Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . . Psalm 119:18 (ESV) 

2 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV)
Be Strong in Grace
You therefore, amy son, bbe strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
 
a  1 Tim. 1:2
b  Eph. 6:10
The New King James Version. (1982). (2 Ti 2:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

When I read scriptures I want good thoughts from other Christian scholars that are contained in study Bibles and commentaries. I have given you thoughts from five different writers who I always find insightful. They provide clear guidance in each scripture. Consider some of their comments.

I.      God’s Family (2:1) (Warren Wiersbe)
“My son” suggests, of course, that Timothy had been born into God’s family by faith in Christ. As Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 4:15, he had “begotten” him through the Gospel. In Eph. 2:19, Paul calls the local church the “household of God.” The local church is not a sanctified country club; it is the family of God meeting together for fellowship, worship, and service. The only way to enter this family is by being born of the Spirit (John 3:1–6) and the Word (1 Peter 1:23).

Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (p. 645). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

​(John MacArthur)
2:1 my son. Paul had led Timothy to Christ during his first missionary journey (cf. 1Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:2, 18). be strong. Here is the main admonition in the first part of the letter. Paul is calling for Timothy to overcome his apparent drift toward weakness and renew his commitment to his ministry (see Introduction: Historical and Theological Themes).

MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Ti 2:1). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

(Duane Litfin)
2:1. After the reminders of Timothy’s ordination, his own example, and that of others, Paul addressed Timothy with a direct application: You then, my son (teknon, “child,” an endearing term), be strong (lit. “be empowered”; cf. Eph. 6:10). Yet Timothy’s strength was not his own; it was a divine “gift” (grace, charis) found only in Christ (Phil. 4:13).

Litfin, A. D. (1985). 2 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 752). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.


1. Thou therefore—following my example (2 Ti 1:8, 12), and that of ONESIPHORUS (2 Ti 1:16–18), and shunning that of those who forsook me (2 Ti 1:15).

my son—Children ought to imitate their father.

be strong—literally, “be invested with power.” Have power, and show thyself to have it; implying an abiding state of power.

in the grace—the element IN which the believer’s strength has place. Compare 2 Ti 1:7, “God hath given us the spirit of power.”

Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 423). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

2 Timothy 2:1

Be strengthened (ἐνδυναμου [endunamou]). Present passive imperative of ἐνδυναμοω [endunamoō]. See already 1 Tim. 1:12; Rom. 4:20; Phil. 4:13; Eph. 6:10. “Keep on being empowered,” “keep in touch with the power.” In the grace that is in Christ Jesus (ἐν τῃ χαριτι τῃ ἐν Χριστῳ Ἰησου [en tēi chariti tēi en Christōi Iēsou]). Where the power is located. Christ is the dynamo for power only when and while we keep in touch with him.

Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (2 Ti 2:1). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.

We pray that your strength to stand firm in this international pandemic will be enhanced. May you be encouraged by our Lord.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions,com
________________________Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

A Kingdom Leader has a balanced view of the issues of our world and the unseen spiritual world. Humility is the foundation of that balance.

Do you mock and laugh at situations that present themselves each day? Abraham and Sarah laughed at God when he announced the future birth of their son. Jesus was laughed at when he announced that the dead girl was only sleeping.

There is a time for laughter! The balanced leader can laugh at himself because he recognizes his dependence on God the Father. He can see the gap between his knowledge and his understanding! 

Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NKJV)
A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance
​
Humility is the disposition of valuing or assessing oneself appropriately. It is very clear that without Christ we can do nothing! We need Him every hour.

Encourage others as you walk through your day.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________

The New King James Version. (1982). (Ec 3:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.
Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.