Be Strong in God’s Work
2 Timothy 2:1-10, 14-15, 22-26
Almost everything worthwhile in life requires hard work. “No pain, no gain” can be applied to just about every noble accomplishment. Success in our Christian walk and work demands that we grow strong in the Lord. We should be encouraged in the knowledge that His power is available for us in this process (Ephesians 6:10).
The apostle Paul begins chapter two with a challenge to Timothy to grow strong. How do we grow strong in our witness for the Lord?
Pass along the faith (2:1-2). Paul charged Timothy to faithfully teach what he had learned from him and to urge those whom he taught to pass along the faith to others. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a “pass it on” message. One of the best ways to grow in our faith walk is to continually be sharing what we have learned with those around us.
Stay focused (2:3-10). Paul offers a trio of illustrations – soldier, athlete and farmer – to encourage Timothy to stay focused on Jesus and on declaring His gospel. Like those who participate in these three endeavors, he must expect difficulty. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Above all, we must always remember we serve a risen Savior (v. 8) who deserves our whole-hearted focus.
Teach the truth (2:14-15). Once again, Paul addresses the problem of destructive teaching within the body of Christ. Lengthy discussions in Bible study groups over popular but false religious ideas are of “no profit” and may even lead some away from the faith. Every church will face this threat at some point, and the right solution is always the same: Stick to the truth of the gospel. Pastors and other church leaders must insist upon this standard in order that the Word of God be correctly taught so that believers may grow strong.
Be gentle and patient (2:22-26). Timothy is admonished to give careful attention to his lifestyle. He is warned about activities which undermine efforts to live a life worthy of God’s calling.
While dealing with those who promote divisions within his congregation, he must remember that a kind, helpful approach represents Christ positively and goes far in reclaiming those who have strayed from the truth. Believers have a dual responsibility to reach out to the unsaved and to seek to reclaim those who have wandered from the truth. Verses 24-26 should be read alongside James 5:19-20: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,?let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
Clark– Lessons in the ETB series for the spring quarter are being written by Tim Clark, pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church, Inman.