INTRODUCTION
This is the last Epistle of the great Apostle, who was apparently awaiting sentence. He had already had audience with Caesar, and escaped, 2Ti_4:16-17; but there could be no doubt as to the ultimate issue. When Paul indited these words he was imprisoned in the Mamertine dungeon, exposed to the chill ague of its damp walls, reeking with pestilence and recalling the miseries of generations of condemned criminals. There was one desire for the fulfillmen t of which he yearned. He longed to see once more the dear friend of earlier years, whom he had led into this life of stern suffering, and whose spirit seems to have been somewhat overwhelmed by its severity. It was this that led Paul to dispatch this second letter, filled with advice and exhortation in case Timothy could not come, but specially full of desire that he should come before winter set in and traveling became difficult, 2Ti_4:9; 2Ti_4:21. There is no trace of despondency in this noble swan song. Though Paul had lost all things, he had gained Christ. “Glorious Apostle! Would that every leader’s voice could burst, as he falls, into such a trumpet-sound, thrilling the young hearts that pant in the good fight and must never despair of final victory!”
OUTLINE OF THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
THE APOSTLE’S FAREWELL MESSAGE
“A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus,”
3. In what ways is a Christian like a soldier? An athlete?
A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST JESUS
So you, my son, be strong [constantly strengthened] and empowered in the grace that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus.
The things [the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry] which you have heard me teach in the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliable and faithful men who will also be capable and qualified to teach others.
Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve.
And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules.
The hard-working farmer [who labors to produce crops] ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
Think over the things I am saying [grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you insight and understanding in everything.
Remember Jesus Christ [the ever-living Lord who has] risen from the dead, [as the prophesied King] descended from David [king of Israel], according to my gospel [the good news that I preach], [Psa_16:10]
for that [gospel] I am suffering even to [the point of] wearing chains like a criminal; but the word of God is not chained or imprisoned!
Comments by
F.B.Meyer
on
2 Timothy :1-9
“A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST JESUS”
Soldier, 2Ti_2:1-4 : There is grace enough in Jesus for every need, but we must avail ourselves of it. We can expect nothing less than hardship, since life is a battlefield. Our one aim should be to please Him who chose us to be soldiers. In order to be all that he would have us be, we must avoid entangling ourselves in the conditions around us. We must resemble a garrison in the town where it is quartered, and from which it may at any hour be summoned away. The less encumbered we are, the more easily shall we be able to execute the least command of our Great Captain. How high an honor it is to be enrolled among His soldiers!
Athlete, 2Ti_2:5 : Life is an amphitheater, filled with celestial spectators. Probably our worst antagonist is found in our own heart. If we win the crown, we must observe regulations as to diet, exercise, purity, 1Co_9:24-27.
Husbandman, 2Ti_2:6 : We ought to be working for God in His vineyard or harvest-field; but we are allowed to partake of the fruits. It is imperative that we should be nourished while we labor. In all these positions we must remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. We must draw upon the power of His resurrection, and to do this, we must live on the heaven-side of the Cross. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live,” Gal_2:20
Choose a Sermon on 2nd Timothy
2nd Timothy Series
by
Pastor Jeff Arthur.
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