2 Timothy 2:1-5

January 1, 2009
    

2 Tim 2:1-5

2:1 SO YOU, my son, be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus.

2 And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also.

1.       Paul seems to refer here to the instructions delivered to him when he laid his hands on him in 1 Tim 6:12.

2.       Now he tells him to commit those truths to faithful men in the same way that they were committed to him, that the truth might be preserved in the church, and reliable men appointed successively to teach it.

3.       But, where is the uninterrupted pastoral succession? Many say they are teachers, but are they?

3 Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus.

1.       Paul considers a Christian a soldier, not so much for his continual conflicts with the world, devil & the flesh, for these are common to all Christians, but for the hardships and difficulties to which he must be exposed who faithfully teach the Gospel of Christ.

4 No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him.

1.       The soldiers among the Romans were not permitted to engage in farming, business, or any other employment that might be inconsistent with their calling.

2.       The minister of the gospel should not have any distraction to prevent him from studying and teaching others the truth, but how many don’t study or improve? (Note the apostles appointing elders to do other work which might distract them from prayer, studying, and teaching.

5 And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down).

1.       If one contends in the public games-the Olympic or Isthmian games among the Greeks, so often alluded to, must compete according to the rules.

2.       A Christian minister, if he expects to receive a Well done, good and faithful servant, from Jesus Christ, must preach the truth (in word and doctrine)  and build up the church upon Him who is its only foundation.