Strong Grace

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2 Timothy 2:1-3

2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Paul continues to encourage Timothy in his calling to be the pastor of the church at Ephesus.  He says something which at first might seem unusual.  He says, "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Twenty five times Paul encouraged Timothy to "be strong", and this time it was strength in the grace given through Jesus.  

God is always there to give us strength but Guzik says, "God makes the resource of His strength available to us. Yet it does not come as we sit back passively and suppose that God will simply pour it into us. He brings His strength to us as we seek Him and rely on Him instead of our own strength."

Paul says to be strong in God's grace in Jesus.  We don't have to be worried about our relationship with God in the sense that our sins are forgiven and we are a "child of God marked by the cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit."  

Paul knew what it was like to rely on God's grace when he said, 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Where do you need strength found in the grace of God in Christ Jesus.  It is grace that led you to Christ Jesus and grace will lead you home.  Don't try to do it on your own. You can't. But there a power in Christ that is much greater than YOU and it is root in grace!  God's grace in Christ not only has power to rescue from sin but is sufficient for you in any and every situation.  
 



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