“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
II Timothy 2:1-2
The Race begins the moment we’re born from above; but it doesn’t end for us until we cross Heaven’s Finish Line.
That’s why we must be faithful in our “leg of the Race.”
When we were saved, God’s most Precious Treasure (Jesus) was deposited into our clay pot’s heart (II Cor. 4:7). At first, we were spiritual babies and His Word our “spiritual milk” (I Pet. 2:2-3). But, like a human baby, after “tasting that the Lord is gracious” (v.3), we should “grow in His Grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (II Pet. 3:18).
Sadly, many do not do this.
Their growth is stunted and stymied. Instead of moving on to spiritual “meat,” they still prefer milk—and then wonder why they’re weak and ineffective.
The answer:
“Because they’re still ‘babes-in-Christ’ and haven’t exercised their spiritual muscles” (Heb. 5:11-14).
You talk to them about the “deeper doctrines of faith” and they look at you quite puzzled and perplexed. You ask them to share what the Lord’s doing in their lives and they just shake their head—for they have not a clue what you’re talking about.
That’s why the Apostle Paul admonished his spiritual son, Timothy, to “be strong (Grk. ‘endunamoo’—‘to empower, enable, strengthen, etc.’) in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus.” He knew the same Grace that saves us is the same Grace that strengthens us and equips us for service. Therefore, we should not be content with sitting back, doing nothing and expecting a preacher or teacher to spoon-feed us like some dependent baby. A thousand times no!
Instead, we are to “grow in Grace and our knowledge of Christ” by “studying to show ourselves approved unto God—a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (II Tim. 2:15). And, as we see in today’s Manna, this study is not for our own personal enlightenment or edification; it’s for the “equipping of the saints” (Eph. 4:11-16).
Simply put, Paul knew his years of studying the Law at Gamaliel’s feet became the foundation for knowing Christ (Gal. 3:19-29). And, with that knowledge and liberty came responsibility: To “commit (Grk. ‘paratithemi’—‘to place alongside, to deposit as a trust for protection, commend, set before, to place in one’s possession, etc.’) to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
Do you see it, Pilgrim?
Do you see the handing off of the Gospel Baton Paul is describing here? The saints of old faithfully ran their leg of the Race; yet, it was not finished even until this day (Heb. 11:39-40). That’s why we must be found faithful to “lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily trips us up” (Heb. 12:1-2)—for others are depending upon us to do so.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated July 2, 2009
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Battlefield of the Mind, Winning the Battle in Your Mind
By Joyce Meyer / Faithwords If you’re one of millions who suffer from worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger or condemnation, you are experiencing an attack in your mind. Overcoming negative thoughts that come against your mind brings freedom and peace. Find out how to recognize damaging thought patterns and stop them from influencing your life.In Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer guides you through an honest self-appraisal by sharing the trials, tragedies and ultimate victories of her own marriage, family and ministry—including the truth she learned about what she was thinking and feeling every step of the way. You’ll gain insight into how Joyce won the battle in her own mind—and how you can as well. You’ll also discover how to:
Don’t surrender to misery another day. Find out today what you can do to ensure your victory in the Battlefield of the Mind! |
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Facing Your Giants: A David & Goliath Story for Everyday People
By Max Lucado / W Publishing Reveal the Goliath in your life that taunts you-bills, addictions, failures-and discover a God that is with you to slay your giant. This encouraging resource enables us to see inside the humble beginnings of David in the Bible and realize that no matter our weaknesses, God is greater still. Find victory in God’s will and success as you follow His path. The same God who was at David’s side is the same God who will defend you today. |
