Chapter 252—All-Sufficient
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2
Timothy 2:1
.
The lessons contained in the words of Paul to Timothy are of the
greatest importance to us today. He charges him to “be strong”—in his
own wisdom?—No, but “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” He who would
be a follower of Christ is not to rely upon his own capabilities, or to feel
confident in himself. Neither is he to be dwarfed in his religious efforts, to
shun responsibilities, and remain inefficient in the cause of God.... If the
Christian feels his weakness, his inability, by putting his trust in God, he will
find the grace of Christ sufficient for every emergency.
The soldier of Christ must meet many forms of temptation, and resist and
overcome them. The fiercer the conflict, the greater the supply of grace to
meet the need of the soul.... The true Christian will understand what it means
to pass through severe conflicts and trying experiences; but he will steadily
increase in the grace of Christ to meet successfully the enemy of his soul....
The darkness will press upon his soul at times; but the true light will shine,
the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness will dispel the gloom; and ...
through the grace of Christ he will be enabled to be a faithful witness of the
things which he has heard from the inspired messenger of God.... By thus
communicating truth to others, the worker for Christ obtains a clearer view
of the abundant provisions made for all, of the sufficiency of the grace of
Christ for every time of conflict, sorrow, and trial. Through the mysterious
plan of redemption, grace has been provided, so that the imperfect work of
the human agent may be accepted in the name of Jesus our Advocate.
Man has little power, and can accomplish but a small work at his very
best.... God is omnipotent, and at every point where we need divine help
and seek for it in sincerity, it will be given. God has pledged His word that
His grace will be sufficient for you in your greatest necessity, in your sorest
distress. Christ will be to you a present help if you will appropriate His
grace.
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