Soldier, Athlete, and Farmer

Welcome to a new section of my blog - Biblical Reflections.

2 Timothy 2:3-6

I am currently taking a Biblical Backgrounds course here at Union. In it, we look back to early documents that were written around the same time as the Bible. I actually have a paper due tomorrow in that class, over this passage. So I thought I would share some of it in this post. I just won't go into all the quotes and background I found for this passage.

1. Soldier (v3-4) - Paul encourages Timothy to suffer as a soldier as he aims to please his general. This includes courage and bravery. A soldier must be willing to go to the front line and face death if the need arises. But during the other parts of his career, he must endure the various hardships that come: such as food rationing, carrying all their supplies (without modes of transportation), and always being prepared. Suffering did not only include death; it also came from the everyday tasks and chores. Through it all, a solider desired to please his general.
   In the same way, we must also endure any hardships that arise (on this side of death) and endure in the faith. We should strive daily to please God as we obey His commands.
   ...
2. Athlete (v5) - Athletes of the time were crowned and respected if they competed according to the rules. When someone was found cheating, they were stripped of their rewards and lost all respect to the spectators. This is somewhat true today, but many times the idea of cheating is blurred, and people question whether they were cheating or finding some "strategic advantage."
   As Christians, we must live according to God's Word. Those are our rules for life. When we are seen disrespecting God and not following His commands, people lose respect for us. This hurts our witness before the lost. Therefore, we must be careful to follow God daily and not be seen as a "cheater" who does not follow the rules.
   ...
3. Farmer (v6) - An interesting farming idea for the 1st century was the idea of starting small. Instead of being greedy and trying to do too much too soon, men were encouraged to start small and do well. Then they could gradually build up the farm as time went on. They were to work hard with what they had, and were discouraged in the idea of being greedy.
   Similarly, we should work hard with what God has given us. We should never desire a "more noble" task. God gives us each our own gifts and expects us to use those in life. We can accomplish just as much for God in our own way as can someone else. He desires for us to work hard with what He gave us. Then, He may bless us with more if we are found faithful.

This is just a quick look at those 4 verses. Remember that God can use any of us. He wants to do amazing things through the lives of His children. But we have to be willing to work hard, follow His commands, and be willing to suffer for Him. This takes a life completely devoted to Him.

Matt