Be Strengthened

II Tim. 2:1-7

"Finally, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

In chapter two, Paul continues to instruct Timothy for the task at hand. It appears from reading these seven verses that Timothy had a rigorous task facing him. It fact, it was a man's job for Paul's child in the faith. Above all, Paul knew Timothy would need the grace of God for strength, strength that would be of prime importance for wisdom, for teaching ability, for interpersonal skills, and for perseverance in the task. Obviously, Timothy may have had wisdom and people skills beyond his years, but Paul was not as concerned about these areas as he was with Timothy's ability to access this unlimited supply of grace. I love how Paul cuts to the core of the issue. The issue is not training in management and human resources, but it is reliance on grace. Paul knew this first hand because God had told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." He knew that this same experience would be crucial for him to share with his son in the faith.

What exactly is the task Timothy was sent to do? Paul told Timothy that what he had heard and been taught, he must teach to other faithful men who would then teach it as well. This is God's ordained process. Whatever I personally learn or have been taught, I must share and teach as well. Learning and growing in Christ is a process that not only involves studying, but involves sharing a personal relationship. Understanding the concepts of the Word in light of these personal relationships makes this teaching like no other.

To explain Timothy's mission, Paul shared with him three word pictures. First, he said that Timothy was a soldier of Christ Jesus who would share in suffering. Soldiers train intensively for specific, dangerous, and even life threatening tasks. In fact, many Christians have accepted this same task have suffered horrendously even to the point of losing their lives. Also as a soldier, Timothy should not get entangled in civilian pursuits because soldiers must always please their commander by following his orders. As I think about this, I realize that soldiers have very limited freedom. Every minute of their day is structured in the service of their country. Pleasure and personal freedom are not considerations. Timothy had been through a rigorous boot camp with Paul where he was trained for this mission.

Paul's second image is of an athlete, an athlete who doesn't get crowned unless he competes according to the rules. I think that these rules are the Word of God. What Timothy had learned from the Word, he must obey and share. He could not think that he had a better way to accomplish his goal apart from God's plan, nor could he think that his timing was better than God's. If he was faithful to the Bible, then he, like the athlete, would get a crown not in this life but one that is reserved for him in heaven, "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

The final image is that of a hard-working farmer who receives the first share of the crop. If Timothy completed his mission, he would get the first share of the crop. He would reap the increase that God gave in the lives of those who listened and received the message. Why had Paul chosen a farmer? His job is not nearly as glamorous as the soldier or the athlete, but instead the farmer seems to be a humble man who works unendingly. Likewise, the servant of God must be humble and ready to work unendingly.

Paul ends his mentoring session with "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding." What a great example! Paul didn't say that Timothy would fail if he didn't do exactly as he said. Instead he merely asked him to think about it. In my experience, this addresses a huge flaw of much mentoring. Somehow mentors think they need to tell the ones they are helping exactly what to do. They get caught up in the specific details. But here, Paul taught principles, the principles of suffering, obeying, and working. As to the specifics, he left those to God. Paul was not worried that Timothy would crash and burn because he knew that the Lord Himself would give him the understanding. It would all be in the will of God. Paul could rest knowing that Timothy's mission was God's mission.

Father,

Strengthen me by Your grace so that I might serve you whether it's as a soldier, an athlete, or a farmer. I want to trust You for all that I need. Send Your Spirit to give me understanding as I "think over" what Paul has said.

In Jesus name,

Amen