2 Timothy 2:3

³ You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

As Paul writes this last letter to Timothy, he is well aware that his time on earth is nearly over. He commissions Timothy to faithfully carry on the ministry that the Lord has given him. In v3 of chapter 2, Paul describes along with him to bear Timothy’s share of sufferings like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Paul’s mentioning of the word soldier of Jesus Christ, here means to be a guard of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then in verses 4-6, Paul goes on to give three examples of practical experiences beginning with an enlisted Soldier: A soldier who is entrusted to protect a nation or a kingdom cannot deviate from the purpose for which he was called to serve. If the soldier gets distracted by the worldly affairs then he won’t be able to accomplish the purpose for which he or she was enlisted in the first place.

The second example Paul gives here is that of an athlete. In order to win the crowning title or the first prize, the athlete has to follow the game rules. The third example Paul gives is that of a farmer. And farmers who work hard are the first to eat what grows in their field.

But there is more in these three illustrations of Christian service than appears on the surface. Timothy is exhorted to consider them and to meditate on them. All of the above illustrations have one thing in common. That is hardship. Paul was encouraging Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus in order to endure the hardship. Generally speaking all of the above professions require hard work, practice/training, focus, strength, dedication/perseverance and patience etc., to achieve the best possible results. Today let us mediate on this Paul’s letter to Timothy and apply it in our lives for the sake of the Gospel. In Jesus name! Amen.

Maranatha!