Secrets of Spiritual Strength (2 Tim. 2:1-6)

Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-6
Sanjaynagar, Feb 20, 2011

1. Strength in the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (v 1)
We can only be strong in His grace.
We can always approach His throne of grace in prayer (Heb 4:16)
Grace upon grace. (Jn 1:16)
But, grace is only given to the humble (James 4:6).

2. Strength through Sharing God's Blessings (v 2)
You only get strong in the thing you share with others
Example: Teachers know better the subject than those who just pass the class and never keep teaching the subject.
A stagnant pool gets dirty soon.
Sharing reinforces teaching
Share it with faithful ones who can pass it on to others.
Stewardship

3. Strength through Hardship (v 3)
Building Endurance
Building Strength
Spiritual Practice - Exercise
Example: Jesus' prayed so hard that His sweat was as blood drops.
Proverbs: The lazy man will never progress
Not being slothful but working hard and growing in strength
Do not be lazy in prayer, Bible reading, hospitality, witnessing, and fellowshipping.

4. Strength through Pleasing the Master (v 4)
Example: A well known violinist who never cared for the audience' applause, but only looked to the nod of his master sitting somewhere among the crowd. He lived in the audience of the one.
God's nod of approval is more important than all the world.
Will He be able to say "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things"?

The Joy of the Lord is my strength.

5. Strength through Law-abiding (v 5)
There are particular rules for healthy living
There are crucial rules for strength exercise
There are disciplines that need to be followed.

We can't just be random and strike at strength
It is a process that takes time, patience, practice, and care regarding spiritual health laws.

The Bible is our Law book and the Holy Spirit is our tutor.

IF WE DO ALL THIS THEN, V. 6, WE'LL PARTAKE OF THE FRUITS.

Domenic Marbaniang, Feb 20, 2011