2 Timothy 2:1New International Version (NIV)

The Appeal Renewed

2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus

Often as men we measure strength by the outside appearance of a man. What is his physique. Is he muscular? Is he handsome? Is he ripped? Does he have a six pack? These are all based on outward appearance.

There are many times in the Bible where God commanded men to be strong. One of my favorite verses in life is within the Book of Joshua. The Lord commands him 3 times in the first chapter to be strong before he leads Israel into the Promise Land to face enemies which were described as giants.

Was God asking Joshua to lift heavy objects or move might walls? No, God was referencing the command of strength to be more of a deeper and an infinitely required inner strength.

Maybe the better alternative to measuring strength is by endurance. This kind of strength is called courage. Courage, itself, is a better indicator of a man’s strength.

God called out Joshua to be strong 3 times, but he also called out courage 3 times. He needed courage to face the trials and tribulations. He also needed to have the ability to be virtuous and moral regardless of the situation.

In 2 Timothy, Paul encouraged Timothy by pointing out the greatest source of strength known to man. He needed to be strengthened by the grace of God. It is in Christ Jesus and in his grace that we will find the measure of a man’s strength. It is in having right relationship with Jesus that we receive grace and where we will find the measure of our strength.

Strength and Courage

Michael