Download Strengthened By Grace (Part 1)| May 2015

BE STRENGTHED BY GRACE
2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV)
Transparent Tuesday - 5/12/15
Marlinda Ireland
1 The Background of Timothy’s Story:
- Paul, Timothy’s mentor, is in prison and anticipates his death—soon. (2 Timothy 4.6-8)
- Persecution of the church may spread to Asia where Timothy is pastoring.
- Timothy will be taking on more leadership.
- Timothy is prone to discouragement and fear.
- Timothy needs to change because a lot is at stake.
- Paul is preparing Timothy for what is coming—preparing him for a transition.
In chapter 1, Paul describes the kind of life Timothy's new job demanded of him and it s a pretty
challenging picture. But what you need to know is that Timothy’s “selfie” shows
him that he’s fearful. His fears make him unclear about his focus and whom he’s ultimately working
for in life. His fears make him someone who cannot follow the rules of the game. His fears tell him
that the transition ahead is too hard and there may be little joy in the journey. He has told Timothy
what to do, now he will share how to emotionally do it.
2 Timothy 2:1-7
1
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. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets
entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone
who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to
the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
7
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
1.0
What is Grace?
1.1
There are at least 3 kinds of biblical grace:
A. Salvific grace (Eph. 2:8-9)
B. Grace for service
C. Grace for suffering
1 2.0
2 1.2
Here, “grace” is “charis” or divine gifting with divine empowerment. It’s referring to
grace for serving and suffering. One way to think about God’s grace for serving and
suffering is to see it as WD-40. Or, grace is like the Staples “easy button.”
1.3
Grace is God’s also kindness. This letter to Timothy is dripping with God’s kindness.
Be Encouraged!
A. Though Timothy is the heir apparent, and he’s lacking in strength, Paul is not
mad, he’s not disappointed. Paul sends him a message of encouragement.
B. He’s wants Timothy to be encouraged in his calling: 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. So, Timothy’s task was to preach the
gospel and to teach the truth in the church at Ephesus.” My task in this season
is____________________________________________________________!
C. Paul understands that leaders and followers need to be strengthened by grace.
He uses three pictures or metaphors to help us grasp the concept and apply it to
everyday life:
2.2
•
Think of yourself as a SOLDIER—a “God-Pleasing” soldier!
•
Think of yourself as an ATHLETE—a “Rule-Following” athlete!
•
Think of yourself as a FARMER—a “Hard-Working” farmer!
Though God’s kindness is inexhaustible and unfathomable, it is also principled.
So, Paul Says This to Timothy with all the compassion of a Father… there are principles to living in
God’s strong grace. 1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus—and here’s
how…
3.0
Think of Yourself as a God-Pleasing Soldier! “3Join with me in suffering, like a good
soldier of Christ Jesus.”4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but
rather tries to please his commanding officer.”
3.1
So, good soldiers draw on the grace for service and suffering.
3.2
And so when Paul invites Timothy to JOIN with him in suffering for the gospel, what
he’s showing us is this: All serving comes with suffering. But grace comes when we
see ourselves through a military paradigm.
He’s telling him that soldiers suffer and do it well! That God’s grace enables you to suffer
discomfort, fear, pain, rejection, frustration even death during the transition. Now remember who
Paul is talking to: fearful, timid Timothy.
3.3
Paul put it this way in vs. 4 “A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals
at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders.”
2 BE STRENGTHED BY GRACE
2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV)
Transparent Tuesday - 5/12/15
Marlinda Ireland
3 The grace factor in your life increases when you determine to suffer like a good
soldier because you want to please just “One.”
3.4
He’s not making deals in the trade. He’s doing what he was assigned to do. He’s
doing what he was commanded to do by his commanding officer.
He doesn’t get off track! He keeps his emotions in check in the midst of the
suffering.
From: My Utmost for His Highest: Secret of the Burning Heart
Much of the distress we experience as Christians comes not as the result of sin, but because we
are ignorant of the laws of our own nature. For instance, the only test we should use to determine
whether or not to allow a particular emotion to run its course in our lives is to examine what the
final outcome of that emotion will be. Think it through to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is
something that God would condemn, put a stop to it immediately.
But if it is an emotion that has been kindled by the Spirit of God and you don’t allow it to have its
way in your life, it will cause a reaction on a lower level than God intended. That is the way
unrealistic and overly emotional people are made. And the higher the emotion, the deeper the level
of corruption,
3 4 TAKE HOME TRUTHS:
1. As a God-Pleasing Soldier, make as many of your decisions as possible irrevocable.
Thinking drives feelings. Surviving and thriving in a transition will cost you the luxury of
being double minded. It will cost you the option of being flaky. Second-guessing is like
pouring water on a fire.
2. As a God-Pleasing Soldier, let the consequences be what they will. We cannot stay
forever on the “mount of transfiguration,” basking in the light of our mountaintop experience
(see Mark 9:1-9). Once your in it, make “trust in God” your life boat. Trust God and him
alone for the outcome.
3. As a God-Pleasing Soldier, we must obey the light we received when commissioned;
we must put our commission into action. When God gives us a vision, we must transact
business with Him at that point, no matter what the cost.
“The Christian life is like a war. This is because there are enemies who fight against it. All followers
of Christ must be prepared to suffer for what they believe. But Christians do not fight against
people. The fight is against the forces of evil. A soldier in the fight needs to concentrate on the
task. He must not let anything disturb him or stop him. He must put all of his effort into the fight. His
aim is to please the one for whom he is fighting. Your main purpose in life is to please the *Lord
whom they serve. You live for an audience of one. This truth will make you stronger in grace. You
can suffer and serve like a good soldier.” Unknown
1. Memory Verses: Proverbs 3:5-6 How do these apply to a life in transition?
a. “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”
b.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your
paths straight.”
2. How does this BIG IDEA apply to your life and the transitions you’re facing right
now?
You will not rise above the level of your current circumstances without changing the
way that you think about yourself.
4