The Bible Study Podcast, episode 86. This is the second in a series on the book of Second Timothy.

Welcome to the Bible study podcast. I'm your host, Chris Christensen. Let's continue with 2 Timothy Chapter 2. You then, my son, be strong

in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and the things you have heard me say in the presence of many

witnesses entrust to reliable men who are also qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs.

He wants to please his commanding officer.

Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless

he competes according to the rules.

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this.

Let's hope the Lord will give me insight into all of this also.

As we look at Paul's words here again we see Paul with that familiar and

endearing phrase my son as he looks at Timothy his spiritual son be strong in the grace that is in

Christ be strong in the grace that is in Christ what does that mean to be strong in grace

I think there's two different ways to interpret this,

both of which are consistent with other places in the Bible. One is to live in that situation

where he is in the grace of God, where he is not straying from what has been taught. And the other one

would be to be full of grace, to be a gracious person himself and an instrument of grace to others.

And I think both of those are consistent. Both of those, I think, are an accurate understanding

of God's will for us. I'm not sure if Paul met one or the other in this particular case.

And the reliable things you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses and trust to liable

men. So he isn't in this by himself, get other people who are also qualified to teach, which makes sense.

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