NORTH YORK CHURCH OF CHRIST

Pastor Roger Marcos
August 20, 2017

2 Timothy 2:3-7

³ Take your part in suffering, as a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ A soldier on active duty wants to please his commanding officer and so does not get mixed up in the affairs of civilian life. ⁵ An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules. ⁶ The farmer who has done the hard work should have the first share of the harvest. ⁷ Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will enable you to understand it all. GNT

The apostle Paul, gave an encouragement to a young evangelist. .the divine work can be a big challenge in his young age. In our text illustrated three secular occupations” SOLDIER, ATHLETE, and FARMER.

The three pictures it represent the word “Faithful Service” in the Lord’s work. To let you know, to be gleaned from these "pictures" is not limited to evangelists...pastor or minister. All who want to serve the Lord should learn from the soldier, athlete, and farmer.

No matter what our function as members of the body of Christ- As we can see, the church needs! Look our Youth, Young People, Children, and baby’s. Without faithful Service in the Lord, we can’t be faithful and guiding all of this people.

The church is looking for a better Method, but God is looking for a better man.

As we look closer to the first picture in which we are reminded of..

I. THE DEDICATION OF SOLDIER. The soldier is being loyal in serving and protecting his country. When the order comes to the Commander in chief, their willingness prove the dedication and faithful Service of one soldier.

A. Longsuffering. In other word soldier is brave, patient, persistence and willing to endure any kinds of ordeal in life.

2 Timothy 2:3 Take your part in suffering, as a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus.

Join with me- NIV Share In Suffering. Soldiers often endure great hardship in their service for their country.

Should NYCC people, be willing to Suffer Hardship?

> For the Gospel of Christ? - 2 Timothy 1:8 Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it.

The testimony of Christ is the Gospel in general, which proclaims Christ crucified, and redemption through his blood. In the sight of the world, there appeared to be reason why a man should be ashamed of this; ashamed of him who was crucified as a malefactor; but, when this Gospel became the power of God to the salvation of every one that believed, it was a subject to exult in.

Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel - No parent could love a child better than Paul loved Timothy; and, behold! he who could wish him nothing but what was great, honorable, and good, wishes him to be a partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel! Because, to suffer for Christ, and suffer with Christ, was the highest glory to which any human being in this state could arrive. The royal way to the crown of glory, is by the cross of Christ.

> For the kingdom of God? - Matthew 5:10-12 “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! ¹¹ “Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. ¹² Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.

B. Focused.

⁴ so does not get mixed up in the affairs of civilian life.

The Soldiers Must Concentrate on the task at hand to survive. avoiding being destroy by the life in the world. Focused, can be a big factor to maintain his life duty to please his commanding officer.

Christians need to be careful less they become distracted by the world.

Or they will bear no fruit to maturity - Luke 8:14 The seeds that fell among thorn bushes stand for those who hear; but the worries and riches and pleasures of this life crowd in and choke them, and their fruit never ripens

C. Devoted.

1. "...that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." - 2 Timothy 2:4

Soldiers desire to please their commanders.

Should not Christians desire to please their Great Commander?

The next time you see a soldier who serves his or her country with honor, ask yourself:

"Do I serve my Lord and His kingdom with the same dedication?"

II. THE DISCIPLINE OF AN ATHLETE.- the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.

A. OBEDIENT. complying or willing to comply with orders or requests; submissive to another's will

"...he competes according to the rules." - 2 Timothy 2:5

Athletes understand the need to abide by the rules if they desire to win

Are Christians under any less obligation to abide by the rules?

Jesus calls upon to observe what He taught - Matthew 28:20

We must doers of the Word, and not hearers only - James 1:22; Matthew 7:21-27

B. SELF-CONTROLLED

1. Note another comparison by Paul regarding athletics - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Ultimate victory requires great self-control.

Should Christians exercise self-control any less?

1. We strive for an imperishable crown - 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Peter 1:4

As you watch athletes competing in the different sports,

let their example of self-discipline challenge you in your own service to the Lord

III. THE DILIGENCE OF A FARMER.

A. HARDWORKING.

1. "The hardworking farmer..." - 2 Timothy 2:6

Farming is certainly no easy task,,,,

Should Christians labor any less in the vineyard of the Lord?

1. The harvest is plentiful, and laborers are needed - Matthew 9:37-38.
2. The fruit that we gather relates to eternal life (souls are at stake!) - John 4:36

B. MOTIVATED

"...first to partake of the crops - 2 Timothy 2:6

It is the hardworking farmers who enjoy the benefit of their labors first

Their labor is not in vain - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Conclusion

From these three pictures of faithful service, we glean that Christians should be:

• Dedicated like soldiers
• Disciplined like athletes
• Diligent like farmers.

"Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things..." - 2 Timothy 2:7

Is your service faithful? Have you accepted His salvation? Are you saved?