2 Timothy Chapter 2
I have found that when I am tired of serving God or strengthless in enduring a trial, when someone says something along the lines of, Be strong! I might look at the seemingly impossible mountain before me and wonder, But how?
In this chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul wrote many pieces of advice for Timothy. Paul hoped to mentor his successor in this ministry. But Paul’s teachings are neither easy to swallow nor live out. As believers who seek to align ourselves to God’s heart and be with Him forever, these teachings apply to us. They include reminders to
- Endure hardship, as a soldier does (v5)
- Follow an unnegotiable set of rules (v6)
- Be hardworking and diligent in presenting yourself approved and pleasing to God (v6, 15)
- Rightly divide the truth (and first study the truth very closely) (v15)
- Depart from iniquity (v19)
- Sanctify yourself and flee youthful lusts (v21-22)
- Teach others with gentleness and patience (v2, 14, 24)
- Be careful, wise and humble in speaking to others (v23-25)
It’s a long list, and it isn’t easy. What was Paul’s secret in doing what was challenging?
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
Paul was strong, but not of himself. He was strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. God does not expect us to gain strength from our own troubled hearts. He wants us to be strong in Him and His grace.
On our Christian journey, and especially amid tests and tribulations, our feet may slip into some sin and faithlessness. We might find ourselves ensnared in iniquity, grappling with God’s rules, or simply impatient with those we teach. With this pandemic, I am learning to endure hardship.
It has been very difficult. Some days, I am weak, doubtful and burdened. There are many uncertainties and challenges of being thrown into deeper, stormier waters.
I am reminded that this is my battlefield. As I endure this, I have learnt of areas for improvement in my faith. I have to sanctify myself of doubts and faithlessness. Refinement is not pain-free. Yet the call to be strong in God’s grace comforts me. Christ Jesus has never stopped walking with me in joy or sorrow. Even after His many blessings, He continues to offer me more grace.
I remind myself: His grace is written in the story of the cross. His grace is the way God gives me peace in prayer and stops my tears. His grace is the way a Bible verse I need to hear jumps out at me when I open the Bible at random. His grace is the thoughts of me on His mind, abundantly (Ps 139:17-18). His grace is being able to wake up this morning.
Some days, when we look at the storm, we still fear. Yet in our faithlessness, God remains faithful. How many times has God strengthened us previously when we felt that we have no strength? How has His Spirit and His word gently soothed us or energized us as we sought to cling on to God?
Let these words ever be on our mind: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” We will be strong in God’s grace.