2 Timothy 2:1-13

2 Timothy 2:1-13 … The letters of Paul are filled with counsel for godly living. Technically, it is a letter from Paul to a young (maybe mid-30’s) pastor in Ephesus. But we also believe it to be the inspired Word of God through Paul for us. It’s a guide for pastors but also for all who want to follow Jesus and live the kind of life that He intends. A pattern is identified here for us that says a great deal about personal discipline. For example, “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (v.1), is followed by a series of examples … like a dedicated and committed soldier, unfazed by worldly concerns … like an athlete, diligently and purposefully training to win … like a farmer, whose sunrise-to-sunset work ethic is legendary.

Paul also points to his own suffering as a prisoner in Rome, under the very harsh conditions of condemned criminals – which are difficult for us to even contemplate – suffering that is endured so that the world may know Christ as Savior. That’s the objective of it all … Christ and His salvation is something to be shared and spread as widely as possible.

Then the passage closes with the fourth “trustworthy saying” in these Pastoral Letters (v.11-13), which as you’ll see are four great statements worth serious meditation in your quiet times. (The other three “trustworthy sayings” are at 1 Timothy 1:15, 3:1 and 4:9.)