Put up with your share of hardship as a loyal soldier in Christ’s army. 2 Timothy 2:1 PHILLIPS
So, MY SON, (Sign of Paul’s affection) throw yourself into this work for Christ. … When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. 2 Timothy 2:1, 3 MSG
Some people endure hardships for earthly goals and Paul urges Timothy, and us, to be willing to endure discomfort for the sake of the Gospel.
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. 2 Timothy 2 NIV
Someone has said that there are four generations mentioned in this sentence; Paul, Timothy, those who hear Timothy and those whom they in turn will teach. Paul foresees that there will always be people who will be able to teach God’s Word in the Church – a teaching legacy.
Remember: 1) That no soldier on active service gets himself entangled in business, or he will not please his commanding officer. 2) A man who enters an athletic contest wins no prize unless he keeps the rules laid down. 3) Only the man who works on the land has the right to the first share of its produce. 2 Timothy 2 PHILLIPS
A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It’s the diligent farmer who gets the produce. 2 Timothy 2 MSG
Paul then gives Timothy examples/word pictures of three different classes of people in daily life who sacrifice and show great commitment to achieve their goals. The soldier totally given to the battle, the athlete who has to compete within the rules and the farmer who has to work long and hard to get the produce.
Last night I listened online to a Christian lady describing an encounter with the Lord. He said to her (my paraphrase), ‘WHEN YOU SAY YES TO ONE THING, YOU WILL HAVE TO SAY NO TO SOMETHING ELSE’. Christa Elisha on Elijah Streams 3 May 2023 Following this, she has become much more thoughtful and prayerful before committing to new things, because she knows it will mean dropping something else. Many overcommitted people have nothing left to give when it comes to an inner relationship with the Lord.