~ Word Pictures of the Effective
Christian in 2 Timothy 2 ~
In this
single chapter of the Scriptures we find five specific analogies of things to
which an effective Christian is similar.
Then we have a passage of application of the qualities of those word
pictures. Finally we have three general
analogies of an effective Christian. In
each of the eight images, or word pictures, there are characteristics which
should be present in the life of a child of God.
Son
~ “You
therefore, my son, be strong in the
grace that is in Christ Jesus” (verse 1).
A son belongs to a family. Key
aspects of family relationships are affection
and love.
Teacher
~ “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” (verse 2). Teachers
faithfully impart knowledge and wisdom.
Soldier
~ “You
therefore must endure hardship as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself
with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (verses 3-4). Soldiers speak of subjection to authority and endurance even in tough circumstances.
Athlete
~ “And
also if anyone competes in athletics,
he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (verse 5). An athlete must possess well-developed skills and follow the rules.
Farmer
~ “The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the
crops” (verse 6). Farmers are faithful and are compensated for their work.
application: “Consider what I
say, and may the Lord give you
understanding in all things. Remember
that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to
my gospel, for which I suffer
trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not
chained. Therefore
I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the
salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This is a faithful
saying: for if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive
about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers” (verse 7-14).
Worker
~ “Be
diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word
of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more
ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and
Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed
concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they
overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless
the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who
are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity’” (verse 15-19). Key characteristics of an effective worker
are accuracy and diligence.
Vessel
~ “But
in a great house there are not only vessels
of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for
dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses
himself from the latter, he will be a vessel
for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful
lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the
Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid
foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife” (verses
20-23). There are good and bad vessels. The Christian is encouraged to be a good
conduit that is clean and ready for use.
Servant
~ “And
a servant of the Lord must not quarrel
but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in
humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them
repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their
senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to
do his will” (verses 24-26). Key
qualities of an effective servant are humility
and obedience.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
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