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