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Today's Scripture

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
—2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV)

Additional Scripture
-1 Corinthians 13:8-13
-2 Timothy 3:10-17

 

Reflect on the Word

In 2 Timothy 2:1-7, Paul commissions Timothy for the ministry ahead of him. He calls Timothy his son, implying that his legacy of a life sold out to the gospel would be passed to his son in the faith. Paul gives Timothy two imperatives followed by three paradigms for the life of a minister on mission—that is, anyone who is called by God to share the Good News.

The first imperative is that Timothy must impart to others the truths he has learned—teaching those who might themselves teach, that the kingdom of God may multiply. The second imperative is that Timothy must embrace the suffering that comes with a life on mission, joining in the challenges that are part and parcel of being a sold-out believer, counting the cost of effective ministry.

The three paradigms that follow give Timothy (and us) a framework for a life that strives for one reward, to hear “well done.” The paradigms are as follows:

  1. The life of the minister is the life of a solider—selling out to the mission of Jesus, so we remain undistracted by the things of this world.
  2. The life of the minister is the life of an athlete—dedicated to our craft as is made apparent in our discipline, lifestyle and training.
  3. The life of the minister is the life of a farmer—both hands on the plow, never forgetting that there is a harvest to be had if we don’t stop tending the field.

 

Prayer + Contemplation

  1. In 2 Timothy 2:7, Paul encourages Timothy to reflect on his words so that he may understand what Paul is commissioning him to do. Reflect on what it means in your own life to be a teacher of the Word, a soldier for the kingdom and a worker of the harvest.
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight specific people in your life to whom you can impart what has been imparted to you about the kingdom of heaven.
  3. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your missional focus, that you may be like a solider— undistracted by the things of the world and fully submitted to the mission of Jesus.