Grace - 2 Timothy 2:1

2 Timothy 2:1 (ESV)

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,

The word grace means favor, but notice that this does not say, “Be strengthened by the grace that Christ Jesus finds in you.” It says, “Be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Any favor we find with God is not favor found in us, but favor found because we are in Christ. Our identity is found in Christ. We are found in Christ through faith. Let us never assume that we somehow find favor with God. Rather God pours out his favor on us through Christ. It is a costly gift, but he paid the full price. God’s grace can never be earned. It is a free gift received through faith. That is the heart of the gospel.