Fulfill your calling from the Lord for the sake of the gospel.

September 25, 2013 - 2 Timothy 2:1-13

    ¹ You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. ³ Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. ⁷ Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

   ⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, ⁹ for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

   ¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:

   If we died with him,
   we will also live with him;
¹² if we endure,
   we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
   he will also disown us;
¹³ if we are faithless,
   he remains faithful,
   for he cannot disown himself.

Apostle Paul enhorted his mentoree, Timothy, to stand strong in the grace of Christ Jesus, and followed Jesus in the ways of: (1) Being a teacher - receive the teaching, and at the same time entrust to those who are faithful and capable to pass the teaching to others; (2) Being a soldier of Jesus - not to be distracted by the earthly things that will pass away; (3) Being an athlete who completes the race according to the plan of the Lord; (4) Being a hardworking farmer. Paul again exhorted Timothy to suffer with Jesus and him for the sake of the gospel that would lead them to eternal glory. 

My Master Jesus, You have laid out the life plan before me as I follow Your way. You call me to converge my ministry life to focus in teaching and mentoring young leaders, to please only the Lord, to persevere and stand firm in the midst of difficulties and oppositions, and to finish my race well that I can receive the eternal reward. Continue to strengthen me in Your power and grace that I can fulfill Your calling to be a loving and encouraging mentor and teacher, to be a faithful soldier who pleases only my Commander, to be a patient farmer who cultivates the transformation of people, and to be a marathon athlete who can finish the race well and receive the eternal crown from the Lord.