Working for Jesus
14 May 2009
In 2 Timothy 2:1-7 Paul writes, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.”
Paul has given Timothy and us clear instructions as to our behavior as we serve Jesus. He tells not only what to do but also how to be as we do it. The first thing Paul tells us is to be strong. He doesn’t say be weak or be fearful but rather to be strong. This strength comes from the inside not the outside. It comes from Jesus. The Amplified version says, “So you my son be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus.” How awesome is it that we have a spiritual blessing of strength from Jesus!!