2 timothy 2:3-5
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
2 timothy 2:3-5
Have a wonderful Monday!
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Tags: dilligence, faithfulness, grace, hardship, pleasing, trials, tribulation
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
If you click the context link or open your bible and look at verse 1 of chapter 2, Paul admonishes Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”.
Today’s passage made me think on that grace… how living for God involves hardship, isolation, obedience to every rule. It’s a very difficult way to live – maybe even impossible – except for God’s grace!
I describe grace as God’s power donated to us that we can do what we otherwise cannot do, and obtain what we have no authority or credentials to obtain.
Most – if not all of us lack the strength to live like an obedient soldier or a disciplined athlete, but it really doesn’t take much strength to live by God’s grace. Its very similar to being a moocher (which we naturally know how to be!) – except there is no taking advantage or con job needed – God gives the grace freely!
Go on and walk in it! Be strong in it!
~Pastor George
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
This is absolutely beautiful and enlightening. Thank you so much for sharing your insight with us as well as the VOTD. I cherish the scripture that you send us. God Bless you Pastor George! God Bless you all!
March 4th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
The context is interesting, it shows us that self denial is not a futile exercise but a purposeful one, here Timothy is enjoined to teach others that in turn can teach, in the text after the citation (2Tim 2.3-4) in verse 10 Paul gives his motivation: “So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory.” Paul’s reason or motivation for self denial was the salvation of God’s elect, for he knew that as a collaborator with God his task was important.
We must be like minded, and see our purpose in life before God. Paul worked preaching the gospel, making sure the message was clear; Timothy’s job was to ensure it would be transmitted by choosing and training teachers.
What is your calling, focus on it, you can’t be double minded if your life is to shine from here to eternity by God’s grace; you must invest all and be mindful of nothing else save Christ.