- 2 Timothy 2:1
“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
One of the commands given to Timothy by Paul was to be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Paul understood that God’s grace was going to be Timothy’s comfort and anchor throughout his ministry. The same is true for every Christian. If you are going to make it to the end of life serving the LORD, you are going to have to be strong in grace. What does it mean or how do you become strong in grace?
First, it means that you must be a teacher to others. Verse 2 says, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” In other words, you will never be strong in grace if you don’t disciple others to do what someone taught you. It is every Christian’s responsibility to reproduce themselves by teaching others how to become a reproducer. You will never be a strong Christian unless you are actively teaching others how to grow in grace.
Second, it means that you must endure hard times. Paul told Timothy to “endure hardness.” Trials have a way of strengthening your faith. If you quit when times get hard, you will never be able to teach others how to continue when they go through hard times. There are times when you just have to be strong and endure your trials. What you go through may never change, but you are going to have to be strong enough to endure it.
Third, it means to stay focused on faith. Paul warns us not to be entangled “with the affairs of this life.” My friend, be careful that the worldly affairs don’t sidetrack you from what you are supposed to do for the LORD. Your purpose for living ought not to be to make money or to rise in status, but to spread the faith. Too many people become entangled in this life’s affairs when they ought to be solely focused on the faith. Your faith will waver if you don’t stay focused on it.
Fourth, it means to be a student of the Word. Verse 15 commands us to “study” the Word of God. You cannot become strong in grace if you are not continually studying God’s Word. God’s Word is your nourishment and source of strength to help your faith to grow. If you want to be strong in grace, you must daily spend time as a student learning God’s truths from His Word.
Fifth, it means to avoid foolish battles. Verse 16 warns us to “shun profane and vain babblings.” Christian, don’t get yourself involved in trivial arguments. Avoid those who constantly start foolish battles. Certainly, we must contend for the faith, but we don’t need to become contentious for the sake of being controversial. You will never be strong in grace if you continually involve yourself with foolish babbling.
Sixth, it means to keep your vessel pure. Verse 20 challenges the Christian to become a vessel of “honour.” My friend, the best way to be strong in grace is to live a holy life. Don’t let sin become the cancer that eats away at your faith. Keep a short account with the LORD and forsake those things that would bring reproach to your testimony and the name of Christ.
If you are strong in grace, you will find that you will impact many lives for eternity. Make it your daily goal to be that Christian who is strong in grace by adhering to these six guidelines.