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Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Be Strong in the Grace that is in Christ

 

Intro.

1.  2 Timothy is Paul's emotional farewell to a man he dearly loved (as a son), 1:1-5; 2:1.
2.  In early part of epistle, he urges Timothy to be strengthened:
  a.  To preach truth and suffer for it,
1:7-8.
  b.  To guard (keep) the faith entrusted to him,
1:14 (1 Tim. 6:20).
  c.  In grace,
2:1 (4:22). 
3.  We need strength to live in the grace of Christ; to be true to the faith we profess. [cf. "Grow in grace...",
2 Pet. 3:18]

 

I.  BE STRENGTHENED IN GRACE BY TEACHING THE GOSPEL TO OTHERS, 2 Tim. 2:2.
  A.  The Things You have Heard.
    1.  From me,
1:13; 1 Tim. 6:3; cf. 2 Tim. 4:2. 2 Ths. 2:15
    2.  Among many witnesses: Assurance of validity of gospel.
    3.  Must be sure we are passing along valid teaching (
2:15).
  B.  Commit To Faithful Men.
    1.  Commit: "To put near, to entrust, to place with someone"; Deposit for safe keeping.
    2.  Faithful men: Trustworthy, reliable, cf.
1 Tim. 1:12.
  C.  Equip them to be Able to Teach Others.
    1.  Here is where grace is strengthened: When we persevere in doing the task we are given.
    2.  Three illustrations help strengthen us in God's grace,
2:3-6 (2 Pet. 3:18). "Traits of the faithful man"...

 

II.  HOW TO BE STRENGTHENED IN THE GRACE OF CHRIST, 2:3-6.
  A.  Serve as a Soldier,
2:3-4.
    1.  Suffer (endure) hardship (
1:8; 4:5).
      a.  Opportunity for our faith in the Lord to grow.

      b.  Reasons to endure hardships, 2:8-12: Jesus (8-9), Brethren (10), Reward (12).
    2.  No entanglement with the world,
2 Cor. 6:14-18.
      a.  Priorities: Kingdom and righteousness,
Matt. 6:33.
      b.  All else less important,
Lk. 14:15-24.

    3.  Active duty (armed and ready), Eph. 6:10-13.

       -Deut. 20:1-8: Wanted none preoccupied, too busy or afraid (Harm to self and other soldiers.).
  B.  Compete as an Athlete,
2:5.
    1.  Commitment to the crown,
4:7-8; 1 Cor. 9:24-25.
      a.  Intensity, tenacity, etc.
      b.  In our case, heaven,
1 Pet. 1:3-4.
    2.  Discipline,
1 Cor. 9:25-27 (self-control).
      a.  Put away faults, hindrances, bad habits, etc.
      b.  Practice, practice, practice,
2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; Heb. 5:14.
    3.  Obey the rules,
2:5.
      a.  Commitment and discipline without obeying rules disqualifies.
      b.  Must obey God first and always,
Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9.
  C.  Work like a Farmer,
2:6.
    1.  Hard work.
      a.  Being first to partake is reward of labor....And a reminder that without hard work, he will be the first to go hungry.
      b.  Reap what we sow, and in proportion to the amount we sow, 
Gal. 6:7-8; 2 Cor. 9:6.
    2.  Patience,
Gal. 6:9; Jas. 5:7-11. ("Wait on the Lord")
      a.  Must work now, wait for harvest.
      b.  Live in faith, hope and trust - God promises reward,
Heb. 6:9-12.
      c.  cf. Teaching,
2 Tim. 2:2; 4:2 - Takes time.
      d.  One sows...waters... reaps; Rewarded for one's own labor,
1 Cor. 3:6-9.

 

Conclusion
1.  We each need to be strengthened in the grace of Christ.
2.  Consider these things and gain understanding,
2 Tim. 2:7.
3.  Serve - Compete - Work; You will be strengthened in the grace of Christ and rewarded through it.

 

 

 

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: October 3, 2015