STRIVING AS A GOOD SOLDIER
2 Timothy 2:1-13
In these verses, Paul gives Timothy some exhortations for being a good soldier of Jesus Christ:
I. BE STRONG (2:1).
A. In grace which is in Christ.
B. Means - "keep on being empowered."
- "keep in touch with the power."
C. Christ is where the power is located. But we must keep in touch with Him.
II. COMMIT "DEPOSIT" (2:2).
A. What? - What you have heard from me - His writings and teachings.
B. To whom? - To faithful men = "trustworthy, reliable people."
C. To what end? - That they might teach others also. This is the battle plan of the Gospel.
III. ENDURE HARDSHIP (2:3-6).
A. What manner? - As a good soldier of Jesus Christ - lit. "for Christ."
B. No one in service entangles himself with the things of this life. - v. 4
C. In Athletics - to have a chance to win, a person is expected to play by the rules. - v. 5
D. The hard-working farmer will see results before a lazy bum will! - v. 6
IV. CONSIDER (2:7).
Paul urges Timothy to "set his mind upon" what Paul has written and said. He also wishes for understanding.
V. REMEMBER (2:8-13).
A. That Jesus Christ was raised from the dead according to "my Gospel."
1. Paul suffered as an "evildoer" for the Gospel. - v. 9
2. But the Word of God was not chained even if Paul was. - v. 9.
B. Paul went on so that he could tell others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He wanted people to hear the message of salvation. - v. 10
C. Paul emphasizes a faithful saying to remember:
1. Dying = Living
2. Enduring = Reigning
3. Denying Him = Being Denied
4. Faithlessness = He remains faithful
5. Jesus is always Faithful because it is His nature. He is
incapable of not being faithful.
CONCLUSION
Even as Paul urged Timothy to be a faithful soldier, let us be committed to the same as good followers of our Redeemer and Lord - Jesus Christ - Who is always Faithful and True!
