Paul begins chapter 2 with his restatement of our disciple-making mission, “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.”
 
In order to lead others to follow Jesus, we need strength and grace. We also need focus. Paul uses six metaphors in chapter 2 to illustrate the focus and diligence we need to teach others to live and share the gospel.
 
The first three metaphors are found in verses 1-7.
 
We need the dedication of soldiers, the integrity of athletes and the hard work of farmers.
 
As we reflect the gospel personally and teach the gospel to others, we must engage in this task well.
 
If soldiers can be dedicated to their commanding officer to the point of suffering and death, then followers of Jesus must be equally dedicated to their Lord and Savior.
 
If athletes can compete according to the rules in order to win, then followers of Jesus must faithfully train themselves and others in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

If farmers can labor early, long and late in order to have fruitful crops, then followers of Jesus must labor in the strength and grace of Christ and expend themselves for the gospel.
 
Each of these metaphors implies focus.
 
Soldiers, athletes and farmers are judged based on short moments of glory: the battle for the soldier, the event for the athlete and the crops for the farmers.
 
But the quality of those fleeting moments is forged by their focus during the drudgery of suffering, preparation and hard work.
 
May we be so focused on the gospel. 

Sunday School Lesson originally published here for the Biblical Recorder.

From the confines of a small, dark, damp prison cell in the heart of Rome, Paul penned the words of what is likely his last letter before his death. Considering the context, Paul’s letter is a beautiful testimony to God’s provision as well as a glorious challenge to its readers.
 
Paul invested time, effort, energy, lessons, encouragement, example, teaching and suffering into his young protégé, Timothy. Paul wrote to Timothy to secure the young pastor’s confidence in God’s Word and to emphasize the blessing and the burden of the entrusted gospel.
 
The gospel is a glorious burden. We have it – not to hoard – but to share. The gospel is an unimaginable blessing – life, hope, peace, eternity and privilege. The gospel provides us confidence in our spiritual lives.
 
Following are just a few of the reasons we can have confidence in God and His gospel drawn from the text:

• Because the gospel is shared relationally (Timothy’s grandmother, mother and Paul), our confidence grows from interdependence not self-sufficiency.
• Because God gifts us and empowers us, our confidence develops from God, not ourselves.
• Because God strengthens in suffering, our confidence does not have to be shattered by our circumstances.
• Because the gospel comes by grace, our confidence does not rest in our own works or own level of righteousness.
• Because we have the Holy Spirit, our confidence comes directly from God.

Essentially, Paul reminds young Timothy of the difficult times, worries, insecurities and challenges that are sure to come. Yet those hindrances pale in comparison to the promises and hope we have in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So, when you are tempted to be uncertain or fearful, don’t look inward (at your own imperfections) or outward (at the difficulty of the circumstances) but rather look upward (at the God of the gospel) who grants us confidence.

Sunday School Lesson for the Biblical Recorder originally published here Focal Passage: 2 Timothy 1:3-14