Sermons From Second Timothy - Strong In The Grace Of Christ (2:1)

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                    "THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

                  Strong In The Grace Of Christ (2:1)

INTRODUCTION

1. The danger of apostasy is very real, as evident from Paul's second
   epistle to Timothy...
   a. Those in Asia had forsaken Paul, including Phygellus and
      Hermogenes - 2Ti 1:15
   b. Some had strayed from the truth, in particular Hymenaeus and
      Philetus - 2Ti 2:16-18

2. The possibility of apostasy explains Paul's admonitions to Timothy...
   a. Such as those found in the first chapter - cf. 2Ti 1:13-14
   b. Such as that found at the beginning of the second chapter - 2 Ti
      2:1

3. To avoid apostasy ourselves, we too must "be strong in the grace that
   is in Christ Jesus"...
   a. But what grace is there in Christ?
   b. And how can we be strong in this grace?

[These are questions we shall answer in this study.  First, let's
review...]

I. THE GRACE THAT IS IN CHRIST

   A. FREEDOM FROM THE GUILT OF SIN...
      1. In Christ there is no condemnation for sin - Ro 8:1
      2. For we have forgiveness of sins, redemption through His blood
         - Ep 1:7
      -- We are therefore "justified" (declared "not guilty") by His
         grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus! - cf. Ro 3:24

   B. VICTORY OVER THE POWER OF SIN...
      1. Jesus offers to free us from the dominion of sin - Jn 8:31-36
      2. He does this by giving us His Spirit - Jn 7:37-39; cf. Ro 8:2,
         12-13
      -- We are therefore "strengthened" by God through His Spirit inf
         the inner man - cf. Ep 3:16

   C. ABILITY FOR FRUITFUL SERVICE...
      1. Jesus revealed that we cannot bear fruit apart from Him - Jn
         15:4-5
      2. By His grace we are enabled to be a functioning member of His
         body - Ro 12:6
      3. We can have an abundance for every good work - 2Co 9:8
      -- We are therefore "enabled" by God for service as stewards of
         His grace - cf. 1Pe 4:10-11

   D. HOPE FOR A GLORIOUS FUTURE...
      1. Jesus has given us "good hope" by His grace - 2Th 2:16
      2. By His grace we become heirs of eternal life - Tit 3:7
      -- We are therefore "positioned" to be the recipients of even more
         grace to come! - cf. 1Pe 1:13; Ep 2:7

[This review certainly does not exhaust the benefits of His grace, but
hopefully will encourage us to heed Paul's admonition to be strong in
the grace of Christ.  Now for some thoughts on...]

II. BEING STRONG IN HIS GRACE

   A. THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD...
      1. Initially, by obeying the gospel of Christ through:
         a. Faith and confession, through which comes righteousness and
            salvation - Ro 10:9-10
         b. Repentance and baptism, through which comes forgiveness of
            sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit - Ac 2:38
      2. Continually, as the promise of His abiding presence is
         contingent on:
         a. Keeping His Word - Jn 14:21,23
         b. Observing His commandments - Mt 28:20
         c. Avoiding lukewarmness of service - Re 3:15-19
      -- The grace of Christ comes to those who are "doers" of the Word,
         and not "hearers only" - cf. Jm 1:22-25

   B. THROUGH FERVENCY OF PRAYER...
      1. Prayer is the conduit through which we receive wonderful
         blessings in Christ:
         a. Forgiveness of sins when we sin - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:9
         b. Strength from God by His Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:16
         c. Peace that surpasses understanding and overcomes anxiety
            - Php 4:6-7
      2. Thus the many admonitions to be diligent in prayer, such as:
         a. "continue earnestly in prayer" - Col 4:2
         b. "pray without ceasing" - 1Th 5:17
         c. "be serious and watchful in your prayers" - 1Pe 4:7
      -- The grace of Christ comes to those who come boldly to the
         throne of grace - cf. He 4:14-16

   C. THROUGH INTERACTION WITH BRETHREN...
      1. Fellowship with other Christians is very important:
         a. It was a mark of the early church - Ac 2:42
         b. Christians are to be interdependent on one another - 1Co 
            12:12-14,17-22
      2. Thus the admonitions related to encouraging one another:
         a. Through daily exhortation, to avoid unbelief - He 3:12-14
         b. Through frequent assembling, to stir up love and good works
            - He 10:24-25
      -- The grace of Christ comes to those belonging to a body in which
         each part does its share - cf. Ep 4:15-16

CONCLUSION

1. Brethren, wonderful is the grace of Christ!  Yet Christians were
   cautioned...
   a. Not to receive the grace of God in vain - 2Co 6:1-2
   b. To be careful lest anyone fall short of the grace of God - He
      12:15

2. To ensure that we benefit from the riches of grace in Christ, then
   let us be strong in grace...
   a. Through obedience to His Word
   b. Through fervency of prayer
   c. Through interaction with brethren

Are you diligent in your efforts to be strong in the grace of Christ
Jesus...?
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