DAY 2: 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-6
OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-2.
“Be strong!” — preceding this imperative, Paul commanded Timothy to remain true to sound teaching, guarding what had been entrusted to him (1:13-14). Paul then shared about two former comrades who deserted him and one faithful brother, Onesiphorus, who remained loyal. Paul says, “therefore… be strong”, that is, be like their brother Onesiphorus – be strong and show loyalty by passing on to other faithful ones what had been entrusted to him.
The command here is to “be strong” and it means literally “to be strengthened in” (from the Grk. en – in, and dunamoo – to strengthen). The form of the command indicates this is to be an ongoing, moment by moment, day after day strengthening. What is it that he was to be strengthened in? It was “the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” So, while God’s grace brings salvation, it also provides the strength that enables one to live a life in Christ.
All of this begs the question: how is one strengthened by this grace? There are many ways people seek to be strengthened. They may seek it in books and the knowledge of men. They may seek to be strengthened through exercise or recreation. They may seek to be strengthened through relationships. These are all good things, but to be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ, that is something supernatural. Grace by definition is something God gives to us undeservedly. We do not earn it. We do not merit it. We do not deserve it. God simply gives us strength as we come to Him and rely on Him for the strength of daily living. This strength, then, is something we seek from God who is the fountain of grace.
To consider: Remaining loyal to the faith (as Onesiphorus) and to one’s calling (as Timothy) requires daily strength that can only come from God. How do you personally gain strength from God? Do you find it in prayer? Do find it in His word? Are you encouraged by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ daily (cf. Heb. 3:13)? How can you better fulfill Paul’s command to “be strong!”?
