Strengthened by Grace

We talk plenty about being a church that “makes disciples who make disciples” and a hallmark verse for this vision is found in 2 Timothy 2:2. It says, “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” Many have noted the four generations of disciples mentioned in this verse: Paul, Timothy, faithful men, and those they teach. The church grows through multiplication of disciples as we pass on what has been entrusted to us. 

But a dangerous pitfall when trusting God for a multiplying movement of disciples-making-disciples is believing that we’re sufficient for this task. And the truth is, we’re not. Which is why Paul precedes verse two with verse one, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 

We’re not sufficient for kingdom work in our own strength. It’s why we can never move away from the Gospel. Our relationship with the Father through the Son and His indwelling Spirit is necessary for fruitful living. Jesus says in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” 

Do you feel tired or weary? Could it be that you need to remember where your strength comes from? Have you drifted from the reality of the Gospel that you’ve been united to Christ and all your hope for power to live this life flows from Him, the one who gives life (John 5:21, 24)? 

If so, turn and trust Jesus afresh today. He paid an incredible price so that your sins would be removed from you as far as the east is from the west, and the Father has draped you in the royal, spotless, sinless robes of His Son. He bids you come near so that you might have joy and strength as you invest in the lives of people He has placed in front of you.