Scripture:
2 Timothy 2:1-7 ESV
[1] You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, [2] and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. [3] Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since he aims to please the one who enlisted him. [5] An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. [6] It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. [7] Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
Observation:
Paul took young Timothy under his care because he saw that he had a promising future. He knew Timothy’s family and had spent time with them. Here in 2 Timothy, Paul starts by encouraging Timothy by reminding him about the grace of Jesus Christ, telling him to be strengthened through it. He goes on with his instructions by telling Timothy that he needs to take what he has learned and teach it to other men who can teach. Men who have been faithful men who can be trusted to teach it in the same manner it was taught to them. In verses 3 and 4, we see something a little odd. Paul opens up the door to sharing in the suffering that Christ went through. I believe this is how he is equipping young Timothy to put his flesh and its desires to death. Verse 4 confirms that by using the soldier as an example, ” a good soldier doesn’t get entangled in civilian pursuits since he aims to please the one who enlisted him.” So what I see being said here is Timothy. When you die to your flesh, you will desire to please GOD the Father. So, there is no reason to get caught up in stupid arguments. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy doesn’t stop there. He continues to explain that unless an athlete competes by the rules, he can not win, but what does that mean? Well, it means no cheating. It’s going to take hard work. This is confirmed in verse 6 when he refuses to the hard-working farmer to have a share of the first fruits. Verse 7 tells us that what has been said has a deeper meaning than what is on the surface, and we need to dive a little deeper than uncover what Paul is teaching young Timothy. One thing we need to keep in mind is that Timothy is being trained to be a pastor and lead a church.
Application:
One, we get to a point where we have an understanding of the bible. We need to start disciplining others. When there is fruit that is evident and GOD starts bringing people to us, we know that it’s time. This is where our flesh can get in the way at times because not everyone is going to believe the way we do, and some will continue to use GOD’S grace as a license to live however they want with no repercussions. However, if we think carefully about what has been said in the bible, we may want to reconsider that stance. Yes, salvation is a free gift, but there is more to heaven than just salvation. Making it to heaven is the beginning of the race. The Bible says if you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is LORD and believe in your heart that GOD raised him from the dead. You will be saved. But what about all the crowns and prizes, the white stone with a new name, and all that stuff? When you know that GOD has enlisted you into HIS army, you will want to please HIM by living accordingly. When you love HIM, with all your heart, you will show that by how you live. GOD’S grace is in place in case we mess up. Not so we can live how we want. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my old life back, and if I continue to live the way I used to that is all there is for me. But the bible tells me I am a conqueror. That I can overcome. That I don’t have to live a defeated life… there is hope. It’s not over. All I need to do is keep my eyes on Christ, and victory is mine. Teaching this to others is the hard part because you can’t leave out the grace… and true biblical grace is hard to explain. GOD’S grace is not there to leave you trapped in your sin. It’s there to break the chains of guilt shame and fear. As soon as we understand that… the realization that we no longer have to live in the bondage of that sin comes and we start running the race according to the rules. In other words, we want to please GOD because HE has enlisted us into HIS army.
Prayer:
Father, I hope what has been said makes sense to those who read it. I know that your Holy Spirit can take what has been said and use every piece of it to touch the hearts of those who will take the time to read it. We do not want to be stuck in the vicious circle of sin. We want to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. We don’t want to abuse your grace or frustrate it. Using it as a crutch. We want to live a life that is glorifying and honoring to the one who laid down HIS life so that we could have one. We know that we can not earn our salvation. Because that is a free gift. But you have made us for a purpose, and that purpose is to live a life of victory over sin. You have empowered us to do so. If we only keep our eyes on you. Help us not to lose focus. Help us to understand your word and write it on our hearts. We do not want to live in opposition to you. But in peace with you. Mold us and shape us to be like your son. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.