My wife and I were recently watching a movie which was a sequel. One of the comments we made as we were observing the scenes was how we were resonating more with the older people in the movie. The group we may have once considered the coming generation was now a group of people that were training the next generation in their field. As we continued to watch the movie, I was reminded how that is the call of the Christian life, and in particular, for Christian leaders. The idea is not to do it yourself but to pass the baton. That is what the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to do in 2 Timothy 2 when he says, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (verses 1-2). From the outset, it is clear the only way any of this can happen is through the strength that comes from the grace in Christ Jesus. Just like Timothy, we need to be empowered by the grace that gives us the strength to live and lead in a God-honoring way. When we do, then we see Christian leadership is not about platforming but about passing the baton onto others. Within verse 2 there are four generations of Christian leadership, from Paul to Timothy, then from Timothy to faithful men, and finally from faithful men who will teach others. What is to be entrusted to these faithful men who will teach others also? Most certainly, the Scriptures. Yet, to be more specific, we find directives in verses 3-7. What the Apostle Paul has taught and Timothy has been entrusted with is the call to share in suffering. This is not merely for suffering’s sake but to recognize who we are. We are good soldiers of Christ Jesus. With that in mind, we do not get involved in worldly pursuits that take us away from what God has called us to do, but to make it our aim to please Him in all we do. This means living according to God’s Word just as “an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (verse 5). We have God’s Word that reveals to us how to fight the good fight and how to run the race faithfully. When we not only hear God’s Word but heed it as well, we will see the fruit that has been borne (verse 6). The things the Apostle Paul has said to Timothy are words we need to hear and need to understand. We need the Lord for it!

Reflection Questions:

1. How can live and lead in such a way where you are living out what 2 Timothy 2:1-7 is calling us to do?
2. Which word picture (soldier, athlete, farmer) resonates with you the most? Why?

by: Steve Sering

During WWII, a young conscientious objector named Desmond Doss displayed great heroism. Refusing to carry a gun, he was bullied by his fellow soldiers and commanding officer. He stayed true to his convictions, being a follower of God and the Bible and sought to be an Army medic. Two strikes were against him as a man of faith: He refused to fight on the sabbath and would not carry a gun. When time for battle came Desmond answered the call to tend to his wounded comrades. During the battle of Hacksaw Ridge, where many of his comrades were left for dead, Desmond sprung to action, saving nearly 75 lives on May 5^th, 1945. Putting himself and grave danger, he tended to the wounded soldiers on incredibly dangerous terrain. He got so close to enemy lines that he could hear Japanese soldiers whispering. Compelled by a strong faith, Doss even saved the life of his commanding officer (https://desmonddoss.com/bio/bio-real.php).

The Apostle Paul went behind enemy lines and ushered in the rapid expanse of Christianity during the first century AD. He had many helping him including Timothy and Titus. 2 Timothy was his final letter to his son in the faith, Timothy. Suffer well for the gospel. Spend your life serving your commanding officer, King Jesus. Give your life for the church. These lessons he passed down to his son in the faith. Just as Desmond Doss did, and more importantly, the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul poured out his life for the sake of others. In the verses under consideration today, Paul instructed various workers of the gospel. He sought to bless them for their efforts to propel the gospel across the Roman empire. Every commanding officer needs an army. The Apostle Paul’s included young pastors Timothy and Titus. These men refreshed him in his work, now coming to the finish line. 

Approaching the finish line has a way of refocusing the saint. For Paul, the return of Christ and the prospect of heaven were like a lighthouse in the waves of persecution. He needed hope to finish well. Tradition holds that he was beheaded for his faith shortly after penning this letter. May we emulate his bold faith. May we refresh the church and admonish its leaders like he did. Even unto death, the Apostle Paul poured out his heart and life for King Jesus and the church. Lord, help me to emulate this example of self-sacrifice and devotion. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are you willing to give your life for King Jesus? How can you be a better bold witness for Christ in a compromising culture?
2. Are you pouring your everything into the church Christ purchased with his blood? How can you refresh suffering saints in your church body?

One of the most important commands we are called to do as Christians tends to be one of the hardest challenges we face: sharing the gospel. While those who live in the USA do not face physical persecution for their faith, many Christians hesitate to share the gospel because they fear the suffering that comes with it, whether that is a relationship that will suffer or even put their job at risk. Morever, even if there is not a concern of suffering, there may be a sense of shame. That sense of shame is present, not because they are ashamed at the message of the gospel, but that they fear for the approval of man more in the moment than they do God. 2 Timothy 1:8-14 speaks to those who can relate to such suffering and shame. The Apostle Paul continues his exhortation to Timothy by calling for him to not be ashamed of his relationship with the Lord nor of his relationship to Paul. Instead of shame, he tells Timothy to “share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” (verse 8). The reason the gospel is worth suffering for is because Timothy has been saved by it and called to it. It is not by any works of his own that he has been saved, but by the grace of God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The same is true for us. We have not been saved by anything we have done but only through the good news of what Jesus has done for us. Just as Paul was not ashamed of the gospel and exhorts Timothy not to be ashamed, we also must hear that command. God is faithful to guard what He has entrusted to us in the gospel. The only way we can do this is by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. May we work out what God is working in with the good deposit He has entrusted to us.

Reflection Questions:

1. What is your biggest struggle with sharing your faith? Is it more a sense that something may suffer as a result or that you have shame due to fear of man?
2. What person in your life can you follow the pattern of their way of life in sharing Christ?