STRONG IN THE GRACE OF JESUS RESULTS IN FAITHFULNESS
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. —II Timothy 2:1-7
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” —II Timothy 2:19
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. —II Timothy 2:20-21
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” —Psalm 92:12-14
Paul told Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” He was to truly understand God’s favor upon His life and strongly utilize that favor in Christ Jesus, Paul said, to share “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.” As Timothy was doing so, we are to be faithful as a soldier to his Commander, holding onto the Word of God as he runs and be a hard worker, expecting a harvest.
Followers/disciples of Jesus understand that “God’s solid foundation stands firm” and that He “knows those who are his.” This is the responsibility of all that are His— “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” Those who confess Him cleanse themselves from wickedness and “will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” And truly, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
Dear Father, may I be strong in the grace that is in Jesus my Lord and faithful to Your call to entrust Your Word with “reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Yes, and may I turn away from wickedness and be “prepared to do any good work” You have for me. May this be so now and may I “still bear fruit in old age” as I keep proclaiming that “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” Yes, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus and all for Your honor and glory. So be it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwGnEwFxwH8&list=RDQwGnEwFxwH8&start_radio=1