7 Christian Roles

~ How Are You Doing? ~

Seven Christian character traits are displayed in the seven word pictures of a Christian in 2 Timothy 2.

A Son  ~  “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (verse 1).  Family relationships are indicative of affection.

A Steward  ~  “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).  Being a good steward is a matter of faithfulness.

A Soldier  ~  “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (verse 3).  Anyone who has served as a soldier will relate the great need for endurance.

An Athlete  ~  “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (verse 5).  Being a good athlete involves mastering the skills.

A Worker  ~  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (verse 15).  An effective worker is known for diligence.

A Vessel  ~  “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” (verse 21).  Clearly from this verse we see the need for fitness.

A 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).  The closing verses of this great chapter end with a summary trait of obedience.

How are you doing in God’s eyes?

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

8 Images of a Christian

~ 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

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

3 Word Pictures

~ Singleness of Purpose – Strenuous Training – Steady Labor ~

Have you heard about the kamikaze pilot who flew 50 missions—he was involved, but not committed! Unfortunately many of us live our Christian lives without real commitment. The second chapter of Timothy provides some word pictures for us regarding the rigors of Christian life. 

The Dedication of a Soldier  ~  The Christian life requires the singleness of purpose of a soldier in wartime. We should not to be distracted by other things. “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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. 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 1-4).  

The Discipline of an Athlete  ~  The Christian life requires the strenuous training of a disciplined athlete preparing for the most important even of their career. An athlete who plays by all the rules while competing comprehensive training. “…And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules…” (verse 5). 

The Determination of a Famer  ~  The Christian life also requires the steady conscientious regular hard labor of a farmer. We must never take our eyes off the coming harvest and the joy it will provide. “The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things” (verses 6-7).  

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW