2 Timothy 2:1-4

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 2:1-4

After speaking about all those that have abandoned him, Paul then returns to the language of calling Timothy his child. He also encourages him to remain strong in the faith that was entrusted to him.  Paul reminds him that he has not just heard this faith from Paul but from many other sources as well.  Paul tells Timothy to be willing to share in the suffering.  However, Paul also reminds Timothy to not get entangled in civilian pursuits since the goal of a soldier is to please the leader of the army, not the world around the army.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Again we hear Paul encouraging Timothy to stay strong.  Again we hear Paul speak to Timothy as his own child.  For Paul, others leaving the faith hurts.  But should Timothy to also leave the faith it would be a crushing blow because Paul trained him personally.  This shows us some of the love and passion that should be present in a spiritual mentor.  As a disciple of Christ, you want a spiritual mentor who is going to absolutely pour himself in blood, sweat, and tears into your spiritual life.  You want someone that will devote himself so much that they would be crushed should you ever stray away from the faith.  You want someone who will actually be able to mirror what Jesus Christ did for His disciples.

Have you ever thought about the importance of not just finding a mentor, but finding a good mentor who genuinely cares?  When you think about Christ, how did Jesus pour himself into His disciples (obviously the cross, but what else)?    

Second Thought:

Not that Paul emphasizes that Timothy heard about the faith from multiple sources.  Paul didn’t just teach Timothy.  Paul introduced Timothy to other people who could teach.  He introduced Timothy to other sources of genuine faith so that Timothy had multiple perspectives.  Part of being a well-rounded follower of God is having multiple points of contact with spiritual beings who can teach you different things about the faith and how to live out one’s faith.

Why is it easier to believe when you are surrounded by more than one person who confesses belief?  Why is it easier to stand in faith when you are in a group than when you are by yourself?  Why might it be able to teach others when you have multiple points of faith contact teaching you?

Third Thought:

Paul gives Timothy some very sage advice.  Paul reminds Timothy that he is a soldier in God’s army.  As a soldier in God’s army, he should be concerned about the pursuits of the commander of that army: God.  He shouldn’t be concerned about the civilian (worldly) affairs.  The world can and will govern itself and pursue the things that it desires.  If Timothy really is a member of God’s army, then he needs to be able to focus on God’s agenda.

What events draw your attention away from God?  What events draw your attention away from God’s agenda?  Where do you feel called by God to focus?

I’m going to go into a bit of a specific tangent here.  I’ve seen many people fretting over this upcoming election.  I’m not fretting over it.  Yes, I know who I would like to see win and who I don’t think I want as a civilian leader over my fellow countrymen.  But in the end, is not the American president a “civilian” issue?  Is either candidate pushing Christianity?  Is either candidate going to encourage people to get into a closer relationship with the one true God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ?  What do Paul’s words here really say with respect to a disciple of Christ’s focus concerning events such as a political election?  Sure, we can try and help the best course of action happen.  But if our citizenship is in heaven, is it really of incredible concern who the world chooses to pick for their leader?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 2:5-7