Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION: EQUIPPING THE PEOPLE OF GOD
2  Timothy 2:1-13
V  1,8.  You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.    Remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel for which I am suffering.
Do you consider yourself as a strong person in life? What does it mean to be strong?  Someone who is strong is one who can overcome adversity, challenges and hardship; he does not avoid  difficulty but endures to the end. Apostle Paul  in this epistle is admonishing his protege' Timothy to  become strong in the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul was locked up in prison during a time of severe persecution of Christians, and only a few like Onesiphorus  was not  afraid of  helping Paul being in chains. Timothy was also an ardent faithful servant of God through his strong family background. Paul was concerned of the church as well as, the well being of his disciple. Paul reminds him that source of the strength is in the grace which is a gift and unmerited favor from  God. Timothy is asked to lead the church with all the correct teachings he learned from Paul and to entrust to faithful and reliable people to  carry on the ministry.  In present day ministry , the role of strong and faithful Lay ministers are very important  in carrying out the mission of the Lord.
We see also, that  Paul  is providing few metaphors to Timothy to strengthen his faith:
a.  to endure suffering for Jesus like a soldier.   Like a good soldier,  one who tries to please his commanding officer, one must fight fearlessly against the forces of evil, not by being a mere spectator.
b. to be strong like an athlete who completes the race by abiding the laws to win the prize. 
c.  be strong like a farmer who gets no appreciation , until he produces the harvest  in  full.  Through hard and diligent work , he is rewarded in the end.
True Gospel is the knowledge ,that Jesus is the Lord, the King and heir to the throne of King David,  and through resurrection, becoming  the eternal King  for ever.  In order to be able to take up His mission, one must be a strong and faithful servant in the Grace of the Lord, to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we admit that we are weak vessels for your ministry, strengthen us  by your everlasting grace, and enable us to carry on your mission in this  evil world.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
 Be  ready to endure  suffering boldly for the sake of His Kingdom  if you are a faithful servant.
Dr.John K.Thomas   Tabor MTC  Staten Island NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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