SOLDIER, ATHLETE, FARMER
Opening Prayer
Lord, make me a fruitful and effective disciple.
Read 2 TIMOTHY 2:1–13
The Appeal Renewed
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
Pause to imagine a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer in action. Pray: Lord, what do you want me to learn about my discipleship from each image?
Think Further
Paul seems to be an athletics fan! In verses 1 and 2 he is handing the baton to Timothy and encouraging him to continue the process. Paul then discloses the difficulty in being a faithful disciple: suffering is inevitable (3,9,10) and each of the three illustrations—soldier, athlete, and farmer (4–6)—highlights a different aspect of serving Jesus.
The “soldier” image emphasizes single-mindedness and the need to maintain focus and priorities. What might be the potential distractions in your life: interests and activities which, while not wrong in themselves, can entangle you and hinder your spiritual effectiveness? The “athlete” speaks of not cutting corners—by running inside the track on the bends or by taking illegal performance-enhancing substances. What may correspond to these temptations in your walk with God—perhaps quick fixes that ignore the need for discipline and perseverance? The “farmer” reminds us that producing fruit requires hard work over time coupled with patience. What spiritual “fruit” are you eager to grow, and what work might God be calling you to do so that this can happen?
The danger in this approach is that the grace of God may be forgotten and discipleship becomes a self-help program, a grim struggle in our own strength, and a belief that ultimately salvation depends on our own efforts. All of this is anathema to Paul, the apostle of grace. The New Testament presents a perfect combination of reliance on God’s grace and commitment to discipleship: our self-discipline opens the door and creates the space for the daily working of God’s Spirit. The key is to “Remember Jesus Christ” (8,11–13), both what he has done for us and his call to us to follow him.
Apply
Does one of the images (soldier, athlete, farmer) resonate particularly in your life today? How is your balance between relying on God’s grace and working at following Jesus?
Closing prayer
Lord, thank You for giving us images from real-life experiences in Your Word that enhance our understanding of Your requirements.
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