Introduction:
In 2Timothy the Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy his son in the faith. Paul is coming to the end of his “race” and is writing to exhort and encourage Timothy to continue and advance in his ministry. To continue on in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ even after Pauls death. But I would say to you today, that every believer has this responsibility.
Paul gives Timothy some principles to follow and put into practice in his life that he might be a Strong Christian. Let us examine some of them in this passage of the scripture.
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (vs. 1)
a. It is “our” responsibility
i. It is a reflective imperative statement “You…be strong”
• No one else can do it for us
• Not even God can do it for us
• It is our responsibility we can not depend on or expect anyone else to assume it for us – it is ours and..
ii. Our fountain of strength is to be found in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus
• We can not do what the gospel demands of us in our own strength
• The work of God always was, is and will be a supernatural work
• As such it requires a supernatural source
• That source is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, he who is risen from the dead
• Everything that we effect or accomplish for God is done so by His grace. God has established it to be so…
• In this way all the glory goes to Him
• The moment that we begin to think that we have done something for God, that it was because of our ‘discipline’ or our ‘ability’ we are in big trouble, because “God will not share his glory with another!”
iii. But if we would strengthen ourselves in His grace then there are some priniciples that we need to know.
I. We Must Live Separated Lives (vs 3-10)
3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
1. We can not find or receive the strength until there has been a decision, a choice, a determination to abandon and distance ourselves from sin.
a. You don’t brush your teeth with sugar
b. You grow muscles with chocolate
c. You can’t loose weight sitting on the couch
2. Note – It is not easy
3. Vs 3 - 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
a. We must be willing to accept suffering
b. We must accept it like a good soldier. A soldier:
c. Does not pertain to himself
i. He must ready himself to suffer anything -
ii. Freezing rain, blistering heat of the Sun, ice of winter, dust, must
iii. To move as a company or alone when ordered
iv. Every believer must be ready and accept to suffer – It is not for the faint of heart
4. We Must Live Unentangled Lives
a. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
b. Do you remember Uriah – husband to Bathshebah
c. He wouldn’t go to his home but rather slept at the door of the King with all the other servantsWhen David questioned him why he said, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in temporary shelters, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? By your life and the life of your soul, I will not do this thing."
5. There are No Exceptions
a. 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.
b. God does not make exceptions.
c. The rules of the race are the same for everybody and the spiritual laws do not change either
d. There are those who say, Yes the Word of God says that but….
e. That “but” means we expect God will make an exception to “His” rule (the Word of God)
f. God makes no exceptions
II. We Must Study the Scriptures (vs 15)
a. As gasoline is to the automobile, as electricity is to the light bulb, as food is to the body, so the Bible, the Word of God is to the Spiritual man.
b. The Word of God Strengthens Us
i. In Eliminating Things (16,23)
1. “16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness”
a. Ungodly, idle gossip and talk
2. “23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.”
ii. In Our Assurance (vs. 19)
1. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."
iii. In Our Choices (vs.20, 22)
1. 20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
2. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
In Our Speech (vs. 23)
3. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
III. We Must Serve God With The Grace of Christ
a. Our service can never be accomplished in our own strength, other wise the work of God will always be limited full of our limitations and carnal weaknesses
b. But when we are strengthened in His Grace, our service will demonstrate:
i. Patience
1. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged
ii. Gentleness / Meekness
1. 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
iii. Redemption
1. 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
