Multiplying Disciples
[ READ ] 2 Timothy 2:1–7
A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus
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.
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.
Paul uses three relatable examples to encourage his protégé: soldiers, athletes, and farmers. He wants Timothy to stay focused on the task at hand and be persistent through suffering. I think Paul is wanting to convey comfort to Timothy as well as exhortation. The word “child” in verse 1 is the same word that Jesus used in Mark 2:5 to the paralytic when he says, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” This word has the connotation of great endearment!
If I had to summarize this passage it would be this: be strong. Remain steadfast in suffering. Don't get distracted from your calling. Play by the rules and you will reap the rewards.
- Cara Fowler
If I had to summarize this passage it would be this: be strong. Remain steadfast in suffering. Don't get distracted from your calling. Play by the rules and you will reap the rewards.
- Cara Fowler
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ What does it mean to be a good servant of Christ Jesus?
+ What valuable characteristics do we glean from this passage?
+ What does it mean to be a good servant of Christ Jesus?
+ What valuable characteristics do we glean from this passage?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Are you getting "entangled in civilian pursuits"? How might you be getting distracted from what God has called you to?
+ Is your aim to please the One who enlisted you?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Are you getting "entangled in civilian pursuits"? How might you be getting distracted from what God has called you to?
+ Is your aim to please the One who enlisted you?
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
God I pray you would strengthen us by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Would you help us be good soldiers in the faith and share in the sufferings of brothers and sisters around us. Above all, Lord, would you give us understanding in everything and help us listen to Your voice. Amen.
+ Pray with me:
God I pray you would strengthen us by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Would you help us be good soldiers in the faith and share in the sufferings of brothers and sisters around us. Above all, Lord, would you give us understanding in everything and help us listen to Your voice. Amen.
[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
yourself:
+ Talk today’s message over with someone who is discipling you, and someone you are discipling.
+ How might you “share in suffering” with other soldiers in Christ Jesus?
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
yourself:
+ Talk today’s message over with someone who is discipling you, and someone you are discipling.
+ How might you “share in suffering” with other soldiers in Christ Jesus?
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