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Daily Devotions

2 Timothy

2 Timothy 
Day 
Day 19

"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus..."

Text: 2 Timothy 2:1

STRENGTH FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY

The apostle Paul had devoted his whole life to serving the Lord Jesus Christ. If there was one thing that he learned to appreciate in his ministry it would be “strength”. It is one thing to begin with a great deal of enthusiasm in ministry. It is another thing to be able to sustain that same zeal for life. Obviously, strength would have to be found.

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:1

1. “You therefore, my son”

a) There is no mistaking the deep sense of affection in these words.
b) This was a word that a loving father would say to his dearly beloved child.
c) Paul took his relationship with Timothy as his spiritual son very seriously.
d) His word of advice reveals the following things-
i) He knew that Timothy could do with more strength.
ii) He wanted to give a further word of exhortation to find that strength.
iii) This focus on strength would go a long way to encourage Timothy.

 

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

a) Where may that strength be found?
b) It may be found in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
c) The focus on the word “grace” must be given due consideration.
i) The word “grace” is a reminder that it is “undeserved favour”.
ii) There must be great humility in looking for that strength from the Lord.
iii) The apostle Paul had to learn how this grace may be obtained in his personal life.

 

MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU

There was a time when Paul suffered “a thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). The afflicted servant of the Lord sought a solution for this problem in prayer. Humbly he asked that this thorn in the flesh be taken away. God’s classic reply was,

“My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

1. In humility Paul submitted himself to the Lord’s will.

2. He went on to embrace this great paradoxical truth.

a) The grace of God is truly sufficient.
b) That grace would provide all the strength one needs in life and ministry.