The Soldier, the Athlete, and the Farmer

Notes: The Soldier, the Athlete, and the Farmer
2 Timothy 2
SPEAKER:
Jonathan Laurie
WORSHIP TEAM:
Harvest Worship Band
Thursday, June 23, 2016 — 7:00 p.m.

We are all in need of more discipline in our lives.

So much of our successes and failures in life are based on our own self-discipline.

2 Timothy 2:1-8 NLT
[1] Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. [2] You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. [3] Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. [5] And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. [6] And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. [7] Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. [8] Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.

Paul is writing to a young Timothy while Timothy was pastoring a church as a young man.

Timothy needed encouragement and a reminder to be strong through the faith of Jesus Christ.

We don't have to lean on our own strength, we have the help of Christ Jesus.

1. The Soldier
2 Timothy 2:3-4 NLT
[3] Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.

As a soldier, you never stop being a soldier. Even if you are not actually at work. You still have to see the world and approach as a soldier.

Ephesians 6:10-17 NLT
[10] A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [12] For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. [14] Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. [15] For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. [16] In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. [17] Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The body armor of God prepares a soldier.

2 Timothy 2:3 NLT
[3] Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

The more faithful you become to Jesus Christ, the more hardships that will come your way. As a soldier of Christ we are in battle against the devil.

Matthew 6:24 NLT
[24] "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

2. The Athlete

2 Timothy 2:5 NLT
[5] And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.

"I could of been a contender." Think of that the next time you are indulging in a sin disqualifying yourselves.

To compete, you must meet the requirements.

1. we must be citizens of Heaven.
2. Live according to Christ's standards and discipleship.
3. be faithful in study and following Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NLT
[26] So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. [27] I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

Don't disqualify yourself so that you might proclaim the name of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 4:9-11 NLT
[9] Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), [10] the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, [11] "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased."

3. The Farmer

2 Timothy 2:6 NLT
[6] And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.

God brings the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:6-9 NLT
[6] I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. [7] It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. [8] The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. [9] For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building.

Planting a seed, sharing the Gospel with someone for the first time, answering a question is all faithful service.

2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
[22] Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

2 Timothy 4:7 NLT
[7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.