Here in 2 Timothy chapter 2, Paul gives Timothy three imageries to help him understand how to stand for the truth

and how to invest that truth into others. Three imageries. One is that of a soldier. The other is an athlete

and a farmer.

Now, I want you to start thinking with me, particularly in verse one.

Verse one, he said, therefore, my son, be strong.

You remember, he's a son in the faith.

He's not a physical son.

Be strong in the faith.

How? By gritting your teeth no trying to pull yourself by your bootstraps

no by self-affirmation i can do this i can do it i can do, yes we can, yes we can. No, no, no, no.

But by becoming strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ, the verb be strong here is in the

imperative mood, which is making it a loving command from a father to a son, lovingly asking the son to do something

that he knows it's wonderful for him. Paul begins the chapter by lovingly, lovingly,

and gently commanding the son in the faith, the next generation leaders of the church,

to draw his strength not from himself, not from his qualifications, not even from his gifts,

but to draw all of his strength from the grace of God.

How will he experience that grace of God? And Paul immediately goes on to explain that you can

only experience that power of the grace of God in you, when you invest this treasure, when you invest these

truth in the lives of others. That's the only way you can truly experience the power of the

grace of God when you pour it into somebody else. Not only that Timothy, to be strong in the grace of God, but he that Timothy to be strong in the grace of God,

but he also needs to teach others to be strong in the grace of God. Verse two, what you have heard

from me before many witnesses entrust this message to faithful men who will also teach others.

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