to cope with all the difficulties of ministry. His mindset was now one of being a strong soldier who would endure anything together with Paul.

2. FOCUS ON BEING A GOOD SOLDIER

A good soldier of the Lord Jesus must also not be entwined with the affairs of this life. Timothy must no longer have a “civilian” Christian mindset. He had to engage a soldier warfare mindset. He had to focus on waging a good warfare against the forces of darkness. He must not be caught up with “civilian” life anymore.

3. PURPOSE IN PLEASING OUR COMMANDING OFFICER

A. BEING CONSCIOUS OF OUR COMMANDING OFFICER, JESUS CHRIST

Timothy was now a soldier of the Lord’s army. The Lord Jesus was his Commanding Officer. He was to take orders from Him and to submit to him with a deep sense of duty.

B. PLEASING OUR COMMANDING OFFICER ABOVE SELF

Timothy’s purpose was to please the Lord Jesus in all that he sought to do. He was to honour Him above self. Young people, let’s also seek to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ by obeying Him and pleasing Him.

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