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2 Timothy 2:1-7
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 his aim is 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.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: The passage calls us to strengthen our souls for difficult times that come to every Christian while living in this world. Paul is looking at Timothy, his child in the faith, his son in the Lord, one he has mentored in the faith. Paul knows all that is before Timothy. Paul has faced desertions, opposition from false teachers, and now physical imprisonment and coming death. This is deeply challenging to Timothy. And so he wants to impart pastoral advice to this young and timid leader. He has called him to guard the good deposit and now tells him how to do this. Like a commissioning service, Paul calls Timothy to ‘be strong in the grace that is in Jesus’ and to pass on what he has learned and to endure hardship. Endurance is the key for him and for each of us.
Review and Apply
What does Paul mean to be strong? How is it different from the strength of the world?
Speak to your relationship with Jesus? Close, not so close, distant? In what ways can we draw near to Jesus for strength?
What sources of encouragement do you find most encouraging? Prayer, bible reading, fellowship, or books?
Speak to your own experience of being discipled or discipling another.
What hinders you from engaging in this passing the gospel along ministry?
Which of the three metaphors for the Christian life strikes you the deepest: soldiering, competing as an athlete, or farming? Why?
How will you consider these things? Can you intentionally set apart time to give consideration to your Christian walk and see how this passage can benefit you?
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