Mon., 10/30/17 Devotion (2 Tim. 2:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Paul's words to the young pastor Timo-thy, as they are found in 2 Timothy 2:1:

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

Notice that Paul does not tell Timothy to be strong in the law, or himself, or in his position, or in religion (in general). Instead, he is to be strong in "the grace that is in Christ Jesus." This is not just *any* grace, (and it is not "common" grace). Rather, it is redemptive and regenerative grace. It is resurrection grace.

Paul's admonition is not only for pastors. All Christians must be strong in this blessed grace that is found in Jesus alone. If we seek to gain strength from anything or anyone else, our religious lives will show themselves (in weak-ness). If we are strong in Christ's grace, we will shine for God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Those whose hearts follow hard after the Lord have the right hand of God upholding them.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gos-pel Worship"]