Pastor Benny Collins, Assistant Pastor of Outreach/Interim Youth Pastor
Paul’s life and ministry were drawing near the end. He was imprisoned—in a cold cell, in chains, with little hope of deliverance—and many had abandoned him out of fear of persecution. As Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he both conveyed important truth and offered personal farewells. What would he write as the end drew near? What did Timothy need to hear—and put into practice?
Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:1, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Timothy is instructed to be strengthened, and Paul knew this young pastor would need strength to persevere. Paul himself had been battle-tested through persecution: beatings, stoning, shipwreck, danger from robbers, dangers in the city and in the wilderness, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, and many other hardships. He knew what it meant to suffer for the gospel—and Timothy would need strength for the battles ahead. This strength does not ultimately come from sleep, exercise, diet, or the pleasures of the world. It comes from the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Paul’s parting message is clear: know Christ Jesus and look to Him.
What does this look like in everyday life? How was Timothy to live courageously—even while facing persecution—so that others might be won with the gospel? And how does this apply to us today?
As Paul continues, he gives three examples that help us understand what a strengthened Christian life looks like. First, we are to live like a soldier. A soldier suffers for a greater purpose. We are to “share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” We must not get “entangled in civilian pursuits,” but live to please and glorify the Lord Jesus. If we are honest, we all struggle with becoming entangled in the pursuits of this world. May we live to please our Lord Jesus! Second, we are to live like a faithful athlete. An athlete is disciplined, focused, and driven to win. The unprepared athlete never competes well. May we run—like an athlete—the race that has been set before us. Third, we are to live like a farmer. “The hard-working farmer ought to have the first share of the crops.” What happens to a lazy farmer? He and his family go hungry!
My Pawpaw was a farmer and the owner of a small gas station. Every summer while growing up, I helped as he planted fields of butter beans and purple hull peas. Using a machine, I helped shell bushels and bushels of peas and beans for families in our community who picked “on halves”—they kept two bushels and brought two back to my Pawpaw. I learned firsthand that farming is difficult work. Protecting crops from pests and deer was a daily battle. In the same way, Christians must be diligent and hardworking in the Lord’s field. Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:37–38: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Why would Paul leave Timothy with these instructions and examples? Why are we to live our Christian lives as committed, dedicated, and intentional as the soldier, athlete, and hardworking farmer? Paul answers in verse 8: “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel” (2 Timothy 2:8). When we face hardship, difficulty, and persecution, we remember Jesus Christ—victorious over death and risen from the grave. We live because Jesus lives. We labor for the gospel because Jesus died to make the gospel possible. We love because Jesus first loved us. Find strength today in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Look to Him!
