Working with Jesus

"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. ⁵ And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops." 

2 Timothy 2:3-6

Last night at Calvary Chapel Sydney our group (Tribe) talked about Paul's exhortation to Timothy.  He used three different examples to instruct and encourage Timothy at the same time.

Soldiers on the front lines suffer many privations and cannot enjoy the presence of family or the comforts of home.  A soldier engages in warfare will not be looking for investment properties, buying stocks, or seeking to marry a wife.  He must remain vigilant, for his life and those he fights alongside are always at risk.  A soldier is trained to follow orders, and it is in his best interest to find favour in the eyes of his commanding officer.  In days past a man fought for a king who could bestow riches and honour:  what more could a man want?

Competitors in the Olympics games were people dedicated to mastery of their discipline.  Today people train from their childhood to hone their skills for the chance of obtaining a gold medal and global recognition as the best in the world.  The main point Paul makes is a participant must compete according to the rules to win the prize.  Each game or competition has specific rules which must be followed.  A false-start leads to disqualification, and the runners must follow the set course.  Only those who compete according to the rules can be crowned.

The third example is that of a "hard-working farmer."  Farming requires long days ploughing, planting, irrigating, harvesting, and preparing crops for market.  It means rising long before the sunrise, battling cold, heat, and insects, and the maintenance of fences and equipment.  Severe frost could mean the loss of crops, and drought can ruin the chance of a profitable growing season.   The farmer must trust the good seed will eventually sprout and bear fruit, even when nothing on the surface seems to be happening.  After hard labour and perseverance, the farmer is the one who receives the firstfruits.

In applying this to the Christian walk, we are like the soldiers who have voluntarily enlisted to serve Christ as King.  We must be willing and prepared to endure hardships, and in doing so we will please God.  Instead of being entangled with the affairs of life, we must make our commitment to God our chief priority.  In one sense we are also like the Olympic athlete, recognising God has laid a course before each of us to run.  If we desire to receive a full reward, we must run in obedience to God's Word.  Those who continue steadfast to the end will receive rewards and a crown of glory.  Finally, we are compared to hard-working farmers who are the first to partake of the crops.  We are to sow the good seed of God's Word with the promise of abundant life to be enjoyed now and for all eternity.

All we are and all we do can be redeemed for God's glory and eternal rewards.  Jesus is a triumphant warrior, a champion of salvation and righteousness, and a hard-working sower of God's Word and Saviour of souls.  We can follow His example and receive a full reward:  we can please our God who has enlisted us; we can compete and win the prize; and our hard work will bring increase for the kingdom of God we will partake of.  Exciting times, walking and working with Jesus!