THE FAITHFUL “CHILD”
THE FAITHFUL “CHILD”
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. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. —II Timothy 2:1-7
Paul had a very close relationship with Timothy, a father-son relationship, calling him “my child.” Do we have any relationships like that? Paul also encourages Timothy to—
- Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus— This is where our strength comes from— understanding and being strengthened by the remarkable underserved favor we have in Jesus. When we understand more and more this grace, they we will be strengthened.
- Entrust to faithful men what he heard among many witness— This is what we are to be doing as well. This common message, this known message among many is what we are to entrust to “faithful men.” — Faithful men will hold to the message.
- Encourage these “faithful men” to teach others also. — Faithful men can also be entrusted to teach others who will also reliably teach others
- Share in suffering as a good soldier— a good soldier has to sacrifice.
- Please his commanding officer— He does this by being obedient to his commander.
- Be as an athlete and abide by the rules— He is to be obedient to the Word.
- Be as a farmer that is hard working and will enjoy the first fruits. — He is hard working and expects a harvest.
Wow! Do you and I have a “child” like that. Oh, that it would be so, Dear Father, by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. Yes, so may we have many “children’ like this that desire to do your will. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb8WZ2ND4BY&list=RDYb8WZ2ND4BY&start_radio=1