BE STRONG IN HIS GRACE

SATURDAY 22 MAY 2021

Being strong in the grace given to us in Christ is an attribute that empowers us to focus on fulfilling God's will, His work and purpose for our lives. This attribute grants us the ability to live our life in Christ victoriously, the courage to stand fast against hard times, the audacity to prevail against the wiles of the devil, and the boldness to speak and proclaim the truth of the glorious gospel in our world.

Reference: 2 Timothy 2:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

Today apostle Paul is introducing the concept of bravery and spiritual strength to Timothy. Its like trying to address Timothy as a soldier because soldiers are characterized by their strength, zest and dynamism. Moreover, grace is the power that sustains the strength of the Christian's daily life. We are saved by God's grace, we stand in His grace, we live by His grace and also strengthened in His grace. Grace empowers us in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Here is the insight into the glorious mystery of grace in sustaining our spiritual strength: "Christ in us" is the enabling grace that sponsors our indwelling strength. The Bible says, "For of His fullness have we all received grace upon grace" (John 1:16 NASB). Now its one thing to receive grace from the fullness of Christ, and it's another thing to be strong in the grace you receive. To be strong in grace is to maintain our fellowship with the Godhead with uninterrupted vigor, which in turn empowers us for every Christian service and living. Although Christ is the source of our spiritual strength, the motive power that provides the dynamic force of the Christian life is "grace" sustained by relationship. The Bible says, "...And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3 NIV).

To make it clearer and simple, if you want to overflow with spiritual strength, make it a habit to spend quality time with the Holy Spirit. There must be a constant koinonia with the Godhead. 2 Timothy 1:7 reads, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." Mark the word, "power". It represents spiritual strength. In Christ, the Spirit of God doesn't give room for timidity except to walk in power and the strength of the Lord. In fact, the Christian faith is not designed to build weaklings. "Christ in you" does not sponsor an ineffectual or cowardly Christian. For this reason apostle Paul recommended "being strong in the grace" that is in Christ Jesus for his spiritual son, Timothy.

The ideal character or attitude every person who serves Christ must always manifest clearly is spiritual strength. In this Kingdom, spiritual weakness is not encouraged because it is not consistent with the ability of the Spirit at work in us. Though Paul encourages Timothy to stand strong in this grace, his letter echoes the same in our hearing. To be strong in grace, take time to pray in the Spirit daily, keep having a well-trained understanding of the Word and will of God, live by the Word and be ever ready for every good work. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 6:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 3:7-8 & 16.

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for positioning me to experience the effectual working of the power of grace in Christ, as a driving force powering my Christian life. I affirm that I'm strong in divine grace, which sponsors my ability, my sufficiency, my productivity and fruitfulness, in Jesus' Name, Amen!