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?