1. The danger of apostasy is very real, as evident from Paul's second epistle to Timothy
a. Those in Asia had forsaken Paul, including Phygellus and Hermogenes - 2 Timothy 1:15
b. Some had strayed from the truth, in particular Hymenaeus and Philetus - 2 Timothy 2:16-18
2. The possibility of apostasy explains Paul's admonitions to Timothy
a. Such as those found in the first chapter - cf. 2 Timothy 1:13-14
b. Such as that found at the beginning of the second chapter - 2 Timothy 2:1
3. To avoid apostasy ourselves, we too must be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus
a. But what grace is there in Christ?
b. And how can we be strong in this grace?
A. FREEDOM FROM THE GUILT OF SIN
1. In Christ there is no condemnation for sin - Romans 8:1
2. For we have forgiveness of sins, redemption through His blood - Ephesians 1:7
3. We are justified by His grace through the redemption In Christ Jesus - Romans 3:24
B. VICTORY OVER THE POWER OF SIN
1. Jesus offers to free us from the dominion of sin - John 8:31-36
2. He does this by giving us His Spirit - John 7:37-39
3. We are therefore strengthened by God through His Spirit in the inner man - Ephesians 3:16
C. HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
1. Jesus has given us good hope by His grace - 2 Thessalonians 2:16
2. By His grace we become heirs of eternal life - Titus 3:7
3. We are positioned to be the recipients of even more grace to come - 1 Peter 1:13; Ephesians 2:7
A. THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD
1. Initially, by obeying the gospel of Christ through:
a. Faith and confession, through which comes righteousness and salvation - Romans 10:9-10
b. Repentance and baptism, through which comes forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:38
2. Continually, as the promise of His abiding presence is contingent on:
a. Keeping His Word - John 14:21-23
b. Observing His commandments - Matthew 28:20
c. Avoiding lukewarm service - Revelation 3:15-19
3. The grace of Christ comes to those who are doers of the Word, and not hearers only - James 1:22-25
B. THROUGH PRAYER
1. Prayer is the conduit through which we receive wonderful blessings in Christ:
a. Forgiveness of sins when we sin - Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9
b. Strength from God by His Spirit in the inner man - Ephesians 3:16
c. Peace that surpasses understanding and overcomes anxiety - Philippians 4:6-7
2. Thus the many admonitions to be diligent in prayer, such as:
a. continue earnestly in prayer - Colossians 4:2
b. pray without ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
c. be serious and watchful in your prayers - 1 Peter 4:7
3. The grace of Christ comes to those who come boldly to the throne of grace - Hebrews 4:14-16
C. THROUGH FELLOWSHIP
1. Fellowship with other Christians is very important:
a. It was a mark of the early church - Acts 2:42
b. Christians are to be interdependent on one another - 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 17-22
2. Thus the admonitions related to encouraging one another:
a. Through daily exhortation, to avoid unbelief - Hebrews 3:12-14
b. Through frequent assembling, to stir up love and good works - Hebrews 10:24-25
3. The grace of Christ comes to those belonging to a body in which each part does its share - Ephesians 4:15-16
1. Brethren, wonderful is the grace of Christ! Yet Christians were cautioned
a. Not to receive the grace of God in vain - 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
b. To be careful lest anyone fall short of the grace of God - Hebrews 12:15
2. To ensure that we benefit from the riches of grace in Christ, then let us be strong in grace
a. Through obedience to His Word
b. Through fervency of prayer
c. Through interaction with brethren
3. Are you diligent in your efforts to be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus...?
-- Don Treadway, February 2011 --
|
|