Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
3 “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the One who has enlisted you in His army. 5 Follow the Lord’s rules for doing His work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. 6 Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will give you understanding in all these things.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:3-7
As Timothy preached and taught, he would face suffering. But Paul showed him how to endure by using comparisons with soldiers, athletes, and farmers who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want. Like soldiers, we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes, we must train hard and follow the rules. Like farmers, we must work extremely hard and be patient. But we keep going despite suffering because of the thought of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering for Christ is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying GOD, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with Him.
Paul told Timothy to think about his words, and GOD would give him understanding. GOD speaks through the Bible, HIS Word, but we need to be open and receptive to HIM. When we read the Bible, we should ask GOD to show us HIS timeless truths and the application to our life. Then consider what we have read by thinking it through and meditating on it. GOD will give us understanding.
Father GOD, we want to satisfy YOU in all we do. Help us LORD to endure and do not let us get tied up in the affairs of this life. Give us and understanding of YOUR Word Father GOD and show us YOUR timeless truths and the application to our lives. Give us understanding in all things.
Photo: Smith’s Fort Plantation (C 1765) (Surry, Virginia)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
