2 Timothy 2:1-7 (1)

How can we live faithfully as Christians?  One thing for sure: we will not be faithful if we try to do it in our own strength.  Another thing for sure: we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13).  Or another way to say it: we can be faithful if we are strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  

These two verses are monumental.  That’s the best word I can think of at the moment.  What I mean is: they give us two grand themes as to the nature of ministry and the means to get it done.  Let us consider them in the order in which they come, which is itself instructive.  Before reminding Timothy of what he is to do (v2) Paul commands him with respect to the source of his power, which is the same as the source of his life in Christ Jesus.

Be strong in grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

·        Every word here is critical.  Our service must be carried out by grace.  That means grace is not simply a grand theological term.  It empowers us in service.  As Paul said elsewhere, I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Cor. 15:10).  That statement is quite similar to Gal. 2:20: Nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me.  We are saved by grace when we believe the gospel of God’s grace.  Remember it was grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began (2 Tim. 1:9).  This is the grace that makes us sufficient for every trial (2 Cor. 12:9).  This is the grace that teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age (Titus 2:11-12).  Paul does not tell Timothy he has been saved by grace and now needs more grace to serve Christ.  He tells him to be strong in the grace he already has in Christ Jesus.

·        How do we do that?  That’s a fine question to ask but don’t get confused.  It is not by the sacraments and I say that for those whose churches speak of this.  A sacrament is an action taken by which we receive grace.  But we are not needing to receive more grace; being in Christ Jesus ourselves we need only to strengthen our life in Him.  The answer to the “how” question is that we abide in Christ, what He taught His disciples in John 15 as to the essence of their relationship with Him.  Certainly we can say that people who are strong in grace are people who pray, who spend time in the word, who are joined in fellowship, who walk in obedience and so forth.  But it is not because those things bring us grace; it is because those things are the essence of our relationship with Christ.  In the matter of ministry here are Jesus words: He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15:6-8).