Christ in 2 Timothy -- Our Commander in Chief

Paul knew that his ministry was about to come to an end as he languished in a Roman prison in the year 66 A.D. under the reign of Nero.  Tradition tells us that soon after this intensely personal letter was sent to Timothy, Paul was beheaded just west of Rome.  Most Bible commentators agree that the theme of the letter was instructions to a good soldier of Christ Jesus, taken from 2 Tim. 2:3-4.

In the first chapter of this letter, we see that Christ calls soldiers in His army to be courageous, loving, disciplined, and holy:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7).

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 1:9).

In the second chapter, Paul described the characteristics of a good soldier in the army of Christ – strong, trustworthy, able to endure suffering, single-minded, strict, secure, focused, hard working, faithful, set apart, having the heart of a servant, kind, and patient:

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 2:1).

Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others (2 Tim. 2:2b).

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 2:3).

Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them (2 Tim. 2:4).

And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules (2 Tim. 2:5).

This is a trustworthy saying:  If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is (2 Tim. 2:11-13).

Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them (2 Tim. 2:14).

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work (2 Tim. 2:21).

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people (2 Tim. 2:24).

 

In the third chapter, Paul cautioned Timothy and all the soldiers of Christ about some of the dangers they would face, especially as the time of Christ’s return draws nearer – more and more resistance to God’s design for everyday living, persecution directed at the soldiers in the service of Christ and His church, and false doctrine that will be exposed in light of the truth:

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that (2 Tim. 3:1-5)!

You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:11-12).

But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Tim. 3:13-16).

In the final chapter of this tender book, Paul recaps all he has told Timothy in the first three chapters.  His words in the first five verses are tender and encouraging, but also very firm and direct.  The old soldier, Paul, didn’t gloss over the difficulties that his young protégé, the newer recruit, Timothy, would face as he went to battle.  And as I read the words, I realized how fitting they are for us today as we carry out the ministry that God has given us, as we enlist in service in the army of Christ:

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you (2 Tim. 4:1-5).

Paul ended his teaching by acknowledging that his tour of duty was almost over.  He knew that his execution was eminent, but he did not fear it.  Rather, he was secure in the fact that he had done all that God had given him to do, and he looked forward to the reward that God has promised to all who remain faithful to Him.

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. . . Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen (2 Tim. 4:6-8, 18).

My prayer for you and for myself this week is taken from 2 Tim. 4:17.  Paul was testifying to the fact that Jesus stood with him and gave him strength, and we can trust Him to do the same for us in whatever job He has given us to do in His army.  I hope you will join me in this prayer:

(Dear Lord Jesus, please stand) with me and (give) me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the (world) to hear.

All Scripture references are from The New Living Translation.