Exhortation to Timothy to be Strong
2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.


The apostle founds upon the foregoing examples and warnings an admonition to Christian firmness and courage.

I. THE NEED OF SPIRITUAL STRENGTH. "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

1. Strength was necessary to meet the difficulties and dangers of his official life at Ephesus.

2. The admonition was probably needed on account of the discouragements which Timothy himself must have felt at the conduct of the Asiatic deserters.

3. Strength is the spring of happy activity in any sphere. "The joy of the Lord shall be your strength."

II. THE SOURCE OF THIS SPIRITUAL STRENGTH. "The grace that is in Christ Jesus." It seems strange to say, "Be strong," to a spiritually discouraged man, as it would be strange to say the same thing to a physically weak man. The injunction is reasonable, however, when we consider that the source of our renewed power is at hand. The grace of Christ is the inward power which enables us "to will and to do of his good pleasure." "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10). Here lies the true source of our strength. The apostle declared he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. - T.C.



Parallel Verses
KJV: Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

WEB: You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.




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