In Second Timothy 2:1-7 Paul presents us with three views of the Christian. First, he is a soldier. Second, he is an athlete, and third he is a farmer. Realizing the attributes of each of these, then making application to the Christian life will cause us to see what God ex­pects of us, and how that conduct will then extend outward, doing his work in the world.

The Christian as a soldier. This is seen in many statements in the New Testament, especially in the writing of Paul. He told Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6: 2). The Christian is called up to "war a good warfare" (1 Tim. 1:18). Since God has called the Christian to act as a soldier, he has commensurately equipped us for that great work (Eph. 6:11ff).

A soldier is called upon to endure the hardships that come his way (text). He must have a willingness to fight for the Lord; to defend the faith (Jude 3). A good soldier is one who obeys orders from his commander. Jesus is our commander, and he said, "if ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). One of the evidences of discipleship is whether or not we keep his commandments (John 15:14).

A good soldier is fully dedicated to the task at hand; he is not entangled in the affairs of this world (text). All else is laid aside so that he is not hin­dered in his battle. He is loyal to his cause, even in the face of (Rev. 2:10).

There are two opposing powers in the world and men must make a choice as to which he will serve. Our battle is against Satan; against spiritual wickedness in high places (2 Cor. 10:4-5). What military commander would not like to have the assurance the Christian does as he goes into the battle? God has promised the victory if his soldiers will fight (2 Cor. 2:14).

The Christian as an athlete. Verse five of our text speaks of one " com­peting in athletics" (NKJV), and he promise is that he shall be crowned if he strives lawfully. But there are some requirements if one would be successful in athletics.

First, there is the proper training (1 Tim. 4:7-8). Bodily exercise may be good, but it does not equip one for competing in the spiritual games! A good athlete has himself on a proper food regimen; or diet. One should feast upon the milk of God's word (1 Pet. 2: 1-2), as well as the meat (Heb. 5:12-14). A good athlete lives in a good environment, and that says he does not surround himself continually with worldly people.

A good athlete knows and observes the rules; he does not violate them and expect to be crowned. He has a goal in mind, and certainly the" spiritual athlete" has that goal there (Phil. 3:13-­14). When these criteria are met, he may then expect to receive the crown that goes to the victory.

The Christian is a farmer. Note in Matthew 20:1ff, that we sometimes call the parable of the vineyard, that Jesus seeks and calls workers. We are thus called by the Master himself to labor in his vineyard! Is this not an honor? a place of respect? In the parable of the two sons (Matt. 21:28ff) we see clearly the divine aspect of this call. First, there was a divine call - "go work." Next, we see that there was a divine relationship - "son." There was a divinely appointed time - "now" and then a divinely appointed place - ­"my vineyard."

Note that Jesus often called people who were already busy. He called his first disciples away from their fishing business (Matt. 4:21), and then called Matthew away from his tax table (Matt. 9:9).

This work should be done willingly, with no coercion. Work in the Lord's vineyard ought to be a joy, for we toil with the best of men - men of honest, hard work. More than that, God works with us (1 Cor. 3:9).

Again, once the work is done, the re­ward is there, for such a one "partakes of the crops" (text). Are we involving ourselves in these three areas for the Lord. Will we fight, compete and work in his cause? - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

Your reputation will follow you - at least for awhile after you are gone. Do you care what folks think of you? Of course what truly counts is how the Lord remembers our lives. Its pretty difficult to fool a lot of people all our lives. Even if they "go" before we do, how will they leave this world think­ing of us?

One fellow was at the end, and called his doctor and lawyer to his bedside. On either side of the bed was a chair, and he asked each to have a seat. "Why," they asked, "do you want us here?" His doctor assured him he had done all he could for him, and the lawyer assured him that all his affairs were in order. "Well," says the near-­goner, "I know my time is about up. When I die, I want to die like the Lord - with a thief on either side of me!”

In your trade there may lots of thieves - but you don't have to be one of them. There are probably liars - but you don't have to imitate them. Be the fin­est you can be in whatever area of life you choose. The Lord will be pleased with you even if men are not - and he is the one with the reward. Have you thought about it? What will folks think when you are gone? - Bill Moseley