Continuing with our 5x5x5 New Testament Reading Program, we enter 2 Timothy and before long, we come upon one of my life verses, learned from The Navigators:

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 people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2.1, 2, NIV)

For the first time, I noticed the opening two words, “You then…” Then what? What came before?

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 us. (2 Timothy 1.13, 14, NIV)

What you heard from me:

• Keep it
• Guard it

How?

• Be strong (“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus…”)
• Pass it along (“Entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”)

I think I’ve found a new mantra:

Be strong…pass it along