3 Professions of a Christian SOLDIER ATHLETE 2 Timothy 2:1-6 FARMER
INTRODUCTION 2 Timothy was written from prison in Rome Paul knew that his life could end soon Written to a young preacher, Timothy The principles apply to our life in Christ
SOLDIER 2 Timothy 2:1-4
2 Timothy 2:1-4 1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
SOLDIER 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Be a good soldier Endure Hardship WE ARE AT WAR – Divorce, abortion, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, atheism, fornication, ungodly world
SOLDIER 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. Don't get tangled in this life God enlisted you Seek to please Him
ATHLETE 2 Timothy 2:5
ATHLETE 2 Timothy 2:5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
ATHLETE To win – you must compete Must keep the rules of the contest Don't be disqualified Are you playing by the rules? Discipline yourself (self-control) Train yourself Strive for the goal
3 Professions of a Christian 2 Timothy 2:6-7
FARMER 2 Timothy 2:6-7 6 The hard- working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
FARMER Farmer = Husbandman (KJV) Remember story of grasshopper and ant? Farmer must – till, plant, weed – WAIT Work all summer – nothing to show for it Have faith that harvest will come
FARMER We labor for the reward Keep the faith Have patience – James 5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
3 Professions of a Christian SOLDIER endure, be strong, face adversity, don't get tangled in the world
3 Professions of a Christian SOLDIER endure, be strong, face adversity, don't get tangled in the world ATHLETE play by the rules, train, compete, work hard, strive
3 Professions of a Christian SOLDIER endure, be strong, face adversity, don't get tangled in the world ATHLETE play by the rules, train, compete, work hard, strive FARMER work, plant, weed, be patient, harvest will come