It Starts Small

³ Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. ⁵ Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. ⁷ Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

2 Timothy 2:3-7

A soldier

Paul passionately draws upon three vivid examples. Timothy would have known these well. These examples illustrate the vibrant and transformative Christian life that Timothy is called to embrace.

• A soldier must be courageous in the face of adversity, ready to embrace every hardship for a greater cause!
• A soldier serves a master with unwavering loyalty; our guiding light is none other than Jesus!
• A soldier stands unchained by worldly desires, fully devoted to their noble calling!
• A soldier remains resolute, brushing aside distractions and entanglements that threaten to derail their mission!
• A soldier’s sacred duty is to obey and honor their master, striving to bring joy to His heart!

We find ourselves locked in a fierce spiritual battle, facing adversaries more fearsome than the most heinous terrorists. Our true enemy seeks nothing less than to obliterate our lives and taint our very souls. He is relentless, thirsting for our downfall, and will not rest until we are condemned to the depths of hell.

An athlete

The Olympic Games and other grand athletic competitions had firmly taken root in this pivotal time of history. Timothy was no stranger to the fervor of sport. He would have felt an electrifying connection to the life of an athlete. He was captivated by their unwavering devotion and relentless pursuit of glory.

• Athletes charge into a fierce competition, a breathtaking race! We too are steadfast in our own exhilarating race of life.
• Athletes embody unwavering self-discipline, saying a resounding “no” to the temptations of the flesh! We must rise to that challenge as well!
• Athletes strive for a fleeting crown, a shimmering prize, a dazzling medal. But we, we seek an everlasting crown, rewards that endure for eternity, never to fade!
• Athletes face disqualification and are cast out of the competition if they dare to break the rules. God is the ultimate authority who establishes those rules! We cannot cherry-pick which ones we follow; we must honor them all.
• We cannot whimsically invent our own rules as we progress! We are called to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to God’s unwavering standards, not our own flawed judgments.
• Athletes train with fervor, warding off distractions, laser-focused on their goals! They reject complacency and relentlessly strive for improvement. We can draw inspiring lessons from their dedication and passion!

A farmer

Timothy was deeply immersed in the vibrant world of farmers, where agriculture ruled the lives of most people. Each day began with the breathtaking sight of lush fields. Bountiful crops served as a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who toiled under the sun.

• Farmers embody the spirit of hard work, pouring their hearts and souls into the land.
• Farmers don’t toil in vain! Before they sell their abundant harvests, they selflessly save a bounty for themselves and their beloved families. Paul passionately argues that serving God comes with magnificent rewards. Our service to God is never in vain; He showers blessings upon those who remain steadfast in their faith.
• Farmers endure long hours of labor without immediate results, bravely confronting setbacks and challenges. Their journey can be a rollercoaster. Sometimes they experience the joy of a plentiful harvest. At other times, they face the heartache of a meager yield.

But they passionately continue to sow the seed. They are fueled by their hope. Their unwavering belief is that a bountiful harvest will come. Making disciples and spreading the seed of the Word is often a fervent endeavor, filled with purpose and determination.

In verse 7, we encounter an incredible interplay of God’s magnificent work and our vital responsibility. God breathes understanding into our souls. He is the divine illuminator who ignites our hearts with revelation. He is also the sovereign force who opens our spiritual eyes to the wonders of His truth. Yet, amid this divine grace, Paul exhorts Timothy to “consider what I say.” It is our sacred duty to meditate deeply on God’s Word. We must unlock the treasures that lie within to enhance our comprehension. While many passages in the Bible reveal profound simplicity, the journey of understanding is not always straightforward. At times, we find ourselves grappling with perplexity. We struggle to grasp the logic, the cultural nuances, the foundational principles, or the deep doctrines that challenge our minds.

What do you do when you don’t understand the Bible? What should you do?

You must meditate on it fervently! Dive deeper into your studies. Don’t simply forget it and opt for something that requires less effort. As the author of Hebrews (5:14) poignantly points out, their minds had grown dull; they were stuck on milk and refused to embrace the richness of solid food. They let their minds grow dull and became spiritually lazy! Instead of passionately seeking answers, they carelessly muttered, “never mind.” When we listen to sermons, let us meditate with fervor. When we immerse ourselves in the Bible during our quiet times, let our meditation be intense. When we participate in Bible study, let us engage with zeal! What powerful practices can ignite this fire within you?

Being a faithful disciple demands unwavering diligence! Just as athletes, farmers, and soldiers pour their hearts into hard work, we too must cultivate a spiritual commitment that reflects our deepest values. Prayer is a labor of love. Teaching the Bible ignites our souls. Loving our family fuels our purpose. Studying the Word transforms us! If you truly desire growth, you must embrace the challenging path. There are no shortcuts on this incredible journey!

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Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
• Ephesians 6:13
• 1 Peter 1:13
• James 4:4
• Hebrews 12:1-2

Discussion Questions

• How would you summarize Paul’s main point from verses 3-6?
• What can we learn from the example of a soldier?
• In what way are we soldiers for Christ?
• What are some things which may entangle us?
• What is the goal of the soldier?
• What can we learn from the example of the athlete?
• In what way are we like athletes?
• How can you be a better athlete?
• What can we learn from the example of the farmer?

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