2 Timothy 2:1-19
Thursday, 25 May 2023
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ.” -2 Timothy 2: 1
In his letter to Timothy, Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and continue to boldly preach the gospel and be prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Paul was going through much suffering for his stand for Christ, yet he endured it all and encouraged this young disciple to follow his model. Paul tells him to be diligent to present himself approved to God (V.15).
Paul teaches us to be prepared to endure hardships in Christian life so we might bring many to salvation in Christ Jesus and compares Christian life to the life of a soldier, an athlete and a farmer.
· A soldier at war serves in an army, has a single goal in mind and clearly knows who his enemy is. In his fight against the enemy, the solider needs to be focused all the time. He cannot allow anything to distract, disturb or stop him in his attack against the enemy. His attire is important. He needs to be well prepared to face the enemy. Christian life is similar. We are in warfare. Our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. It is important to put on the full armour of God to be able to fight against the evil forces. (Ephesians 6:11,12)
· An athlete who wants to run in a race and win it must first work hard. He must undergo strenuous training in order to be strong and fit for the race. He must obey certain rules and discipline himself. Christian life is like a race. We need to train hard. We need to learn and obey the instructions given in the Word of God. We should be ready to be disciplined in our walk with the Lord. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12: 1-2)
· A good farmer works hard. He prepares the ground, ploughing it and making it fertile soil for him to sow the seeds. He has the seed ready to be sown at the right time. Once sown, he waters it and makes it a routine to clear the weeds. There is a waiting time, where he waits patiently for the plants to grow and ensures that they are healthy. Then the harvest comes when he gathers the crops. So is it in Christian life. We are the farmers chosen by God through His Son Jesus Christ to sow the seeds of the gospel to the perishing world around us, bringing them to the saving knowledge of Christ. We are the workers called to reap a rich harvest Jesus said “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37,38)
Paul emphasizes on the great need for endurance and perseverance for every Christian. We need to persevere in His work; be it small or big, remaining faithful to the Lord till the very end of our lives and through it all bring many to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.
PRAYER: Loving Heavenly Father, we pray that we will be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, that we will run the race, fight the good fight, and remain faithful to You, O Lord, till the end. Help us Lord, to finish our race and bring glory and honour to Your holy name. Amen.
Listen: 'Yet not I but through Christ in me'