Living By Grace

My grace has been poured out on you abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

I did not give you a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about me. I have saved you and called you to a holy life — not because of anything you have done but because of my own purpose and grace.

This grace was given to you in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of your Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. You can be convinced that I am able to guard what you have entrusted to me for that day.

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in you.

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the Faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.

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 will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship 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. 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 this.

(1 Tim. 1:14; 2 Tim. 1:7—14; 1 Tim. 6:11—12; 2 Tim. 2:1—7)