“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:1-7
“You then, my son…” Paul considered Timothy his “true son in the faith” I Timothy 1:2. Timothy was from Lystra. His “father was a Greek” and his mother “was a Jewess and a believer” Acts 16:1 Timothy had studied the OT from childhood: “…from infancy you have learning the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15 Perhaps Paul considered Timothy his son in the faith because he had led Timothy to the Lord. We do know that Paul had taught Timothy extensively because Timothy was Paul’s assistant during most of his ministry.
“…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” God commands the Ephesians (and us) to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power”. Ephesians 6:10 He has given us everything we need to do that:
“…the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…” Ephesians 1:1:18-19
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
God has already given it to us. We must make use of it. It is our responsibility to be strong in His grace. God has given us the spiritual weapons (Ephesians 6:10-18) we need to win every battle–we just have to use it. We are commanded to obey God because God has given us the ability to obey Him.
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” Because Timothy had been with Paul on his missionary journeys, he had heard the things that Paul taught over and over. Now Paul is asking him to teach other men of integrity who will be to teach others. This is very important. The devil will bring much opposition against people studying the Bible. People change and grow most through the study of the Bible—if they have the Holy Spirit and those led by the Spirit to teach them. Timothy had to be strong to face the opposition brought about when he tried to teach reliable men so that they could teach others.
“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." Paul compares those who are truly obeying Jesus to a good soldier. A soldier, in the midst of battle, probably has the most difficult life of all. He must give up much and suffer much.
“No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer.” The soldier must be careful to please his commanding officer. If he gets involved in civilian affairs, he doesn’t have the time, energy or desire to do all that his commanding officer requires.
Similarly, if we get involved in things of the world we do not have the time, energy or desire to please God: “Religion that God ou Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 Even though we might not get involved in outright sinful behaviors of the world, such as drinking, illicit sex or gambling, we can get involved in things that are not beneficial to ourselves or others:
“‘Everything is permissible for me’–but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me’–but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘Everything is permissible for me’–but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me’–but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.” We will not receive the victor’s crown that God gives unless we compete according to His rules–in order words, unless we obey His commands. For instance, not competing according to the rules is the man who divorces his unbelieving wife in order to marry a more spiritual woman, thinking they can do great things together for God. He is going against the command, “You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 He will not be blessed in what he does–in fact, it will cause a great deal of harm to all concerned, especially any children involved.
God says that he who has a right to dwell in His sanctuary and live on His holy hill is he “…who keeps his oath even when it hurts…” Psalm 15:4 God cares about our integrity. If we are going to be used of God, we must be careful we carefully obey what He commands.
“The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” What a promise! If we labor hard for God, we should be the first to see the result of our labor. There is nothing more satisfying for a dedicated Christian than to see people growing in their knowledge and obedience to God or to see people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That is God’s very heart–to find people that will accept His love. When we find His heart we will have sweet fellowship with Him. God has made us that way–to fellowship with Him and enjoy His love forever.
“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” I hope that what I have said will start you reflecting on these passages of Scripture. God wants you to have wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” James 1:5 God wants you to meditate on his word and He has promised to give you wisdom. He has given you a special command to meditate on this passage–it must hold a special blessing.
very good mom. I’m a big fan of your writings – you are inspiring. I am motivated to study my bible more!