"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown expect by competing by the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this." (2 Timothy 2:3-7)
Have you ever thought about the idea of us being like soldiers? I never have and I love it. Soldiers have one thing in mind and that is victory and following the rules that the commander and chief has set. The commander and chief of our lives is Christ Jesus and we should only be concerned with following his word.
Paul also gives the example of an athlete. He writes that athletes will never receive the victor's crown if they don't play by the rules. There are rules that athletes must follow so that games and events are fair. If there were not any rules for athletes to follow there would never be a way to reward someone for the hard work they have put it. There are rules athletes must follow for a reason.
Lastly, Paul talks about farmers. He says that the hardworking farmer should be the first person to receive a share of the crops. The hardworking farmer put all the work in so it is fair if he gets the first share. He was patient and followed the rules that farmers follow.
I hope you understand these three samples here. I like how Paul uses three examples that lots of people can relate too. Not everyone is a farmer, athlete, or a solider. Not everyone is the same, but these three example all have a couple of things in common and that is following the rules, sacrifice, and wanting to be victorious.
As Timothy preached and taught, he would face suffering, but he should be able to endure. Paul used the three comparisons as an example of those who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want. Like soldiers, we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes, we must train hard and follow the rules. Like farmers, we must work extremely hard and be patient. But we keep going despite suffering because of the thought of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with him.
I write for one reason, and that is to encourage others, give perspective, and get people excited about their faith.
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