Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (v 1)
Some Thoughts…
Paul gives the young (timid) minister a charge to give himself completely to the task that God had called him to; that of administering the Gospel in proclamation and in delegation for future generations. And the seasoned apostle encases this charge within 3 metaphors that young Timothy is to reflect on for divine understanding in leadership and in ministry. These metaphors will guide any follower of Christ to fruitfulness in life. Here are the metaphors:
1) The Focused Soldiers (dedicated)
Ø Endure hardship (it is inevitable) but don’t give up or return to earthly (civilian) ambitions of life, security, or the American dream that pursues happiness as its chief goal. You belong to something and SOMEONE much bigger than yourself. Stick it out just like a battle-weary soldier, for the battle belongs to the Lord; don’t give up!!!
2) The Faithful Athlete (obedient)
Ø Be faithful to follow all of God’s rules that govern the race of life, don’t take short-cuts, or try to fake it through the work-out. The race will bear the fruits of your faithfulness (true character always overflows in public). So choose the “good sportsmanship” of respect and honor and let your heart be seen in how hard you “play the game”… And be a team player; know what your gift is and be a cheer leader when it time to watch from the bench.
3) The Frantically Toilsome Farmer (faithful labor)
Ø At the beginning of the season there is great risk; you are dependent on the right weather conditions and the quality of the ground. There are no guarantees of a great crop, just a calling to take a risk and plant. You must also know that to do it right takes all of your strength and energy, but where there is a great risk there is also a great reward! The harvest of spirit-filled holiness and spirit-led salvation of souls. Work the Land with care and sweat-drops of love. Then wait with confidence in God to share in the harvest.
“There will be no victory for the soldier unless he gives himself to his soldiering, no wreath for the athlete unless he keeps the rules, and no harvest for the farmer unless he toils at his farming.” (John Stott)
A Prayer…
Father, just as Paul promises Timothy in verse 7, I choose to believe that you will give me insight into these truths. I plead for your Spirit to teach me, I beg that you would take my unregenerate, unwilling and stubborn soul and recreate it. Make it moldable and malleable in your hand. Teach me how to be a tool in your hand to bring about a great harvest. Help me know how to entrust your precious truth with faithful men and women. Make me a faithful minister of Your Gospel just like a soldier focused on the battle. Amen.