God’s grace provides His presence and power to follow Him everywhere.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. —Acts 1:8

God’s grace is given so we can share His goodness to others. Faith is passed from generation to generation.

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. ² You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. —2 Timothy 2:1-2

Salvation - Paul – Lois – Eunice – Timothy
Discipleship – Paul – Timothy – faithful men – to teach others.

God’s grace is given so we can endure seasons of hardship.

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus… ³ Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. ⁵ And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. ⁶ And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. ⁷ Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. —2 Timothy 2:1, 3-7

“Grit,” is really a mix of two things:

• Passion is staying interested in one thing for many years.
• Perseverance is continuing to put in effort after failures, or despite long plateaus in progress.

The greatest predictor of success…not talent but GRIT.

What do we do when the seasons change?

Endurance and perseverance are founded in surrender. It is forged in crucible of hardship. (see Hebrew 12:1-13)

Connect

Have you ever attempted something difficult and succeeded? Have you ever given up on something or someone? What did that feel like?

Word and Reflection

God’s grace is His enablement to accomplish His will. It’s His presence and power available to all who choose to surrender and follow Him. But the divine grace is not to be kept only for ourselves. It must be shared geographically. It must be shared generationally.

2 Timothy 2:1-7; Hebrews 12:1-13

• Read 2 Timothy 2:1-2. Who shared with you the good news of God and that truth took hold in your heart? Are you the first in the line of believers? Who are you sharing that truth with presently?

• How has God’s grace empowered you to endure seasons of hardship?

• Read 2 Timothy 2:3-6 Which illustration of hard discipline do you identify with the most? Military life, athletics or farming? Why?

• Angela Duckworth’s definition of GRIT equals passion and perseverance. How does that reflect in your life? What is our response to hardships, obstacles or setbacks?

• Read Hebrews 12:1-13. As a Grace Group, meditate and apply S.O.A.P. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer)

Action

What is one thing you can do this week to put this message into practice?

Prayer

Pray for the needs of those in your Grace Group and for those to whom you are reaching out.