QT 5/24/2024 2 Tim 1:-7, What does ministry look like?

2 Timothy 2:1–7 (ESV) —

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.

 

NOTE: After years of ministry service, Paul had developed pictures in his mind of what it meant to serve the Lord. After sharing the 4-generation discipleship verse 2:2 (you -- Timothy; me -- Paul; faithful men; others), Paul lays out 3 pictures of discipleship.

 

The picture of the soldier seems to center around focus and energy. I remember working directly for a one-star general as a young lieutenant. When he gave me a task, I worked all night if needed to get it done the next day. I wanted to please him, and so I focused on his task above all else and put all my energy into. That is the way, I should take the tasks that Jesus gives to me.

 

The picture of the athlete is one of integrity. Breaking the rules brings shame. It is far better to lose and have competed correctly than to win and suffer shame when cheating is discovered. A lifetime of success can be destroyed by one bad deed. Our witness always hangs on a knife's edge. The enemy is looking to disgrace us and our message. We MUST stay far from sin.

 

The picture of the farmer is not as clear. I grew up on a farm. I loved to taste the fresh produce. It was the joy of taking a seed and seeing it come to fruition. I suppose seeing God change a person from a sinner to a born-again believer brings that same joy. And I have experienced that joy. I just don't understand Paul's reason for the picture. Maybe, saving people needs to be our motivation. Without Jesus, people are lost. There is no hope without Jesus. Life can be very depressing when we separate ourselves from the source and creator of life. God has given us this seed to spread. We have the answer to the futility of life. What are we doing with it?

 

PONDER:

1. What is the focus of my life?
2. Do I live my life above reproach?
3. Do I care for people and their need for a savior?

 

PRAYER: Father, increase my love for the lost. Give me boldness and opportunities to share my faith with others. Multiply my life into others.