In 2 Timothy 2.1 the Apostle Paul said to Timothy, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” The small phrase, “Thou therefore” is referring back to chapter one. There he used Onesiphorus as an example, comparing him against Phygellus and Hermongenes. Therefore you do like Onesiphorus, and not like Phygellus and Hermongenes. Onesiphorus sought Paul out, wasn’t ashamed of his captivity, and ministered to him greatly. On the other hand, Phygellus and Hermongenes both turned away from Paul because of what was being said in the Asian churches. Paul’s focus then shifts to Timothy and tells him… ‘You be strong unlike Phygellus and Hermongenes.’
“Be strong…” (2.1) is a word meaning: “to be endued or filled with power.” It is also used for “boldness” in the New Testament. Their spiritual weakness caused desertion, and Onesiphorus’ spiritual strength caused courageous action. The key is the rest of that phrase in 2.1— “…in the grace of Christ Jesus.” People still don’t get how big of a scope grace covers. The word grace, as you probably know by now, is charis (khar’-ece). It means unmerited favor. It means you get what you don’t deserve and can’t possibly earn. You are getting the “favor” of God. Which means literally that He (God) “leans towards” you. He is choosing to lean toward you in one way or another. The world loses their mind here. They think they’re something special and God should choose to favor them. They think that somehow they’ve merited His divine favor. That wouldn’t be grace then would it? Want to be a disciple and do as Christ? Then you lean toward and favor others. Even though they don’t deserve it and it’s in spite of them.
The Apostle was telling Timothy to be strong alright, but be strong in Jesus’ grace and not in his own power or might. He needed to depend on Jesus leaning His direction, or else he may scoot like Phygellus and Hermongenes did.
In Ephesians 2.7-9 we read, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Grace is God leaning so much so that we are overwhelmed with this favor that we see ourselves as incapable of only what He is capable of. We see that we couldn’t merit it. He has to lean in our direction and give it. Grace is essential to salvation. Without it we cannot be saved and remained lost in our sin. This opens up room for a question—How much grace does God have? The answer is infinite. He gives grace enough for everyone to be saved. This is why it is so egregious for someone to not choose Him after they’ve heard. He has done it all for you. And…sent someone to tell you about it. What more can He do? Well, He then sends His Spirit to convict and guide you to the appropriate answer. If someone doesn’t choose this grace act, then their sin is on them indeed.
Before you say, “it’s not fair”, I want to be the first to tell you that you are absolutely correct. If it was fair, then we would be in very bad shape. Fair in this situation does not stack up in our favor. If you totaled all the sin you have ever committed against a holy God, with all the times you ignored His presence, His word and His things, how much would that relational debt total? He is not being fair, because fair would mean everlasting punishment. You see, grace from Christ is how we were saved; and it’s how we stand. This is explicitly taught in: Acts 13.43; Romans 3.24, 5.2, 15.15; 1 Corinthians 15.10; 2 Corinthians 1.12; and Ephesians 1.7. It’s also how we give: 2 Corinthians 8.6-7. to to mention it’s exceeding: 2 Corinthians 9.14. Let’s concentrate on two of those in this list that both parallel in direct meaning to our text in 2 Timothy 2: Ephesians 6.10— “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” 2 Corinthians 12.9— “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Being strong in the power of His might and not ours is essential. This is the inward Spirit of God, which enables us to do according to what God has commanded. This is what Paul was telling Timothy. Do you want to fall by the wayside? Do you want to flay around like a fish in this spiritual life? Do you want to get on fire, then cold, then on fire again, only to result in more cold? Or do you want to be the courageous follower you know you want to be? Then stop depending on your own strength! Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus!
Any and every good thing, and eternal thing, that will ever happen, is because of His grace and not us. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength, which is an out-show of our pride. Learn to rely on the grace which only Christ can give. This literally means: invested with power. You have the infinite supply of His grace and power in you and for you if you’re saved. But it doesn’t come without concentration and obeying. Thus you must be strong. I’ve found that people that resist His grace don’t necessarily think they are actually resisting. They think they’re doing the right thing. They think they’re being strong and ‘doing all the things’. Sadly their life never really sees any heavenly impact. They do not see faith-based, earth moving actions come from their life. Many desire fruit, but never seem to see it (John 15). It is very simple…Receive it. That’s how one is strong in His grace. You break your pride and ask for it. He will lean toward you and then you will see. It wasn’t all the things you do, or say, or pay for. Not necessarily at least. It is DEPENDENCE. To receive means you say “I can’t”. That’s when the real strength shows up.