Be Strong in Grace
Open Your Bible
2 Timothy 2:1-13, Romans 6:1-14, 1 Peter 4:1-5
BY Seana Scott
The television dulled the sound of my sniffles. Everyone from school hung out at the homecoming game, but I sat on the couch, at home. A neighbor shared the gospel with me months before and I decided to follow Jesus Christ. But as I scrolled through sitcoms on homecoming night my sophomore year, I considered calling up my old friends and returning to our old habits.
But just the thought of rebellion made me nauseous. And then I realized something that surprised me. It was better to sit on my couch following Jesus, alone, than hanging out with the wrong friends. I had spent years living in rebellion and now, I wanted to live for Christ.
When Paul told his son in the faith to be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ (2Timothy 2:1), Timothy faced much more suffering than teenage loneliness. He faced persecution, conflicts within the church, and the stressful responsibility of equipping believers. I wonder what his temptations might have looked like when he felt defeated, weary, lonely. Whatever they were, Paul encouraged Timothy to remain strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we forget what it means to live under grace rather than the law (Romans 6:1–14). The law burdens us with unrealistic expectations and the unending anxiety of not measuring up. Grace frees us from all of that. But freedom through grace is something we have to stand in, remain in—as we endure whatever suffering we encounter (2Timothy 2:3,11–13).
So how can we follow Paul’s encouragement and “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2Timothy 2:1)? Paul gave Timothy spiritual instructions through three images that might also help us (2Timothy 2:3–7): a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer.
The soldier demonstrates our need to focus. When we keep focused on the grace of the gospel, we face our temporary suffering with strength because we know the promise we endure for—eternal life (John 17:3). The athlete metaphor is a reminder to live according to the rules of the kingdom. Sometimes when we endure opposition or trials, we are tempted to operate according to our own ideas, rather than the rules of the game. Finally, Paul encourages Timothy with the image of a farmer. Farmers rigorously till soil, plant seeds, water, and pull weeds, all examples of serving diligently.
Following Jesus is not easy—but He is worth it. And our coming reward is sure: we will live and reign with Him (2Timothy 2:11–12).
62 thoughts on "Be Strong in Grace"
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I just got off the phone with my daughter and my 17 year old granddaughter is in the hospital due to suicidal thought ( very vivid ones like smashing her car or hanging herself in the woods) It came out that she has been smoking pot but who knows what else. Apparently she hears voices and they are telling her to do these things. Ella was baptized about 3 years ago ( she wanted to) so I know she loves The Lord and he will not let her go but my daughter is beside herself and blaming herself. Ella has an older and a younger sister.Please pray for Ella that she can get back on track and pray for my daughter and her family to know God’s peace .
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Suffering has a purpose——Grace ….Be strong in Grace that is in Jesus!
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Today as I’m reading my morning SRT, my husband sits beside me on the couch as he usually does on his 3 mornings off work. He likes to scroll the news and fb, but today I see he pulls up HRT and reads! ( I often nag him about how important it is to be in the Word if you are a believer!) Anyway…It just made my heart melt!
Example Matters. I have said before that I started reading my bible daily after my mom passed in 2014 because I had seen her read daily. I have prayed for the Spirit to come alive in my husband to renew his vigor since last Fall and slowly have seen just that! So be encouraged sisters that people and family do see you and are watching your example.
I pray @GramsieSue that you will have PLENTY of opportunities to share the miracle of Steve’s cancer disappearance! What a joyous miracle! God is on the Move, Hallejuh! Also praying for the other request! I come boldly before God today to ask that my example keeps reflecting Christ to my family! There seems such urgency in my heart with the rapid decline of values and morals. I hope in even the little things such as saying grace before eating, or turning off the t.v. junk, or giving a helping hand when needed or saying a nice word to a stranger can impact those around me/us.
@Churchmouse, I remember you telling us about your sister a long while back, and then that first get together with her after a long estrangement- so I’m happy that you are still trying to mend the relationship! My sister and I are super close but have totally different “religious” doctrines we believe in which is oftentimes challenging! I hate to ignore the subject but find it hard to navigate.
I am missing seeing @Sarajoy’s name and comments!
Aso, the podcast today for the week is SO good, give it a listen!
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@Amanda Noble- praying for God’s strength and comfort to you during this time. May He carry you and your daughter, chicken and all that belongs to you shall be kept in tact. May a home be provided and all your needs be met.
@Gramsiesue- praying for you and Steve. May the business trip ahead bring much glory to God. Thank you for sharing your encouragement. Rejoicing with you.
@Michelle- praying for Tiff and Bernadette and @K Swenson- may every mental depression and illnesses be uprooted completely and the Spirit of Joy/strength from the Lord to come and overfill you. May God deliver you mightily and bless you with a sound mind and no more depression. -
Such a fully packed reading today. The part that gripped my attention was “he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1). I used to be on the search for the reason of God’s allowing extreme pain and suffering, and ah there it is again. This brought to my memory another solution that says, the fear of the Lord keeps us from sinning. This is a much nicer way. I pray for the fear of the Lord to be deposited in our hearts that we will be kept from sinning against Him rather than paying the consequences of sinning. I am so reminded that I am a soldier for God implying state of war we are in (wondering the extent of endurance a Ukrainian soldier must go through), an athlete (who suffers much injuries, pain, ice baths, years of practice) and a farmer (whose days start at 4am, enduring back breaking labour, weather, rain or shine, long wait time for a harvest). All for Jesus. In all these things yet we are more than conquerors through Jesus. To God be the glory.
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May I share the lyrics of the song, Prayer for Grace”, by Morgan Harper Nichols.
If I could make just one request
That would mark all the days I have left
I’d rather not be known for treasures and fame
Or trophies that I know will fade
Instead I would rather be known
By the kindness and love that I show
To be known for patience and long-suffering
A giver of life by the words that I speakChorus
So with every breath You give to breathe
I praise your glory that they see
Of all the words the world could say
May they say I was full of graceAll be the first to confess
I’m not always found at my best
But the Lord be my strength in those moments I’m weak
And I’ll keep on giving the grace I’ve receivedChorus
And Finally then I see Your face
And I reached the end of my race
I don’t want to be known for finishing strong
But as someone who carried Your grace all alongLifting all those prayers requested here and in hearts.
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Praying for all prayer requests. JENNIFER LOVES JESUS your comment is right on with the way the world is heading.
I have been struggling this morning with a very good friend. She recently said some pretty hurtful things. I keep thinking should I call so and so and talk about it. After reading todays devotional and God’s Word, I realize this is all part of what we endure as a Christian. Following Jesus is not easy, but worth it. I have brought it to God in prayer. I will keep my focus on the grace of the gospel. And live according to the rules of the kingdom. I will pray for focus, determination, strength, courage, and commitment.
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Hello SRT sisters! I’m asking for prayer today. I’ve lived with treatment resistant depression daily for about 3 years now and am just starting a new treatment. I’ve not noticed a difference yet and it’s been a few weeks. I’m praying this medicine is effective, but mostly that I would be made well in the way the Lord designed and that I would suffer well. May God grant us strength as we walk this often tough road of obedience! Thank you for your prayers and I too am lifting many of you up in prayer today.
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