Daily Reading March 8 2010 from 2 Timothy 2:1-12 NIV

Day 57

2 Timothy 2:1-12 NIV
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer.5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ -
This statement correctly identifies who the Apostle Paul was. Paul behaved passionately before his encounter on the Damascus road in killing Christians and after working to convert as many as possible. Paul here writes to Timothy that he too should consider himself a soldier of Christ. He goes on to say "no one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer", Paul's way of reminding Timothy that his life and work should be that of preaching and teaching first and foremost. Paul goes on to use two other examples in addition to a soldier, he mentions an athlete and a farmer. Paul's use of analogy helps every reader relate to the instruction he is giving. Work hard and stay on task, this is my synopsis of the message that he is working to convey. Paul next mentions that while he is in chains the gospel cannot and is not chained. Even while Paul suffers and is kept from preaching the Word of God continues to be taught and continues to change lives. This Word is alive and you cannot stop it, silence it, or kill it. Individuals messengers are occasionally silenced but the word continues to accomplish God's will. It doesn't get old or outdated and it's teachings and stories continue to be relevant even thousands of years after their original writing. Paul concludes this section of our reading with "a trustworthy saying"; if we die with Him we will live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, He will remain faithful. A soldier, athlete or farmer must be diligent in their work or they will end in failure. A Christian, follower of Jesus Christ, must remain true to Him and the call to communicate the gospel to the world. Are you a faithful soldier? Do you work for the kingdom?

Blessings,

Pastor Larry