Grace Strengthens
By Tim Corin
Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:1 (ESV), “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus…” This is one of those verses that I’ve read countless times (likely because the letters to Timothy are peculiarly attractive to the Tim writing this editorial). However, on this particular reading, the verse did one of those jump-out-at-you-from-the-page things. I wondered how grace can strengthen.
God’s grace in Christ Jesus is unmerited or undeserved favour towards us, displayed most clearly, I think, in salvation. And there is a certain amount of strength, or maybe reassurance, that we find in this truth. Compare, for example, other forms of strength and where we normally look for strengthening: if strength in knowledge, maybe books or professors; if mental willpower, maybe challenging tasks like fasting or skydiving; and if physical ability, then practice or upskilling. But each of these strength-building pursuits share a common flaw. They are limited, lacking, and will eventually run out, even with persistent upkeep.
In Timothy’s case, Paul encourages him twice to “share in suffering”, but there seems to be an understanding that Timothy would not endure by his personal strengths. In 1:8, Paul adds “by the power of God”, and in 2:3, “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus”. Timothy’s own strengths would eventually reach a limit against the oppressions that Paul outlines throughout his letter.
Even Paul, who had many strengths to boast in, wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses…” Paul understood the limits of his own strength, that his efforts were weak and worthless – without grace.
We’re in the same boat. Thankfully, God in Christ Jesus is the ultimate source of grace, a grace that never runs out or weakens. Being strengthened by this grace means we are not reliant on our own power or strength or natural ability when facing opposition for the true gospel we proclaim.
God’s grace extends beyond just what happened at Calvary. God’s grace empowers us to do what we do today, for it is by his grace that we continue to live and breathe. While we may oftentimes selfishly desire and pursue strength by our own devices, God graciously gifts us strength in times of need. Therefore, we can share in suffering and endure, because grace in Christ gives us strength to do exactly and all that He wills in our lives.