2 Timothy 2:3-7

Different Images of a Minister's Life

If Timothy was to pass along the gospel, he would have to be prepared to suffer persecution, self denial and the onslaught of the enemy like a soldier on active duty. Guthrie says Paul is telling Timothy that he will have to take his share of suffering. He went on to use the image of a soldier loaded down with items not pertaining to his warfare. When it came time to draw his sword, he would find it tangled up in the things he is carrying and could not have it drawn when the fight began. All Christians need to keep a constant watch on their involvement in the things of this world. Of course, we need to work to provide for our own, for example, but such work should never entangle our sword, or God's word, and prevent us from using it to defeat Satan. Our overriding concern should be to please the Savior, who is also our commander (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

Just as an athlete competing in the Olympic games must abide by the rules if he would be declared the winner, the Christian must pursue the goal of heaven along the course laid out by the Master. Followers of Christ are also like the farmer who works hard to produce a crop and gets to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Those believers who work hard to teach others the will of God will find themselves becoming the first beneficiary of laboring with God's word (2 Timothy 2:5-6).

Paul urged Timothy to carefully consider the images he presented. If he did so, the apostle said the Lord would help him gain a complete understanding of all things. Once anyone has grown in the knowledge of God's word, he needs God's help to have the wisdom to properly apply it to his life (2 Timothy 2:7; James 1:5).