1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,
9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.
10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
2 Timothy 2:1-10, obtained from https://www.blueletterbible.org/nasb95/2ti/2/1/s_1127001, NASB 1995 version
From what I see in these verses, Paul is urging Timothy, and therefore us, to stay strong in our faith. He says in v.8-10 to remember Christ as the reason we endure this way. We are to endure like an athlete, stay committed like a soldier, and strive like a farmer FOR CHRIST.
This is no command to take lightheartedly. Athletes have an eye for the prize. They will work very hard to gain that prize. Soldiers have a united goal to win the battle and survive. Farmers too have a goal. They want to feed themselves and others. Like this people, we are to remain strong in our faith.
We want to ask ourselves, What is our goal? What are we striving for?
Hopefully for Christ alone.
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