Soldiers

2 Tim. 2:3

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Paul has exhorted Timothy to be strengthened by the grace of Jesus. It is only in His grace that any believer can endure, maintain, survive, or even flourish. He then proceeded to urge him to share in sufferings as a good soldier of Jesus. As a believer, we are all enlisted in the ranks. Jesus is our commanding officer. Just like a soldier's tour of duty brings with it hardship, suffering, deprivation, and even death, so the believer must endure. The soldier removes himself from civilian pursuits. He no longer lives at his home and may be deployed anywhere around the globe. All his moments are filled with orders concerning his very existence. His life is given completely over to his commanding officer. How glorious it would be if my every thought, word, or action were so structured!

Just in case Timothy did not understand the concept he gave him 2 more examples. The first was the athlete who only is crowned only if he competes according to the rules. Much like the orders the soldier receives so the athlete's life is structured. As he trains for his competition, his life is on a strict schedule of diet, activities, exercise, and focus. Not for a moment does he forget his end goal and all the rules that take him there. Finally, Paul referred to the farmer who works hard and enjoys the first share of his crops. Hard work is a keystone of the Christian life, that is hard work energized by the grace of Jesus Christ. When done in his power, the blessings [the first share of the crops] far outweigh the burden of work. 

He concluded this small section by saying, Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offering of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. In essence Paul gave the example of his life. Just as he suffered for the sake of the gospel and the salvation of the elect, so should Timothy. Always be encouraged by remembering Jesus who suffered for us. Always remember that the word of God is not bound!!

Father,

My heart is uplifted this morning. Strengthen me in Your grace so that I might be a soldier who endures suffering, an athlete who obeys the rules, and a farmer who works hard. I do remember Jesus Christ and that Your word is never bound.

In Jesus name,

Amen