2 Timothy 2:1-13
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
“Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” -2 Timothy 2: 10
Apostle Paul encourages his spiritual son, Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and continue to boldly preach the gospel, being prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Paul exhorts believers to be prepared to endure hardships in Christian life so we might bring many to salvation in Christ Jesus. The Christian life is compared by Paul to the life of a soldier, an athlete and a farmer. One who leads a godly life, leaves behind him enduring marks through life’s journey. Good works of a righteous man follows him to eternity. Revelation 19:8 speaks of the bride of Christ dressed in fine linen- the righteous acts of the saints.
A life well-lived requires certain disciplines in life. Paul makes this fact clear to Timothy and explains it by using three examples from life:
1. A Soldier (2Tim 2:3)
2. An Athlete (2Tim 2:5)
3. A Farmer (2Tim 2:6)
These three examples give us a clear understanding about how to operate and live in order to achieve the goal of our life.
A Soldier
Just as a soldier serves in an army of a particular country, Christians are in the LORD’s army belonging to the Kingdom of Christ— the kingdom of Light. Being in the battlefield requires real discipline in life, without which a soldier cannot not prevail. Enthusiasm may bring one to the field of activity but only discipline will make him endure in the battle. Endurance can be had when we are focused and disciplined. Christian discipline matures a person and separates him from the normal course of life. A disciplined soldier is tuned to the voice of his Captain! 2Tim. 2:4: “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
An Athlete
An athlete receives a rewarding crown when he competes according to the rules. We are called to run the Christian race with rules. The race is already marked out—it is the narrow way that leads up to eternity. Matt. 7:13-14: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” To run on this path full of obstacles, we need to be really trained well in the way of the cross. Many despise this truth and make their “own” rules for running and perish because our flawed rules lead us to the broad way. But the Lord Himself has kept the right way that will lead us to the shores of eternity where we will receive the crown of victory.
A Farmer
The farmer has to work really hard, in order to see the result- the harvest, he is awaiting. He cannot neglect his field at any time. He needs to have constant watch and work tirelessly till he harvests the field. Likewise, we need to take care of our own field- our Christian life, as well as those who are with us. It involves patient work. Unless there is patience, the farmer will never reap the benefit!
As workers in God’s Kingdom, let us strive to heed to the appeal by Apostle Paul, of enduring in our Christian life, being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
To Heed: “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1)