This year, our church's theme verse is 2 Timothy 2:1:

 

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

 

We have clung to this verse and prayed to become stronger in grace. Today marks the last Sunday of 2023, prompting us to revisit the verse our church has held onto. The title of today's message is

 

"How Strong in Grace?"

The Apostle Paul's Situation:

Apostle Paul found himself imprisoned for the second time (8). This period was marked by severe persecution under Emperor Nero in Rome. Sensing his imminent death, Apostle Paul is now writing a letter to his spiritual son Timothy.

 

What means the word of “committee?”:

"What I have committed" is translated from the Greek word, "παραθήκη." This word is compounded of "close" and "to put or place." This means “deposit” or “trust.” The word is used three times in the New Testament: in 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:12, and 2 Timothy 1:14. In 2 Timothy 1:12, Apostle Paul first entrusts it to God. In 2 Timothy 1:14, it is entrusted to Timothy. The term is consistently used in the feminine gender, singular, as a noun. Although the exact meaning is uncertain, it may be related to the church or likely associated with serving in the church.

 

Responsibilities of the One Entrusted with Serving the Church:

The one entrusted by God to serve the church has tasks that require effort.

The first is firmly holding onto the Word.

"Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus" (13). The term "sound" means "not causing illness." It implies keeping to healthy, like providing nutrition. "Standard" means outline, standard, or example. Combined, it emphasizes holding fast to doctrinally healthy teachings. "Retain" is a present tense imperative, indicating repeated, continuous adherence.

The second is relying on the Holy Spirit.

"Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you" (14). The word "Guard" is a military word meaning exercising unbroken vigilance. Timothy ought to preserve what he has been entrusted. It is possible "through the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit dwells in us. Therefore, when we serve the church, we can easily seek solutions to the problems through the Holy Spirit.

 

Contrasting Examples:

Those entrusted by God to serve the church must firmly hold onto sound doctrine. Plus, they must keep asking to the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul presents both a failed example and a successful one. The failed example is in verse 15. Although specific names like Phygelus and Hermogenes are unknown well to us, The Apostle Paul and Timothy were aware of them. The successful example is Onesiphorus, who showed kindness to Paul while he was in Rome. Onesiphorus sought and ministered to Paul without shame. Despite the intense persecution under Nero, Onesiphorus did not fear and faithfully served his appointed mission.

 

Determine which way to follow:

"Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2:1). "Therefore" serves as the conclusion to the two examples in chapter 1. "My Son" emphasizes the fatherly relationship, urging Timothy to choose the right path. Those who are strong in grace can walk the path of Onesiphorus. "Grace that is in Christ Jesus." Seeking sound doctrine based on the Word and praying to the Holy Spirit within us is a means of receiving grace. Those in Christ can be strengthened within this grace.

 

Application:

It is not exclusive to Timothy or pastors but applies to all saints. Today, we are facing various types of difficulties and challenges. The key to overcoming these difficulties and challenges is to grow stronger within the grace. We must hold firmly to the Word and grow within it. Continually seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit within us, we navigate the path of life. This is the essence of a strong Christian life.

At the beginning of the year, we emphasized these two things: Each of us has chosen a personal theme verse for this year. Based on this theme verse, we have prayer for our prayer items. There have been many difficulties and challenges for each person, family, and the church. Nevertheless, we have clung to the Word, prayed, and endured the year. In moments, we may not have known, but in this final moment of the year, we discover that we have grown stronger within the grace. 2 Timothy 2:1 should not just be a verse for the church this year but also a personal verse for each of us to strive for throughout our lives. On the last day of our lives, we should be able to see ourselves strengthened within the grace.