2 Timothy 2:1-4
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”
2 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV
I am in awe of the reality that Timothy’s obedience in entrusting to others means I am sitting at my computer able to write these devotionals about faith in Christ because His grace reached me through reliable people. There are many challenges for the Christian to patiently endure, in the midst of trials and tribulation. Believers are exhorted to be diligent in the faith and strive to be approved unto God, a worker that does not need to be ashamed before Him. Therefore, my child," is Paul’s compelling command to Timothy and us, "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord." Be empowered, in the sufficient grace and strength that is our birth-right in Christ, is Paul's pressing directive. This is not a strength that is manufactured by one's own effort or developed through one's cognitive abilities or physical adeptness. The courage and strength that Timothy, and every child of God, is exhorted to draw upon, is the divine strength that comes from God alone as a gift of His grace. God has promised to supply sufficient strength for the tasks we are to undertake, not because of anything that we have done to deserve it, but through the unmerited and unconditional grace that has become our portion in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Also soldiering is a part of who Christians are, we are in a war and we need to be tough. The Roman soldiers of Paul’s day were the toughest, most disciplined, and most resourceful soldiers in the world. They marched 20 miles a day with 50 pounds of gear. When not in battle, they practiced for battle. Roman soldiers were multi-talented, they threw javelins, used short swords in battle, but most could also swim across rivers and moats to get to an enemy, climb walls, shoot arrows, ride horses and operate Roman war machines. They maintained the peace by enforcing Roman law. Soldiers were everywhere in the empire. A good soldier doesn’t quit because he faces a difficult task or a dangerous situation. He knows his life is expendable and he must be prepared to lay it down when required. This is part of what Paul is calling Timothy and us to stay in the battle regardless of the difficulty. God, in His Word, calls us here to become more soldierly. Young Christian you need more to be soldierly with, “Yes sir, Lord”—not, “Whatever,” or “I’ll get to it.” Married Christians need to develop more soldierly discipline raising kids and managing money. Those in their forties need to reject life choices which are distracting them from soldiering for Christ. Older saints need to embrace the assignment of investing in the lower ranks and not merely looking for their next weekend pass or hanging out at the commissary. Single Christians need to embrace the opportunity of making a big impact for their commander during this undistracted season of life. Why? An effective soldier willingly disentangles his life in order to please his captain. May we all be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and empowered to help and encourage others whom God has placed in our lives and may we all grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus, for His greater glory and eternal praise!!!
Father thank You for this day and for the wise instructions we are taught in Your Word. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow like a mighty river upon my friend and family today. Lord thank You for the spiritual strength and courage that we have received, through the grace that is mine in You. Lord thank You that we have been empowered to carry out the good work that You have prepared for us to do, and we pray that You would use us to help and encourage others, by the grace that is ours in You. Lord use my friend to be a bold witness of Your mercy and grace to all today. Daddy we love you amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
コメント