Press On
Like Timothy, we too are encouraged by Paul’s letter to take on the qualities of the:
Soldier:
- Ready to respond to orders from our commanding officer
- Concentrate on our goal with single-minded focus
- Being strictly devoted to our task and goal – God’s glory
- Take on our share of suffering enduring and remaining faithful
Professional Athlete:
- Concentrate everything on our training as a full-time pursuit
- Be dedicated and be willing to endure with self-discipline and self control
- Maintain the standard set by the challenge and not bring shame by being ill-prepared
- Keeping strictly to the rules established in and exampled by Christ
Farmer:
- Despite the environmental, economic or weather conditions, push on
- Diligently set to the plough regardless of the temptation to slacken off
- Patiently press on in the work and trust God to bring forth his fruit in his time
Hope in Christ
- Single-minded focus of the soldier is upheld by the final victory
- Discipline of the athlete is upheld by the vision of the crown
- The work ethic of the farmer is upheld by the hope of the harvest.
In Christ we have the final victory, the crown and faith of the harvest. Therefore, in Christ we have the strength to press on, endure and hope.
The Appeal Renewed
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
2 Timothy 2:1-7
