Paul gives Timothy three metaphors for the Christian life in 2 Timothy 2:3-6.  In doing so he gives a strong call to sacrificial service. Then Paul tells Timothy to “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (v.7).  So, let’s “think over” these three metaphors:

The Soldier

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” (2 Tim 2:3-4)

• A solider is prepared to suffer & die.  They know their duty and mission and what they may be called upon to sacrifice.  Comfort is not the soldier’s life.  It is a life of courage and self-sacrifice for the sake of others. So too the Christian life.  Comfort and ease is not our way of life.  We live and die, we suffer and sacrifice for the cause of the kingdom in which we have been enlisted.  Notice here that pleasing service includes being willing to suffer for Christ’s sake. 

• The Soldier has one aim – pleasing and following his commanding officer. He does not get side-tracked from his mission by worldly pursuits.  Soldiers serve with single-minded devotion. The cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, the pleasures of this life can so easily distract us.  As believers we must avoid being entangled by things that distract or derail us from serving Christ (Heb 12:2; Luke 8:14). What sins pose the greatest danger?  What are your biggest distractions?  What steps do you need to take to serve Christ with single-minded devotion? 

• Soldiers also know they are in a battle and must fight.  It is not peacetime.  That will come in heaven when all our enemies are finally defeated and we may finally lay down our arms.  Now is wartime. We war against the world, the flesh, and the devil.  We must always be alert.  We must be disciplined. We must know our weapons and how to wield them.  The word, prayer, faith, worship, etc.  We must know our enemy’s tactics and schemes.  We must know our commander’s battle plans.  Are you equipped for battle?

The Athlete

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5)

• There are no short-cuts for the athlete.  There is no cheating. He must compete according to the rules of the game.  In the context, one of the rules of the game for Christians is being willing to suffer hardship (v.3).  As Paul will specify later, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim 3:12).  We do not want to be disqualified (1 Cor 9:24-27).

• Athletes are disciplined and train hard to improve their skills and to run well.  The Christian life is a disciplined one.  It is not a lazy and apathetic life.  Nor is it haphazard.  There is purpose in what we do.  Are you practicing the spiritual disciplines: Bible reading, prayer, worship, fasting, serving, giving, etc?  What is the next step you need to grow in this regard?

• The athlete must run in such a way as to win the prize.  It is good to see that there is a prize, a reward that awaits all who finish the race and run in a manner to please the Lord Jesus! The crown that awaits us is imperishable (1 Cor 9:25)!  The reward that awaits us will make every sacrifice you make here worth it! 

• Notice the athlete must compete.  We train to play.  We need to get in the game.  That means using our gifts.  We cannot sit on the sidelines.  Where are you serving right now?  (Remember, your ministry begins with your family. Though it doesn’t end there!)  The athlete runs the race with all they’ve got to win the prize.  As my father always said, “Leave it all on the court son.  Hold nothing back!”  May we each finish our race well and receive our crown (2 Tim 4:7-8)!

The Farmer

“It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.” (2 Timothy 2:6)

• The picture of a farmer continues the theme of reward as well as the need for sacrifice by calling him a “hard-working” farmer.  There is a real toil and struggle and striving in the work of a farmer as well as the faithful Christian.  And it brings reward in this life and the life to come. 

• The farmer is hard working.  He tills and weeds and picks rock to prepare the soil.  He must plant and water and continue to weed.  He must harvest the crops and prepare them for use.  Work is part of being Christian.  No, it doesn’t earn our salvation.  That’s a gift of God’s grace received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.  Yet, our working in service to Christ is one of the fruits of our salvation. 

• The farmer must plan ahead.  He is forward thinking and intentional.  So is the Christian.  Yet, for all his planning, the farmer prays and trusts God to provide the rain and the growth.  For all his hard work, the farmer cannot make his crops grow.  He remains very dependent on God.  He recognizes his limitations.  Likewise, we must depend fully on God. 

• Are you weary? Remember the harvest is coming!  There is always a delay between sowing and reaping.  But remember: “in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9-10). 

Think over these things.  Each metaphor gives a unique picture of the conditions of being Christian.  The soldier is single-minded in his devotion.  The athlete is disciplined and faithfully competes. The farmer is hard-working yet dependent on God.  By God’s grace, the Christian is all three.