2 Timothy 2:3- You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. NASB
Last week, we celebrated Veteran’s Day in America. Let me extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the servicemen and women who have served in their country’s armed forces to protect and defend them. I also extend my thankfulness to their families. Whether your loved ones came home healthy and whole, broken and in despair, have passed away, or are still in active service, you have provided support and encouragement to them. So, to all of you, thank you for your service!
Our text today reminds me of my own military service. Last week, our school celebrated Veteran’s Day for the first time. During one of the assemblies, I was asked, “What was the hardest part of being in the military”? Without thinking about it, my response was that the hardest part was being away from home. There were some lonely days and nights. I actually cried all the way to Italy! Then came the shock of BootCamp! Although I had some idea of the physical stamina needed to complete it, I had no idea of the mental capacity I would need. It was tough! But I made it!
Paul was totally committed to the cause of Christ! He had preached the message of the kingdom that had been passed down to him through great persecution. Let me remind you:
I am speaking as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent adrift at sea. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NASB
Paul had some rough times! Yet, as he looked to the end of his life, he encouraged Timothy to continue the legacy of faithfulness and perseverance he had demonstrated to him in the face of persecution!
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:1 NASB
Be strong, Timothy! God has given you the grace needed to persevere, so this isn’t the time to pull back! The early church was experiencing tremendous persecution. Paul was in prison, facing imminent death because of this persecution and yet he told Timoth to be strong! Paul trained Timothy and taught him everything that he knew about the gospel of Jesus and the walk of faith! Now it is time for his departure, and he wants Timothy to understand that he expects him to continue in the faith without wavering! This is not an unusual time for Paul to be exhorting Timothy, because Jesus did the same thing when His departure was nigh. The only problem was that the disciples didn’t listen to Him and were thrown off course at His arrest and crucifixion! Paul didn’t want this to happen to Timothy!
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.
2 Timothy 2:2 NASB
This is an interesting verse that appears not to be connected in a casual reading of the text, however, I think it is the major topic! Paul instructs Timothy to continue to teach the same gospel message that he had been given. Not only that, Paul wants him to entrust that message to faithful people who will be able to teach others! At this difficult point in church history, when it would be easy to draw back, Paul encouraged Timothy to persevere!
Paul told Timothy to endure like a soldier:
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3 NASB
During the time of the writing of this letter, soldiers were expected to serve in the military for 20 years without being married. That’s hard! Along with their commitment to singleness was the commitment the sodiers made to training, to perseverance, to overcoming in order to be the best they could be. This was the picture that Paul wanted Timothy to keep before him. Paul continued by stating:
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
2 Timothy 2:4 NASB
With these words, Paul reminded Timothy that he was engaged in spiritual warfare, and therefore should not entangle himself with the things going on around him! Maybe that was the fact that Paul was about to die or some other matters. We don’t know! But what we do know is that Paul was telling Timothy to stay focused!
Paul then brings up the life of an athlete:
And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
2 Timothy 2:5 NASB
Again, the point behind these illustrations is to encourage Timothy to stand firm in what he believes, no matter what! There are no shortcuts in the kingdom! You must play by the rules, or there is no reward for you just like in an athletic competitions! The gospel of Jesus was as relevant at his departure as it was when he was with Timothy instructing him. The way of holiness, the integrity, the steadfast life was probably more necessary at this point, then ever before.
And then there is the farmer, Paul wrote:
The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
2 Timothy 2:6 NASB
Whether the farmer is the first to partake of the fruit of his labors (as in blessings), or the fruit of suffering, or the first to reap the rewards of heaven (as in martyrdom), I am not certain. But I am certain that Paul is still encouraging Timothy to hang in there and see what the end will be!
Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2 Timothy 2:7 NASB
Conside what I say! Think about all of this, Timothy! Don’t ignore it! For I am certain that the Lord will help you to understand all of this as time goes on, in case you don’t understand it now!
Such is the relationship that Paul shared with Timothy! As Timothy’s mentor, he took advantage of every opportunity to teach Timothy the things he needed to know to be successful in his ministry. Paul understood that a lot was being placed on Timothy’s shoulder. He was being passed the baton by Paul whether he wanted it or not! Much like maybe Joshua felt after Moses’ departure. But scholars believe that Timothy lived a faithful life before the Lord, fulfilling Paul’s wish of sticking it out in Ephesus and staying true to the kingdom!
Getting into ministry is easy. Enduring the hardships of ministry, especially when you are going through for your faithfulness to the gospel is not always a piece of cake. There is a saying in the church, the bigger the level, the bigger the devil. News flash! There is only one devil and his attacks don’t make him bigger. But when he attacks, we are to stay true to the gospel message, remain firm in our faith, and refuse to compromise our stand of integrity! So remember, whether you are in ministry or a member of the congregation, you are to endure like soldier, stick to the plan like an athelete, and reap the rewards like a farmer! God is counting on you, and so are those who know you! Wonderful Jesus!
Wonderful Jesus! 