2 Timothy 2:1-7
Soldier, Athlete, Farmer
Read the passage
1You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.
3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.
5Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
6The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.
7Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul calls Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. He has real work to do, and Christ's grace is the strength on which he must depend.
The teaching Timothy heard from Paul before many witnesses must be entrusted to faithful people who can teach others. The gospel is not to remain with one gifted messenger. Its continued teaching requires both trustworthy character and the ability to explain it faithfully.
Paul uses three pictures for this work. A soldier avoids entanglements that interfere with pleasing the one who enlisted him. An athlete must compete according to the rules to receive the crown. A hardworking farmer should have the first share of the crops. Together the pictures call for undivided service, faithful obedience and willing labor with its rightful reward.
Timothy is also to share in suffering as a soldier of Christ. Difficulty does not release him from his calling, but he need not meet it in his own strength.
Paul ends by telling him to consider these things, trusting the Lord to give understanding. Thoughtful attention and dependence on God belong together. Timothy must reflect on what he has heard and apply it to the work entrusted to him.
Questions
1 Where is Timothy to find strength?
AnswerHe is to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, depending on Christ as he carries out his calling.
2 To whom should he entrust Paul's teaching?
AnswerHe should entrust it to faithful people who are qualified to teach others, so that the message continues beyond his own ministry.
3 What do the soldier, athlete and farmer illustrate?
AnswerThey illustrate focused service, obedience to the rules and hardworking labor. Each picture helps Timothy consider faithfulness in his own calling.
4 What should Timothy do as he seeks understanding?
AnswerHe should carefully consider Paul's words and trust the Lord to give insight. Depending on God includes attending to His instruction.
What This Means for Us
If someone is learning from you, help them understand the reason for what you teach. Read the passage together, welcome questions and check what you are unsure about. Faithful teaching can prepare them to help others.
Consider an activity that keeps crowding out a responsibility to Christ. Make room for that responsibility, asking Him for the grace to do it carefully and persistently.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, strengthen us in Your grace. Make us faithful with what we have learned, careful in teaching it and willing to endure the work involved. Give us understanding as we consider Your word. Amen.