Young People's Group

“Be Strong in the Grace That Is in Christ Jesus”

by Mitchell Tan
July 14, 2017

FACING DIFFERENT CHALLENGES OF LIFE AND MINISTRY

In life and ministry, there will always be challenges. We all need to learn to be strong enough to face them. This was something that the Apostle Paul taught Timothy to have. Timothy had to overcome a spirit of timidity and fear (2 Timothy 1:7) to face the challenges ahead for him.

1. THERE WAS THE PATH OF SUFFERING (2 Timothy 1:12)

Paul had challenged him to not be ashamed of suffering for the Lord.

2. THERE WAS THE TRAINING OF A NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS (2 Timothy 2:2)

This was the task that was given to Timothy to do. Training leaders was not an easy thing.

THE CHALLENGE TO BE STRONG IN HIS GRACE

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

What is grace? To put it simply, grace is the unmerited favour from the Lord that is given in salvation, in life and ministry.

1. THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL IN BEING STRONG

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me”
1 Timothy 1:12

When we think of what it means to be strong in the Lord’s grace, we remember Paul’s example of how He had enabled him in the ministry. There were many challenges that he had to go through and yet the Lord made him strong enough to do all that he needed to do.

2. THE LORD’S PART

Grace is found in the sphere of the Lord Jesus. He is the source of grace.

a. There is exceedingly abundant grace in salvation (1 Timothy 1:14).

b. Great grace is also available to face the demands and tribulations of life and ministry. (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The grace of the Lord would be more than sufficient to help us cope and serve. We should and we can be strong.

3. OUR PART

Our part is not to trust in our own strength but in the Lord’s grace. There should be this deep sense of urgency in seeking His grace and strength. Let’s be strong in the face of all of life’s challenges.

APPLICATION OF THE GRACE OF THE LORD IN OUR LIFE

When we apply the grace of God in our life, it would result in a strong mindset.

1. The mindset of a strong teacher (2 Timothy 2:2).

2. The mindset of a strong Christian soldier (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

3. The mindset of a strong athlete (2 Timothy 2:5).

4. The mindset of a strong farmer (2 Timothy 2:6).

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