There are several distinguishing qualities that should characterize the life of every Godly man or woman. 2 Timothy chapter two will identify some of those qualities for anyone who is seeking to fulfill God’s purpose for his or her life. To do so, this chapter will offer seven different analogies that serve to illustrate the various characteristics of a God-honoring life. Those analogies include…
- A son (verse one).
- A soldier (verses three to four).
- An athlete (verse five).
- A farmer (verse six).
- A worker (verse fifteen).
- A vessel (verse twenty-one).
- A servant (verse twenty-four)
Verse one opens with the first of these comparisons…
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).
This passage offers a good opportunity to revisit an important insight from earlier in chapter one. That “something” concerns the word “therefore.” You may recall that the Biblical use of the word “therefore” signals a transition from an earlier teaching or idea to an action or behavior that builds upon that foundation. Therefore, this word should alert us to pay close attention whenever we encounter it within the Scriptures.
So what has Paul the Apostle already established within the letter of 2 Timothy? Well, Paul has laid the foundation for this passage with three important elements…
- God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
- God has saved us and called us to a holy life (2 Timothy 1:9).
- We know the One we believe in and we are convinced that he is able to guard what we have entrusted to him (see 2 Timothy 1:12).
In light of these things, Paul says, “…my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Much like a son who imitates a Godly parent, these elements should reflect the grace we have received in Christ Jesus. God’s grace (or His “unmerited favor”) provides us with the strength and ability to accomplish the things He has called us to do…
“Just how did Paul imagine the grace that is in Christ Jesus would be a source of strength for Timothy? In Christ Jesus is the favor and approval of God, An awareness that we are ‘in Christ Jesus,’ and thus in the favor of God, would be a great source of strength to our sometimes fainting heart. Timothy is to receive strength from his keen consciousness of being ‘in Christ Jesus.'” (1)
(1) Don De Welt, Paul’s Letters to Timothy and Titus, [Comment on 2 Timothy 2:1] College Press, Joplin, Missouri Copyright 1961