WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.160 Alright, so we are back into 2 Timothy. 00:00:03.359 --> 00:00:05.900 So if you have your Bible, you can open it up to 2 Timothy. 00:00:08.519 --> 00:00:10.480 And we're in chapter 2 this morning. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:19.960 And we're looking at the first seven verses of chapter 2 here this morning. 00:00:20.440 --> 00:00:24.000 Let me just read it for us and then we'll dive straight into things here. 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:30.259 So Paul's writing to Timothy and he says, 00:00:54.000 --> 00:01:01.259 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 00:01:02.640 --> 00:01:10.799 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules. 00:01:12.060 --> 00:01:17.140 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:23.920 Reflect on what I'm saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:29.700 So the Apostle Paul is continuing to give instruction to the younger Timothy. 00:01:30.719 --> 00:01:37.299 And we see here this morning that there are four imperatives, four commands, four instructions. 00:01:38.079 --> 00:01:41.180 And we're just going to work our way through these things one at a time. 00:01:41.640 --> 00:01:45.780 And the first one we find is right up at the top in verse 1. 00:01:45.780 --> 00:01:47.000 Paul says, 00:01:47.000 --> 00:02:01.819 Now why does Paul say this? 00:02:03.719 --> 00:02:05.960 What does Timothy need strength for? 00:02:05.959 --> 00:02:13.419 Well, Paul has just finished giving examples of other believers in the previous verses. 00:02:14.099 --> 00:02:18.240 Some who have turned their backs on him and are ashamed of his chains. 00:02:19.459 --> 00:02:26.699 And the example of one man in his household who has stayed true to Paul and to the Lord. 00:02:26.699 --> 00:02:28.319 Onesiphorus. 00:02:29.699 --> 00:02:32.780 All of this is with persecution going on. 00:02:33.599 --> 00:02:40.439 And we noticed a couple weeks ago that both of these are examples of men that Timothy knows right there from his own province. 00:02:41.399 --> 00:02:42.419 His own region. 00:02:42.419 --> 00:02:51.779 So Timothy and the household of Onesiphorus, they're living in the midst of a province where the majority of Christians have turned their backs on Paul. 00:02:53.519 --> 00:03:00.560 And Paul has been writing to Timothy up until this point in this letter, urging him not to give in to fear. 00:03:01.379 --> 00:03:04.819 Not to let his spiritual gift go unused. 00:03:04.819 --> 00:03:08.419 He's been urging Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel. 00:03:10.459 --> 00:03:13.120 And then he gave these examples of these men. 00:03:13.819 --> 00:03:15.199 Some have turned away. 00:03:16.699 --> 00:03:20.199 And the household of Onesiphorus, which has stayed true. 00:03:20.739 --> 00:03:23.439 And so this is what Timothy needs strength for. 00:03:24.680 --> 00:03:29.359 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 00:03:29.900 --> 00:03:32.539 Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 00:03:32.539 --> 00:03:34.699 So Timothy needs strengthening from God. 00:03:34.819 --> 00:03:36.280 In order to persevere. 00:03:37.079 --> 00:03:38.680 In order to keep on preaching. 00:03:39.359 --> 00:03:44.039 In order to keep on teaching about Jesus while he's surrounded by opposition. 00:03:44.739 --> 00:03:52.459 He needs strengthening from God to keep going while the majority of the Christians in the province are floundering in their faith. 00:03:54.099 --> 00:03:57.639 Paul's reminding Timothy here that even though things are really difficult, 00:03:58.659 --> 00:04:00.699 Timothy, you're not alone. 00:04:00.699 --> 00:04:05.839 It's not just up to you and your own resources and your own strength. 00:04:06.239 --> 00:04:07.259 There is strength. 00:04:07.519 --> 00:04:08.419 There is power. 00:04:08.579 --> 00:04:09.839 There is help to be found. 00:04:11.479 --> 00:04:15.019 And it's look to heaven, Timothy. 00:04:16.620 --> 00:04:17.680 That's where you'll find it. 00:04:17.740 --> 00:04:22.759 Be strengthened in the grace of God that is in Christ Jesus. 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:24.319 Look to him. 00:04:24.959 --> 00:04:25.899 Well, what is grace? 00:04:27.079 --> 00:04:33.360 Grace, by definition, is that unmerited goodness or favor of God. 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:37.139 And we notice here that Paul is not so specific about this. 00:04:37.199 --> 00:04:40.879 He just says, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:45.079 And so Timothy might be thinking, well, what grace is that? 00:04:46.980 --> 00:04:48.819 We might be thinking the same thing. 00:04:50.579 --> 00:04:53.120 What is the grace that is in Christ Jesus? 00:04:55.360 --> 00:04:58.699 And as I was thinking about that this week, I thought, maybe that's the point. 00:04:58.699 --> 00:05:07.659 Maybe he had deliberately left it unspecific so that we would begin to ask the question, 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:14.599 what grace of God is there for us in Christ Jesus? 00:05:15.019 --> 00:05:20.899 What goodness, what blessing, what undeserved favor, what help comes to us through Christ Jesus? 00:05:22.319 --> 00:05:26.579 And I think as we start to think about that, we realize that that's a long list. 00:05:26.579 --> 00:05:32.680 And forgiveness is just one of the things on the list. 00:05:33.699 --> 00:05:43.599 We might wonder, Paul, are you telling Timothy that he should be strengthened in the grace that's already shown through Christ Jesus? 00:05:43.779 --> 00:05:49.419 Like, look back on what Christ did for you when he lived among us and when he died for us. 00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:55.319 Or are you telling Timothy to be strengthened in the grace that God gives us right now in the present? 00:05:56.579 --> 00:06:02.180 Like the day-to-day meeting of our needs and help and sustaining that he does by his spirit who lives in us. 00:06:03.939 --> 00:06:07.560 Or are you talking about the grace that God intends to give us in the future? 00:06:08.899 --> 00:06:13.299 The hope of resurrection, eternal life, heaven. 00:06:13.300 --> 00:06:23.120 And I think Paul might have left it open so that Timothy and we might reflect on all of it. 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:27.540 Past, present, and future grace. 00:06:28.259 --> 00:06:36.220 All the good things that are given to us freely and generously as gifts from God through our relationship with King Jesus. 00:06:36.220 --> 00:06:44.280 And when we begin to reflect on all of these things, when we begin to fix our eyes on these things and trust in these things with all our heart, 00:06:44.460 --> 00:06:47.180 that's when we are strengthened. 00:06:47.340 --> 00:06:49.300 That's how we are strengthened. 00:06:49.300 --> 00:06:58.500 The countless gifts of God's grace that are ours in Christ Jesus give us strength to face whatever challenges, 00:06:58.900 --> 00:07:02.240 whatever hardships, whatever difficulties come our way in life. 00:07:02.960 --> 00:07:08.540 And sometimes when those things come, it's just easy to lose our way, lose our focus, lose our sight. 00:07:08.540 --> 00:07:13.060 But when the going gets tough, don't forget, Timothy. 00:07:13.960 --> 00:07:22.300 Take courage, take strength in remembering all that God has given in his son, through his son to us. 00:07:22.960 --> 00:07:24.460 This is going to help you stay true. 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:26.379 This is going to help you walk faithfully. 00:07:27.300 --> 00:07:28.660 So that's the first imperative. 00:07:29.500 --> 00:07:33.840 Very simply, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 00:07:35.140 --> 00:07:37.000 Next, in verse 2, Paul says, 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:41.399 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, 00:07:41.639 --> 00:07:46.740 entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 00:07:47.959 --> 00:07:54.199 And Paul, we heard something similar to this already back in chapter 1 just a couple weeks ago. 00:07:54.680 --> 00:07:58.600 Let's look back for a second to verse 13 and 14 of chapter 1. 00:07:59.100 --> 00:07:59.800 Paul said there, 00:08:00.220 --> 00:08:04.680 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching. 00:08:04.680 --> 00:08:08.500 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:13.100 Guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 00:08:13.639 --> 00:08:16.000 And we talked about how that good deposit is the gospel. 00:08:16.220 --> 00:08:22.939 It is the teaching that has come from Christ through the apostles to us and to Timothy. 00:08:23.960 --> 00:08:27.100 Well, here again in verse 2, Paul's saying it again. 00:08:27.240 --> 00:08:27.560 He's saying, 00:08:27.560 --> 00:08:39.000 I know it says people on screen there, but men is going to be the better translation. 00:08:39.299 --> 00:08:42.539 We've talked about this looking at some of the other epistles and letters. 00:08:43.299 --> 00:08:44.740 The word is masculine. 00:08:45.259 --> 00:08:45.840 It's men. 00:08:46.480 --> 00:08:47.840 You can blame the translation. 00:08:48.399 --> 00:08:49.559 I won't be offended. 00:08:49.559 --> 00:08:52.500 So, here he says it again. 00:08:52.899 --> 00:08:56.819 The things you have heard me say and trust to reliable men. 00:08:58.839 --> 00:09:01.219 So, let's hear this again. 00:09:02.039 --> 00:09:04.879 Timothy's not to come up with his own original teaching. 00:09:06.299 --> 00:09:12.139 He is to carefully and faithfully pass on the things that he has heard from Paul. 00:09:13.559 --> 00:09:16.539 Paul is the apostle of Christ Jesus. 00:09:16.539 --> 00:09:20.899 It's Paul that speaks authoritatively on behalf of Jesus himself. 00:09:21.059 --> 00:09:27.919 And so, Timothy's job is to just take those things that he has heard through the apostle, through Paul, and pass them on. 00:09:31.939 --> 00:09:35.039 This ought to be the role of the teachers and the preachers in the church. 00:09:35.379 --> 00:09:39.919 Simply to pass on the things that Paul has said and taught. 00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:43.980 Because Paul was speaking on behalf of Christ. 00:09:43.980 --> 00:09:46.100 We're not looking to reinvent. 00:09:46.700 --> 00:09:48.779 We're not looking to refresh. 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:53.240 We're not looking to change the teaching of the church from generation to generation. 00:09:53.740 --> 00:09:58.340 Because what we have here in the apostles' own words is the good deposit. 00:09:58.620 --> 00:10:02.960 It is the blueprint for sound teaching that's been given to us. 00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:04.620 And so, we need to follow this blueprint. 00:10:04.840 --> 00:10:09.000 We need to teach these same things from generation to generation. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:12.759 And not just try to come up with our own new thoughts, new ideas. 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:17.240 But we do notice at least one new emphasis of Paul here. 00:10:18.559 --> 00:10:20.899 The things you've heard me say in the presence of many witnesses. 00:10:21.360 --> 00:10:28.580 Entrust those things to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 00:10:28.580 --> 00:10:31.620 So, don't just guard it. 00:10:31.700 --> 00:10:32.500 Don't just keep it. 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:33.800 Don't just teach it to everyone. 00:10:33.960 --> 00:10:40.080 But specifically, be sure, Timothy, that you teach these words, this truth of Jesus, 00:10:40.580 --> 00:10:45.800 to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach it to others. 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:49.480 This is a bit of a new focus in this epistle. 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:58.700 So, Timothy's not just done his job by getting up on Sunday morning and giving a good sermon from what Paul has taught him. 00:10:59.080 --> 00:11:08.220 It's also his job to see that this teaching is passed on to others who will then be able to teach it to others, to still others. 00:11:08.639 --> 00:11:13.779 This is one of the evidences that the time of the apostles was drawing to a close. 00:11:13.779 --> 00:11:20.299 That God didn't intend to send and gift apostles through every generation right up until today. 00:11:21.439 --> 00:11:24.279 What is the succession plan for Paul? 00:11:25.220 --> 00:11:27.319 I mean, he's near the end here. 00:11:27.740 --> 00:11:28.839 He's soon to die. 00:11:30.439 --> 00:11:34.199 Paul doesn't say, Timothy, when I die, Jesus is going to make you an apostle. 00:11:34.620 --> 00:11:37.480 And then speak directly through you, just as he has through me. 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:43.399 He didn't say, Timothy, when I die, God's going to raise up a new generation of apostles. 00:11:43.399 --> 00:11:51.059 And you should listen to them because they are going to speak directly on behalf of Jesus, just like Jesus has through me. 00:11:51.559 --> 00:11:51.899 No. 00:11:52.340 --> 00:12:02.139 If that was the case, there'd be no need to guard this good deposit and be so careful to entrust it from generation to generation to reliable men who are able to teach it to others. 00:12:03.379 --> 00:12:08.639 No, it seems that God's plan was that the time of the apostles would draw to a close. 00:12:08.639 --> 00:12:24.000 It would come to an end and that for the generations that would follow, we would just keep passing on these same words, this same good deposit from generation to generation, from reliable men to reliable men and so on and so forth. 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:29.059 Notice Paul's double emphasis on the quality of the men. 00:12:30.320 --> 00:12:36.600 Entrust to reliable, or as another translation says, faithful men, that's probably more literal. 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:38.059 Entrust to faithful men. 00:12:38.919 --> 00:12:40.320 These are to be trustworthy men. 00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:43.740 Men who can be depended on and counted on. 00:12:43.740 --> 00:12:53.259 This brings to mind the words that Paul wrote to Timothy in the first letter, which we looked at a while back, about elders and how they must be men of proven character. 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:56.019 They must be men of integrity. 00:12:56.240 --> 00:12:59.700 They must be faithful to their wives. 00:13:01.139 --> 00:13:03.740 Faithful overseers of their own households. 00:13:04.320 --> 00:13:06.480 Faithful in their interactions with outsiders. 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:12.800 And, remember back then in 1 Timothy, elders are to be able to teach. 00:13:14.279 --> 00:13:26.060 It also brings to mind the words Paul wrote to Titus about elders, where he said that they must be men who hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, 00:13:26.560 --> 00:13:33.000 so that they in turn can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:37.460 So, entrust these words to faithful men. 00:13:37.720 --> 00:13:39.700 Men of good, godly character. 00:13:40.840 --> 00:13:47.179 But also men who will be qualified, who will be literally able to teach others. 00:13:48.700 --> 00:13:51.200 This is the plan of God for his word. 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:55.379 For his gospel to be passed on from generation to generation. 00:13:55.799 --> 00:14:01.419 Not new apostles in every generation, but faithful men in every generation. 00:14:01.419 --> 00:14:07.919 Passing the words of the apostles on to faithful men, who are then able to teach it to others. 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:12.279 And it just keeps going on and on, from generation to generation. 00:14:12.959 --> 00:14:20.059 Which means that we need to not be just concerned about having a pastor. 00:14:20.860 --> 00:14:22.360 And keeping a pastor. 00:14:22.860 --> 00:14:25.059 So that the teaching of our church will be good. 00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:28.099 But we need to be concerned about training up new elders. 00:14:28.799 --> 00:14:29.879 New pastors. 00:14:30.899 --> 00:14:34.159 New teachers for the generations that will follow ours. 00:14:35.699 --> 00:14:37.859 And there are a few different ways to do this. 00:14:38.279 --> 00:14:42.599 One of those ways is through supporting Bible colleges and seminaries. 00:14:43.579 --> 00:14:47.079 Training up faithful men who are able to teach is not an easy thing. 00:14:47.080 --> 00:14:50.900 And so that's probably why we do this. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:54.700 We partner together as churches and support our Bible colleges and seminaries. 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:57.280 And some of them do a very good job. 00:14:57.980 --> 00:14:59.480 That's one way we can do it. 00:15:00.120 --> 00:15:04.220 But we can and we should also do this within the local church. 00:15:05.180 --> 00:15:08.500 Perhaps in our Christian culture we've maybe gone a little bit too far 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:13.080 into this idea that the teachers in the church must be professionals. 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:21.580 Must be the paid pastor who has completed at least four years of theological study in a good Bible college. 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.759 I mean think about this. 00:15:24.280 --> 00:15:30.020 How many Bible colleges were there in Timothy's day in the province of Asia 00:15:30.020 --> 00:15:34.280 that he could send his faithful men to where they could become able to teach? 00:15:35.540 --> 00:15:39.140 We can and we should be doing this within the local church. 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:47.759 Nurturing, growing, encouraging faithful men into able teachers for future generations. 00:15:48.600 --> 00:15:56.299 We often lament the decline that we see in various denominations and churches around us here in North America. 00:15:57.439 --> 00:16:01.980 Could it be that one of the big factors in some of those stories is simply a failure 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:08.240 to entrust the good deposit to reliable men who were able to teach? 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:12.240 So let's continue to support our Bible colleges. 00:16:12.860 --> 00:16:15.620 But let's also look to the men among us. 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:22.039 God is calling all of us as men, at the least, to be faithful men. 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:24.539 Men of character and integrity. 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:31.579 And from among those who are faithful, some must rise to the challenge of teaching others. 00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:34.399 And so may the Lord give us courage. 00:16:35.279 --> 00:16:42.259 May the Lord give us wisdom to know how and who in our little local church here. 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:44.799 So this is the second imperative. 00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:50.459 Entrust the things that you have heard me say to faithful men who will be able to teach others. 00:16:50.460 --> 00:16:54.100 The third imperative comes in verse 3. 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:59.700 Paul says, join with me in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:05.920 This is now the second time that Paul has called Timothy to suffer with him. 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:09.000 Look back to chapter 1, verse 8. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:13.140 Whoa, I got the wrong verse on screen there. 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:14.200 It should be 2 Timothy. 00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:19.140 But if you look in your Bible, 2 Timothy 1, verse 8, Paul says, 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:24.259 Join with me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 00:17:25.860 --> 00:17:27.840 So are we noticing a theme here? 00:17:28.860 --> 00:17:30.580 Are we noticing an emphasis? 00:17:32.200 --> 00:17:34.500 Do these words make you squirm a bit? 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:37.539 Join with me in suffering. 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:44.460 It's not every day a person earnestly pleads with you to suffer with them. 00:17:45.859 --> 00:17:48.599 That's exactly what Paul, though, is saying here to Timothy. 00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:54.740 Paul is under heavy fire from his opponents because of his preaching the name of Jesus. 00:17:55.359 --> 00:17:56.980 He's firmly in their sights. 00:17:57.099 --> 00:17:58.180 He's in their crosshairs. 00:17:58.619 --> 00:18:02.899 The first big Roman trial in the sequence that will lead to his death has happened. 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:05.799 And what's Paul asking Timothy? 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:10.720 He's saying, come stand with me here in the crosshairs. 00:18:12.159 --> 00:18:18.599 Here in the sights of these opponents where I am under heavy fire. 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:20.740 Come into the trench with me. 00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:24.079 It's a big ask of Timothy. 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:27.759 But let's not forget the first imperative. 00:18:28.019 --> 00:18:33.519 There is strength to be found in the grace of God that is in Christ Jesus 00:18:33.519 --> 00:18:39.180 so that Timothy can say, yes, I'm willing to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 00:18:40.299 --> 00:18:41.839 So this is the third imperative. 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:44.720 Suffer hardship with me, Timothy. 00:18:45.460 --> 00:18:49.700 And with this imperative, Paul gives Timothy three analogies. 00:18:50.519 --> 00:18:52.879 That of the soldier in verses 3 and 4. 00:18:53.859 --> 00:18:56.579 That of the athlete in verse 5. 00:18:56.579 --> 00:19:00.199 And that of the farmer in verse 6. 00:19:00.259 --> 00:19:01.399 Let's look at these for a moment. 00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:03.679 First, this analogy of the soldier. 00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:08.919 He says, join with me in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:14.039 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, 00:19:14.179 --> 00:19:16.939 but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:24.019 So what we're experiencing right now, Timothy, is like a battle. 00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:25.980 A great battle. 00:19:27.120 --> 00:19:28.720 And we're like soldiers. 00:19:29.660 --> 00:19:30.740 Good soldiers. 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:32.740 On the good side. 00:19:33.380 --> 00:19:34.799 Soldiers of King Jesus. 00:19:36.580 --> 00:19:38.779 That's what this persecution that's happening, 00:19:38.860 --> 00:19:43.000 that's what this suffering that we're facing is all about. 00:19:43.100 --> 00:19:44.519 It's because of this conflict. 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:46.420 It's because of this battle that we're in. 00:19:46.539 --> 00:19:47.879 This great spiritual battle. 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:54.940 Think for a moment of the allied soldiers in the trenches of Europe in World War II. 00:19:55.799 --> 00:19:57.099 Fighting to liberate. 00:19:57.940 --> 00:20:03.779 Fighting to put an end to the tyrannical madness and violence of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. 00:20:05.379 --> 00:20:06.839 If you were out there as a soldier, 00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:11.599 I mean, danger just comes with every day. 00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:13.139 It's to be expected. 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:15.300 Suffering is part of the cause. 00:20:16.080 --> 00:20:20.800 Sometimes I imagine what it would be like to live in those trenches for days, 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.540 hunkered down. 00:20:23.660 --> 00:20:26.960 The sound of bullets being fired off 00:20:26.960 --> 00:20:30.020 and the spraying of them across the battlefield. 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:32.240 The pounding explosions of artillery. 00:20:33.060 --> 00:20:36.000 The wounded there and the dead all around. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:39.839 Would they be enjoying a good night's sleep every night? 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:44.920 Would they be enjoying a good home-cooked meal every day? 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:49.119 There were no lazy boys in the trenches. 00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:51.079 No pillows in the trenches. 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:55.440 It was about staying alive and, if possible, fulfilling the mission. 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:57.099 Completing the assignment. 00:20:57.640 --> 00:20:58.579 Carrying out the orders. 00:20:58.579 --> 00:21:02.339 We're in a great battle, says Paul. 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:04.639 We are soldiers. 00:21:04.779 --> 00:21:05.819 We are like soldiers. 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:09.899 Good soldiers of our commanding King, Jesus Christ. 00:21:10.379 --> 00:21:12.359 And doing our duty as soldiers of the King 00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:15.399 may require us to suffer at times, 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:19.460 says Paul, who is chained up in a jail cell right now. 00:21:21.780 --> 00:21:24.519 And speaking of soldiers, I mean, what else about soldiers? 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:27.660 Paul has one more thing to share with us about this in verse 4. 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:34.040 And I just put it in another translation on the screen there. 00:21:34.560 --> 00:21:39.080 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:43.500 so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 00:21:44.679 --> 00:21:46.179 What is Paul's point here? 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:52.559 He seems to be saying that a good soldier is focused on doing his duty. 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:57.359 He doesn't let the stuff of everyday life interfere with his job. 00:21:58.759 --> 00:22:02.419 I imagine Paul had all kinds of time just to observe the soldiers 00:22:02.419 --> 00:22:05.639 in and around where he was being held prisoner. 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:08.819 Did he try to talk to the guards on duty? 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:13.839 Did he find them to be super friendly with him? 00:22:13.939 --> 00:22:16.019 Did they play cards with him through the bars? 00:22:16.939 --> 00:22:19.119 Or were they just focused on the job? 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:27.599 Maybe, have you ever seen those soldiers standing guard in the UK 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:30.460 with the big black fur hats? 00:22:31.439 --> 00:22:35.259 Sometimes it's amazing to watch them, just how still they stand. 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:39.799 Sometimes people even try to make a game of trying to distract them 00:22:39.799 --> 00:22:41.460 or trying to get them to smile. 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:44.740 But no, they're focused on doing their duty. 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:48.019 What's the point here? 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:52.079 I think Paul's saying that there are many good things in life. 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:54.119 There are many comforts in life. 00:22:55.139 --> 00:22:57.160 Things we might feel inclined to pursue, 00:22:57.379 --> 00:23:02.539 but a good soldier doesn't let any such thing distract or entangle him 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:04.980 such that he's not able to do his duty. 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:09.180 There are at times competing desires. 00:23:10.339 --> 00:23:13.700 There is the desire of the commanding officer, 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:17.120 and then there is the desire and will of the soldier, 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:19.120 and sometimes those things don't match up. 00:23:20.120 --> 00:23:22.059 And a good soldier, while he's on duty, 00:23:22.160 --> 00:23:25.620 he just may have to lay aside his interests and desires 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:28.899 and focus on doing the will of his commander, 00:23:29.119 --> 00:23:30.619 pleasing his commanding officer. 00:23:32.839 --> 00:23:34.079 By way of illustration, 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:37.559 David, who's sitting in the back there, 00:23:37.659 --> 00:23:40.879 one of our RCMP guys out at the local detachment from Crake, 00:23:41.239 --> 00:23:44.139 he and I have been talking about going kayaking one of these days here. 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:47.779 And as I've discovered, not just from David, 00:23:47.879 --> 00:23:50.139 but from others as well, 00:23:50.139 --> 00:23:54.339 the schedule of an RCMP officer is challenging at times. 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:56.439 There are times when you're on duty. 00:23:57.459 --> 00:23:58.819 There are times when you're on call, 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:01.819 and occasionally you get an actual day off. 00:24:02.639 --> 00:24:06.039 But when you're on duty and when you're on call, 00:24:06.159 --> 00:24:09.379 in both cases, there's a required readiness. 00:24:10.439 --> 00:24:11.639 There's a required readiness. 00:24:12.939 --> 00:24:17.039 Can you imagine if David and I went kayaking while he was on duty, 00:24:18.419 --> 00:24:20.099 out in the middle of the lake, 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:23.699 and then all of a sudden some emergency happens, 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:26.140 and before he can even get into his police cruiser, 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:28.720 he's got to paddle for like 15 or 20 minutes 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:30.539 before he can even get into the vehicle. 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:34.840 That would be a failure on his part 00:24:34.840 --> 00:24:38.720 to do his duty as an officer on active duty. 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:43.640 That would be an example of entangling himself in the stuff of life 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:48.440 such that what he's doing interferes with his ability to perform his job. 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:51.820 Not to mention that it would be quite unpleasant 00:24:51.820 --> 00:24:54.080 to paddle around the lake with all that gear on. 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:59.279 Take this principle and apply it to our Christian lives. 00:25:00.080 --> 00:25:03.059 We all have a king, Jesus. 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:05.620 He is our commanding officer. 00:25:06.600 --> 00:25:08.100 He has given us his word, 00:25:08.900 --> 00:25:11.640 clear orders on what we have to do, 00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:12.820 and in many cases, 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:16.280 the commands that he gives to us, 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:18.300 they come with a good deal of freedom 00:25:18.300 --> 00:25:20.940 so that we can kind of go about our business 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:22.560 and our daily lives 00:25:22.560 --> 00:25:24.460 as we do these things, 00:25:24.759 --> 00:25:25.460 where we are, 00:25:25.520 --> 00:25:27.700 in whatever situation we find ourselves in. 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:29.960 But now there are times 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:31.200 when the commands of the king 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:34.060 conflict with the desires of our hearts 00:25:34.060 --> 00:25:37.380 or the cravings of our flesh, 00:25:37.380 --> 00:25:40.420 and we really can get all tangled up 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:41.920 in the stuff of life, 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:43.140 in the stuff of this world, 00:25:43.320 --> 00:25:45.080 such that we're no longer able 00:25:45.080 --> 00:25:47.720 and ready to do these things. 00:25:49.600 --> 00:25:51.440 Do you remember the parable of the soils? 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:54.720 Some of the seed, Jesus said, 00:25:54.800 --> 00:25:56.320 fell among the weeds, 00:25:56.600 --> 00:25:58.320 and the weeds grew up 00:25:58.320 --> 00:26:00.720 and choked out that plant, 00:26:01.560 --> 00:26:02.940 making it unfruitful. 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:05.940 What did that represent? 00:26:08.040 --> 00:26:09.800 Jesus said that it represented 00:26:09.800 --> 00:26:11.360 those who hear the word of God, 00:26:11.580 --> 00:26:14.780 but then God's word 00:26:14.780 --> 00:26:16.280 bears no fruit in their lives. 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:17.960 And the reason why? 00:26:18.320 --> 00:26:19.880 Because the word that they heard 00:26:19.880 --> 00:26:20.940 was choked out 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:23.560 by life's worries, 00:26:23.920 --> 00:26:25.800 by riches, 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:28.520 by the pursuit of wealth 00:26:28.520 --> 00:26:29.940 and pleasures 00:26:29.940 --> 00:26:31.940 and the desire for other things. 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:35.820 We can so easily get entangled. 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:37.579 This world offers us so much. 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.919 We can get entangled 00:26:38.919 --> 00:26:40.579 that we're not even able, 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:41.519 we're not even ready 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:43.480 to do the things 00:26:43.480 --> 00:26:45.259 that the Lord has commanded us to do. 00:26:45.639 --> 00:26:47.419 Maybe you would have had opportunity 00:26:47.419 --> 00:26:49.159 to help someone in real need, 00:26:49.579 --> 00:26:51.059 but you emptied the bank account 00:26:51.059 --> 00:26:52.480 on another thing 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:53.639 that you didn't really need, 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:54.700 just for your own comfort 00:26:54.700 --> 00:26:56.119 or pleasure. 00:26:57.799 --> 00:26:58.939 Maybe you have the chance 00:26:58.939 --> 00:26:59.659 to serve others 00:26:59.659 --> 00:27:00.460 and make disciples 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.480 right in front of you, 00:27:01.799 --> 00:27:03.039 and you see someone, 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:05.180 but you don't have time for that 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:06.180 because you're too busy, 00:27:06.599 --> 00:27:08.019 already committed 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:10.680 to many recreational pursuits 00:27:10.680 --> 00:27:11.319 or hobbies. 00:27:13.920 --> 00:27:14.480 Sometimes, 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:16.420 many times, 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:17.420 in service of the king, 00:27:17.500 --> 00:27:18.420 we must give up 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:19.420 what we want, 00:27:19.879 --> 00:27:21.159 what we desire, 00:27:21.480 --> 00:27:22.759 so that we can do 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:23.519 what he wants 00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:25.339 and what he desires. 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:27.939 Jesus, 00:27:28.439 --> 00:27:29.899 the king himself, 00:27:30.699 --> 00:27:31.720 said it like this, 00:27:32.779 --> 00:27:34.500 whoever wants to be my disciple 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:35.799 must deny themselves 00:27:35.799 --> 00:27:37.759 and take up their cross 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:39.079 and follow me. 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:41.000 For whoever wants 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:41.959 to save their life 00:27:41.959 --> 00:27:43.000 will lose it, 00:27:43.859 --> 00:27:44.859 but whoever loses 00:27:44.859 --> 00:27:45.919 their life for me 00:27:45.919 --> 00:27:47.419 and for the gospel 00:27:47.419 --> 00:27:48.899 will save it. 00:27:49.819 --> 00:27:50.799 That's another way 00:27:50.799 --> 00:27:52.000 of saying what Paul's saying. 00:27:52.519 --> 00:27:53.399 Join with me 00:27:53.399 --> 00:27:54.459 in suffering, Timothy, 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:55.900 as a good soldier 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.799 of Christ Jesus. 00:27:58.400 --> 00:27:58.860 Next, 00:27:58.940 --> 00:27:59.819 he gives this analogy 00:27:59.819 --> 00:28:00.519 of the athlete. 00:28:02.200 --> 00:28:02.600 Similarly, 00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:03.200 he says, 00:28:03.340 --> 00:28:04.420 anyone who competes 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.960 as an athlete 00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:05.819 does not receive 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:06.740 the victor's crown 00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:08.759 except by competing 00:28:08.759 --> 00:28:09.860 according to the rules. 00:28:11.380 --> 00:28:11.819 Now, 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:12.840 it's a bit debated 00:28:12.840 --> 00:28:14.100 what exactly Paul means 00:28:14.100 --> 00:28:14.600 by this. 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:15.240 I mean, 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:16.259 the principle itself 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:16.819 is true, 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:17.980 it's obvious, 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:19.340 but then how does it 00:28:19.340 --> 00:28:20.120 apply to Timothy? 00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:21.519 How does it apply to us? 00:28:22.860 --> 00:28:23.620 When it comes 00:28:23.620 --> 00:28:24.440 to the Christian life, 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:25.400 what are the rules 00:28:25.400 --> 00:28:26.880 that we must compete 00:28:26.880 --> 00:28:27.740 according to? 00:28:29.019 --> 00:28:30.059 One commentator 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:30.660 suggests that 00:28:30.660 --> 00:28:31.680 the rules of the race 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:33.759 are simply that 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:34.440 those who want 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:35.400 to compete and win 00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:37.460 must be willing 00:28:37.460 --> 00:28:38.019 to endure 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:38.740 the difficulty 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:39.340 and hardship 00:28:39.340 --> 00:28:40.779 of training for it 00:28:40.779 --> 00:28:43.120 and then running it 00:28:43.120 --> 00:28:44.420 according to the parameters 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:45.460 of the race 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:46.519 or the competition. 00:28:46.519 --> 00:28:49.900 there are no shortcuts. 00:28:51.139 --> 00:28:52.220 You do not get 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:52.960 to hold 00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:53.940 to have 00:28:53.940 --> 00:28:54.879 the gold medal 00:28:54.879 --> 00:28:56.000 at the end 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.579 of the race 00:28:56.579 --> 00:28:58.119 if you used 00:28:58.119 --> 00:28:58.940 doping 00:28:58.940 --> 00:29:00.799 or performance 00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:01.740 enhancing drugs. 00:29:01.859 --> 00:29:02.559 You do not get 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.099 the prize 00:29:03.099 --> 00:29:04.099 if you cut across 00:29:04.099 --> 00:29:05.480 somewhere in the course 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:06.420 just to save time 00:29:06.420 --> 00:29:07.200 and make it easier 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:07.839 on yourself. 00:29:08.700 --> 00:29:09.960 You must endure 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:10.720 the hardship 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:11.400 of training. 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:12.400 your body 00:29:12.400 --> 00:29:13.300 must suffer 00:29:13.300 --> 00:29:15.140 to get stronger 00:29:15.140 --> 00:29:15.960 and faster 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:17.019 and then you must 00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:17.840 run according to 00:29:17.840 --> 00:29:18.900 the rules of the course. 00:29:19.620 --> 00:29:20.620 You must suffer 00:29:20.620 --> 00:29:21.120 your body 00:29:21.120 --> 00:29:22.100 through all of it 00:29:22.100 --> 00:29:23.940 otherwise you will 00:29:23.940 --> 00:29:25.220 not receive the reward 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:27.080 even if you somehow 00:29:27.080 --> 00:29:28.240 managed to cross 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:28.920 the finish line 00:29:28.920 --> 00:29:29.380 first. 00:29:29.380 --> 00:29:32.240 If we think of how 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:32.740 this applies 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.000 to Timothy's situation 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:35.220 Paul may mean 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:35.900 that there is simply 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:36.840 no way around 00:29:36.840 --> 00:29:37.760 suffering 00:29:37.760 --> 00:29:38.940 and hardship 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:40.100 in the Christian life. 00:29:40.220 --> 00:29:40.840 At times 00:29:40.840 --> 00:29:42.480 we must face it 00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:44.520 and to receive 00:29:44.520 --> 00:29:45.640 that victor's crown 00:29:45.640 --> 00:29:47.460 that wonderful 00:29:47.460 --> 00:29:48.760 glorious reward 00:29:48.760 --> 00:29:49.840 from the Lord Jesus 00:29:49.840 --> 00:29:50.780 to receive that 00:29:50.780 --> 00:29:51.720 well done 00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:53.140 good and faithful servant 00:29:53.140 --> 00:29:54.140 we must be willing 00:29:54.140 --> 00:29:54.740 to push 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:56.060 through the pain. 00:29:56.860 --> 00:29:58.020 We must be willing 00:29:58.020 --> 00:29:58.720 to endure 00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.940 opposition 00:29:59.940 --> 00:30:01.299 and hardship 00:30:01.299 --> 00:30:03.140 and being uncomfortable 00:30:03.140 --> 00:30:04.799 and even suffering. 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:06.740 We must be willing 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:07.960 to discipline ourselves 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:08.839 for godliness 00:30:08.839 --> 00:30:10.200 and say no 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:11.480 to things that 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:11.920 otherwise 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:13.819 we might like to have 00:30:13.819 --> 00:30:14.339 or do. 00:30:14.640 --> 00:30:15.180 Things like 00:30:15.180 --> 00:30:16.400 the pursuit of wealth 00:30:16.400 --> 00:30:19.039 the pursuit of comforts 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:20.160 the pursuit of pleasures 00:30:20.160 --> 00:30:21.019 in this world. 00:30:23.299 --> 00:30:24.180 And so the Christian life 00:30:24.180 --> 00:30:24.680 is both 00:30:24.680 --> 00:30:25.920 a battle to be fought 00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:27.600 and a race 00:30:27.600 --> 00:30:28.360 to be run. 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:29.620 And sometimes 00:30:29.620 --> 00:30:30.839 there just are 00:30:30.839 --> 00:30:31.700 no shortcuts. 00:30:33.140 --> 00:30:33.759 The course 00:30:33.759 --> 00:30:35.240 laid out before us 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:36.740 takes us right through 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:38.220 the path of suffering. 00:30:40.140 --> 00:30:41.079 Finally he gives 00:30:41.079 --> 00:30:41.620 the analogy 00:30:41.620 --> 00:30:42.819 of the hardworking farmer. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:44.339 He says 00:30:44.339 --> 00:30:45.360 the hardworking farmer 00:30:45.360 --> 00:30:46.240 should be the first 00:30:46.240 --> 00:30:47.559 to receive a share 00:30:47.559 --> 00:30:48.180 of the crops. 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.319 And again 00:30:50.319 --> 00:30:50.799 with this one 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:51.500 there's some debate 00:30:51.500 --> 00:30:52.120 on precisely 00:30:52.120 --> 00:30:52.779 how Paul 00:30:52.779 --> 00:30:53.880 means this 00:30:53.880 --> 00:30:55.279 and how it applies 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:55.860 to Timothy. 00:30:55.859 --> 00:30:57.259 it doesn't really 00:30:57.259 --> 00:30:57.919 help that our 00:30:57.919 --> 00:30:58.799 modern day farming 00:30:58.799 --> 00:30:59.959 is so different 00:30:59.959 --> 00:31:00.699 from how farming 00:31:00.699 --> 00:31:02.479 was 2,000 years ago. 00:31:03.119 --> 00:31:03.819 Today we've got 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:04.779 lots of wonderful 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:05.919 expensive machines 00:31:05.919 --> 00:31:08.019 that can do 00:31:08.019 --> 00:31:08.799 some of that work 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:09.439 for us 00:31:09.439 --> 00:31:10.659 make some of it 00:31:10.659 --> 00:31:11.159 easier. 00:31:11.419 --> 00:31:12.439 But back then 00:31:12.439 --> 00:31:13.039 you were driving 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:13.639 animals. 00:31:14.379 --> 00:31:15.219 I mean you were 00:31:15.219 --> 00:31:16.039 holding the plow 00:31:16.039 --> 00:31:17.319 steady with your 00:31:17.319 --> 00:31:17.919 forearms 00:31:17.920 --> 00:31:19.039 and your muscles 00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:20.060 were screaming 00:31:20.060 --> 00:31:20.640 by the end 00:31:20.640 --> 00:31:21.160 of the day. 00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:22.460 You were swinging 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:23.080 the sickle 00:31:23.080 --> 00:31:23.779 by hand 00:31:23.779 --> 00:31:24.259 and you were 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:25.300 bundling the sheaves 00:31:25.300 --> 00:31:25.920 by hand 00:31:25.920 --> 00:31:26.800 and picking them up 00:31:26.800 --> 00:31:27.680 and carrying them 00:31:27.680 --> 00:31:28.840 by hand 00:31:28.840 --> 00:31:30.019 long days 00:31:30.019 --> 00:31:30.840 in the hot sun. 00:31:31.840 --> 00:31:32.700 And you didn't 00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:33.660 do all that 00:31:33.660 --> 00:31:34.240 for nothing. 00:31:35.300 --> 00:31:36.000 You wouldn't 00:31:36.000 --> 00:31:36.820 subject yourself 00:31:36.820 --> 00:31:37.440 to that kind of 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:38.120 grueling labor 00:31:38.120 --> 00:31:38.779 for nothing. 00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:40.259 You did it 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:40.779 to receive 00:31:40.779 --> 00:31:41.580 your share 00:31:41.580 --> 00:31:42.660 of that harvest 00:31:42.660 --> 00:31:44.200 that you were 00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:44.820 working on. 00:31:45.460 --> 00:31:46.480 Your reward 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:47.460 for the work 00:31:47.460 --> 00:31:47.920 you did. 00:31:48.339 --> 00:31:48.860 And when it 00:31:48.860 --> 00:31:49.360 comes time 00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:50.000 to divvy up 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:50.940 the first portions 00:31:50.940 --> 00:31:51.680 after we take 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:52.220 out the first 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:53.500 fruits of course 00:31:53.500 --> 00:31:54.460 when it comes 00:31:54.460 --> 00:31:55.319 time to divvy up 00:31:55.319 --> 00:31:56.160 the first portions 00:31:56.160 --> 00:31:56.819 of the harvest 00:31:56.819 --> 00:31:57.860 as it's coming in 00:31:57.860 --> 00:31:59.360 are you going 00:31:59.360 --> 00:32:00.120 to give the lazy 00:32:00.120 --> 00:32:00.880 guy who just 00:32:00.880 --> 00:32:01.660 worked slow 00:32:01.660 --> 00:32:03.200 and stood around 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:04.240 looking at everybody 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:05.000 most of the day 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:05.440 are you going 00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:06.000 to give him 00:32:06.000 --> 00:32:06.860 the first share 00:32:06.860 --> 00:32:08.240 of the harvest 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:10.440 or are you going 00:32:10.440 --> 00:32:10.819 to give it 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:11.980 to the guy 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:12.599 who busted 00:32:12.599 --> 00:32:13.299 his buns 00:32:13.299 --> 00:32:14.440 doing two to 00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:14.980 three times 00:32:14.980 --> 00:32:15.420 as much 00:32:15.420 --> 00:32:16.079 as that lazy 00:32:16.079 --> 00:32:16.420 guy. 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:17.559 In a day. 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:20.120 Timothy 00:32:20.120 --> 00:32:21.779 be like that 00:32:21.779 --> 00:32:22.779 hard working farmer 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:24.079 says Paul. 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:25.980 The Christian 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:26.420 life 00:32:26.420 --> 00:32:28.579 our service 00:32:28.579 --> 00:32:30.000 to King Jesus 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:31.099 is like a great 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:31.839 undertaking 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:32.680 in the fields 00:32:32.680 --> 00:32:34.039 and we aren't 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:34.559 laboring 00:32:34.559 --> 00:32:35.460 we aren't 00:32:35.460 --> 00:32:35.920 enduring 00:32:35.920 --> 00:32:36.759 all of this 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:37.460 for nothing. 00:32:37.920 --> 00:32:38.980 We're working 00:32:38.980 --> 00:32:39.880 for a great 00:32:39.880 --> 00:32:40.319 harvest 00:32:40.319 --> 00:32:41.400 for our Lord 00:32:41.400 --> 00:32:43.019 and we are 00:32:43.019 --> 00:32:43.519 looking for 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:44.140 the reward 00:32:44.140 --> 00:32:44.839 that will be 00:32:44.839 --> 00:32:45.360 ours 00:32:45.359 --> 00:32:46.839 for our 00:32:46.839 --> 00:32:47.639 portion 00:32:47.639 --> 00:32:48.459 our share 00:32:48.459 --> 00:32:49.359 our reward 00:32:49.359 --> 00:32:50.539 for laboring 00:32:50.539 --> 00:32:51.159 faithfully. 00:32:52.959 --> 00:32:53.799 This is not 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.539 saying that somehow 00:32:54.539 --> 00:32:55.259 we can earn 00:32:55.259 --> 00:32:56.000 our salvation 00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:57.899 of course we 00:32:57.899 --> 00:32:58.500 can't 00:32:58.500 --> 00:33:00.419 but it's saying 00:33:00.419 --> 00:33:01.199 that on top of 00:33:01.199 --> 00:33:02.059 God's amazing 00:33:02.059 --> 00:33:02.519 grace 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:03.500 that all he has 00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:04.099 given us 00:33:04.099 --> 00:33:05.639 in salvation 00:33:05.639 --> 00:33:06.599 he really does 00:33:06.599 --> 00:33:07.519 reward us 00:33:07.519 --> 00:33:09.479 for persevering 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:10.579 and working 00:33:10.579 --> 00:33:11.160 hard and 00:33:11.160 --> 00:33:11.640 faithfully 00:33:11.640 --> 00:33:12.819 for his 00:33:12.819 --> 00:33:13.120 sake. 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:15.279 Finally we 00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:15.680 come to the 00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:16.319 fourth imperative 00:33:16.319 --> 00:33:17.339 in verse 00:33:17.339 --> 00:33:17.700 seven. 00:33:19.559 --> 00:33:20.160 Reflect on 00:33:20.160 --> 00:33:20.460 what I'm 00:33:20.460 --> 00:33:20.799 saying 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:21.360 for the Lord 00:33:21.360 --> 00:33:21.839 will give you 00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:22.420 insight into 00:33:22.420 --> 00:33:23.079 all this. 00:33:23.839 --> 00:33:24.140 Timothy 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:24.960 think about 00:33:24.960 --> 00:33:25.759 these analogies 00:33:25.759 --> 00:33:26.480 I'm giving you. 00:33:26.960 --> 00:33:27.380 Think about 00:33:27.380 --> 00:33:27.799 them as you 00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:28.559 face the 00:33:28.559 --> 00:33:29.099 difficulty 00:33:29.099 --> 00:33:30.279 and the 00:33:30.279 --> 00:33:30.620 trouble. 00:33:31.779 --> 00:33:32.339 It might 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:32.680 not be 00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:33.059 especially 00:33:33.059 --> 00:33:33.539 clear 00:33:33.539 --> 00:33:34.720 at the first 00:33:34.720 --> 00:33:35.160 reading of 00:33:35.160 --> 00:33:35.519 this how 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.220 these things 00:33:36.220 --> 00:33:36.779 relate to 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:37.539 our lives. 00:33:38.099 --> 00:33:38.519 Soldier, 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:39.740 athlete, 00:33:40.279 --> 00:33:40.539 farmer. 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:42.799 But as you 00:33:42.799 --> 00:33:43.279 think about 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:43.879 these things 00:33:43.879 --> 00:33:44.720 day by day 00:33:44.720 --> 00:33:45.639 God's going 00:33:45.639 --> 00:33:45.980 to open 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:46.559 your eyes 00:33:46.559 --> 00:33:47.879 to see how 00:33:47.879 --> 00:33:48.420 these really 00:33:48.420 --> 00:33:48.879 are the 00:33:48.879 --> 00:33:49.480 analogies 00:33:49.480 --> 00:33:49.940 these really 00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:50.299 are the 00:33:50.299 --> 00:33:50.799 metaphors 00:33:50.799 --> 00:33:51.839 that capture 00:33:51.839 --> 00:33:52.319 the true 00:33:52.319 --> 00:33:53.160 essence of 00:33:53.160 --> 00:33:53.759 our lives 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:54.220 in service 00:33:54.220 --> 00:33:54.779 of Jesus. 00:33:55.960 --> 00:33:56.559 God's going 00:33:56.559 --> 00:33:56.879 to give you 00:33:56.879 --> 00:33:57.440 understanding 00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:57.899 he's going 00:33:57.899 --> 00:33:58.220 to give you 00:33:58.220 --> 00:33:58.639 insight 00:33:58.639 --> 00:33:59.379 he's going 00:33:59.379 --> 00:33:59.619 to help 00:33:59.619 --> 00:34:00.139 you see 00:34:00.139 --> 00:34:01.559 how to 00:34:01.559 --> 00:34:02.940 fight this 00:34:02.940 --> 00:34:03.460 battle 00:34:03.460 --> 00:34:04.160 how to run 00:34:04.160 --> 00:34:04.779 this race 00:34:04.779 --> 00:34:05.599 how to 00:34:05.599 --> 00:34:06.220 persevere 00:34:06.220 --> 00:34:07.039 in this 00:34:07.039 --> 00:34:07.579 field work. 00:34:08.619 --> 00:34:09.099 So these 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:09.639 are Christ's 00:34:09.639 --> 00:34:10.019 instructions 00:34:10.019 --> 00:34:10.679 for Timothy 00:34:10.679 --> 00:34:11.900 just to 00:34:11.900 --> 00:34:12.280 sum up 00:34:12.280 --> 00:34:12.619 again. 00:34:12.980 --> 00:34:13.099 Be 00:34:13.099 --> 00:34:13.619 strengthened 00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:14.039 in the 00:34:14.039 --> 00:34:14.360 grace 00:34:14.360 --> 00:34:14.679 that is 00:34:14.679 --> 00:34:15.119 in Christ 00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:15.559 Jesus 00:34:15.559 --> 00:34:17.179 and trust 00:34:17.179 --> 00:34:17.599 the things 00:34:17.599 --> 00:34:17.860 that you 00:34:17.860 --> 00:34:18.260 heard me 00:34:18.260 --> 00:34:18.559 say 00:34:18.559 --> 00:34:19.800 to faithful 00:34:19.800 --> 00:34:20.340 men who 00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:20.880 will also 00:34:20.880 --> 00:34:21.220 be able 00:34:21.220 --> 00:34:21.639 to teach 00:34:21.639 --> 00:34:22.059 others 00:34:22.059 --> 00:34:23.880 join with 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:24.139 me 00:34:24.139 --> 00:34:25.119 in suffering 00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:26.460 like a 00:34:26.460 --> 00:34:26.800 soldier 00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:27.900 like an 00:34:27.900 --> 00:34:28.360 athlete 00:34:28.360 --> 00:34:30.420 like a 00:34:30.420 --> 00:34:30.720 farmer. 00:34:31.159 --> 00:34:31.659 We're 00:34:31.659 --> 00:34:32.119 looking to 00:34:32.119 --> 00:34:32.500 please 00:34:32.500 --> 00:34:32.960 our 00:34:32.960 --> 00:34:33.440 commanding 00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:33.860 officer. 00:34:34.420 --> 00:34:34.960 We're 00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:35.360 looking to 00:34:35.360 --> 00:34:35.900 get that 00:34:35.900 --> 00:34:37.420 victor's 00:34:37.420 --> 00:34:37.720 crown. 00:34:37.840 --> 00:34:37.940 We're 00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:38.160 running 00:34:38.160 --> 00:34:38.639 to win. 00:34:39.680 --> 00:34:40.039 We're 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:40.420 looking to 00:34:40.420 --> 00:34:40.880 get that 00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:41.240 share, 00:34:41.740 --> 00:34:42.440 that reward 00:34:42.440 --> 00:34:43.160 of the 00:34:43.160 --> 00:34:44.180 harvest crop 00:34:44.180 --> 00:34:46.000 and continue 00:34:46.000 --> 00:34:46.539 to reflect 00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:47.160 over these 00:34:47.160 --> 00:34:47.579 things. 00:34:47.960 --> 00:34:48.160 Mull 00:34:48.160 --> 00:34:48.579 them over. 00:34:48.680 --> 00:34:48.960 God's 00:34:48.960 --> 00:34:49.139 going to 00:34:49.139 --> 00:34:49.440 help you 00:34:49.440 --> 00:34:49.660 see. 00:34:49.760 --> 00:34:49.900 He's 00:34:49.900 --> 00:34:50.059 going to 00:34:50.059 --> 00:34:50.300 help you 00:34:50.300 --> 00:34:50.820 understand 00:34:50.820 --> 00:34:51.639 just how 00:34:51.639 --> 00:34:52.039 they apply 00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:52.340 to your 00:34:52.340 --> 00:34:52.960 situation. 00:34:55.019 --> 00:34:55.700 We may 00:34:55.700 --> 00:34:56.160 not have 00:34:56.160 --> 00:34:56.599 the same 00:34:56.599 --> 00:34:57.480 role as 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:57.780 Timothy 00:34:57.780 --> 00:34:58.240 had in 00:34:58.240 --> 00:34:58.820 his church 00:34:58.820 --> 00:34:59.500 2,000 00:34:59.500 --> 00:35:00.099 years later. 00:35:00.720 --> 00:35:01.220 We may 00:35:01.220 --> 00:35:01.559 not have 00:35:01.559 --> 00:35:01.940 the same 00:35:01.940 --> 00:35:02.480 climate of 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.000 persecution 00:35:03.000 --> 00:35:03.679 as he 00:35:03.679 --> 00:35:03.980 did in 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:04.159 his 00:35:04.159 --> 00:35:04.679 province 00:35:04.679 --> 00:35:05.820 here in 00:35:05.820 --> 00:35:06.340 ours, 00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:07.480 but we 00:35:07.480 --> 00:35:07.739 have the 00:35:07.739 --> 00:35:08.219 same good 00:35:08.219 --> 00:35:08.659 deposit. 00:35:09.659 --> 00:35:09.980 We have 00:35:09.980 --> 00:35:10.420 the same 00:35:10.420 --> 00:35:10.920 gospel. 00:35:11.639 --> 00:35:11.840 We have 00:35:11.840 --> 00:35:12.420 the same 00:35:12.420 --> 00:35:13.940 Lord and 00:35:13.940 --> 00:35:14.659 Savior and 00:35:14.659 --> 00:35:15.000 King. 00:35:16.119 --> 00:35:16.460 May we 00:35:16.460 --> 00:35:16.860 not be 00:35:16.860 --> 00:35:17.400 found asleep 00:35:17.400 --> 00:35:17.719 at the 00:35:17.719 --> 00:35:17.980 wheel, 00:35:19.340 --> 00:35:19.599 checked 00:35:19.599 --> 00:35:19.960 out, 00:35:20.980 --> 00:35:21.679 disengaged, 00:35:21.900 --> 00:35:22.360 distracted 00:35:22.360 --> 00:35:23.039 from the 00:35:23.039 --> 00:35:23.500 cause of 00:35:23.500 --> 00:35:23.880 Christ. 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:25.780 If in our 00:35:25.780 --> 00:35:26.300 corner of the 00:35:26.300 --> 00:35:26.719 world right 00:35:26.719 --> 00:35:27.139 now it's 00:35:27.139 --> 00:35:27.719 easy to 00:35:27.719 --> 00:35:28.860 run and 00:35:28.860 --> 00:35:29.380 there's minimal 00:35:29.380 --> 00:35:29.920 opposition, 00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:30.500 then let us 00:35:30.500 --> 00:35:31.059 be running. 00:35:31.059 --> 00:35:32.559 let us be 00:35:32.559 --> 00:35:33.219 working while 00:35:33.219 --> 00:35:33.799 we are still 00:35:33.799 --> 00:35:34.480 unhindered. 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:36.340 May we not 00:35:36.340 --> 00:35:36.739 be found 00:35:36.739 --> 00:35:38.179 entangled in 00:35:38.179 --> 00:35:38.759 the stuff of 00:35:38.759 --> 00:35:39.360 this world. 00:35:40.500 --> 00:35:40.980 May we not 00:35:40.980 --> 00:35:41.340 be found 00:35:41.340 --> 00:35:42.099 unprepared to 00:35:42.099 --> 00:35:42.539 use the 00:35:42.539 --> 00:35:43.019 gifts that 00:35:43.019 --> 00:35:43.440 God has 00:35:43.440 --> 00:35:45.179 given us in 00:35:45.179 --> 00:35:45.599 the service 00:35:45.599 --> 00:35:45.980 of our 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:46.219 King. 00:35:47.139 --> 00:35:47.480 May we 00:35:47.480 --> 00:35:47.840 not be 00:35:47.840 --> 00:35:48.219 found 00:35:48.219 --> 00:35:49.579 lollygagging 00:35:49.579 --> 00:35:50.880 in the 00:35:50.880 --> 00:35:51.460 race that's 00:35:51.460 --> 00:35:51.980 set before 00:35:51.980 --> 00:35:52.440 us or 00:35:52.440 --> 00:35:53.380 lazing around 00:35:53.380 --> 00:35:53.960 in the 00:35:53.960 --> 00:35:54.460 field we're 00:35:54.460 --> 00:35:55.099 given us 00:35:55.099 --> 00:35:56.000 to do as 00:35:56.000 --> 00:35:57.500 Christians here 00:35:57.500 --> 00:35:58.039 in Davidson, 00:35:58.619 --> 00:35:59.019 here in 00:35:59.019 --> 00:35:59.559 Craig and 00:35:59.559 --> 00:36:00.179 from wherever 00:36:00.179 --> 00:36:00.820 else you're 00:36:00.820 --> 00:36:02.039 visiting from. 00:36:02.860 --> 00:36:03.519 May we be 00:36:03.519 --> 00:36:04.500 found focused 00:36:04.500 --> 00:36:05.840 like that 00:36:05.840 --> 00:36:06.780 soldier on 00:36:06.780 --> 00:36:07.220 the mission 00:36:07.220 --> 00:36:07.820 the Lord has 00:36:07.820 --> 00:36:08.400 given us, 00:36:08.860 --> 00:36:09.400 carrying out 00:36:09.400 --> 00:36:10.019 his commands, 00:36:10.700 --> 00:36:11.280 using our 00:36:11.280 --> 00:36:11.620 gifts, 00:36:12.200 --> 00:36:12.860 playing each 00:36:12.860 --> 00:36:13.320 of us our 00:36:13.320 --> 00:36:13.920 part in the 00:36:13.920 --> 00:36:14.340 body of 00:36:14.340 --> 00:36:14.720 Christ, 00:36:15.140 --> 00:36:15.740 running our 00:36:15.740 --> 00:36:16.940 race as 00:36:16.940 --> 00:36:17.640 best we can 00:36:17.640 --> 00:36:18.220 to win that 00:36:18.220 --> 00:36:18.980 victor's crown, 00:36:19.680 --> 00:36:20.700 working hard 00:36:20.700 --> 00:36:21.940 toward that 00:36:21.940 --> 00:36:22.380 harvest. 00:36:24.039 --> 00:36:24.780 Do you 00:36:24.780 --> 00:36:25.160 want to 00:36:25.160 --> 00:36:27.140 hear that 00:36:27.140 --> 00:36:27.820 well done, 00:36:28.440 --> 00:36:28.960 good and 00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:29.720 faithful servant 00:36:29.719 --> 00:36:30.579 from the 00:36:30.579 --> 00:36:31.159 Lord Jesus 00:36:31.159 --> 00:36:31.839 when he 00:36:31.839 --> 00:36:32.279 returns? 00:36:33.639 --> 00:36:34.519 I do. 00:36:36.339 --> 00:36:36.639 And so 00:36:36.639 --> 00:36:37.139 let's keep 00:36:37.139 --> 00:36:37.819 on pressing 00:36:37.819 --> 00:36:38.159 on, 00:36:38.500 --> 00:36:38.819 pressing 00:36:38.819 --> 00:36:39.500 forward for 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:40.779 Jesus day 00:36:40.779 --> 00:36:41.259 by day, 00:36:42.319 --> 00:36:42.879 answering his 00:36:42.879 --> 00:36:43.139 call. 00:36:44.399 --> 00:36:45.219 Let's pray. 00:36:50.819 --> 00:36:51.579 Father in 00:36:51.579 --> 00:36:51.959 heaven, we 00:36:51.959 --> 00:36:52.539 thank you that 00:36:52.539 --> 00:36:53.079 even though you 00:36:53.079 --> 00:36:53.859 give us these 00:36:53.859 --> 00:36:55.019 challenging words, 00:36:56.179 --> 00:36:56.939 this difficult 00:36:56.939 --> 00:36:57.419 call, 00:36:57.420 --> 00:36:59.039 that there 00:36:59.039 --> 00:36:59.599 is grace 00:36:59.599 --> 00:37:00.760 that you 00:37:00.760 --> 00:37:01.500 offer alongside 00:37:01.500 --> 00:37:01.940 of it. 00:37:02.579 --> 00:37:03.200 Please give 00:37:03.200 --> 00:37:03.559 us that 00:37:03.559 --> 00:37:03.900 grace, 00:37:04.039 --> 00:37:04.420 fill us 00:37:04.420 --> 00:37:04.800 with that 00:37:04.800 --> 00:37:05.360 power and 00:37:05.360 --> 00:37:05.740 strength 00:37:05.740 --> 00:37:06.480 that we 00:37:06.480 --> 00:37:07.880 need to 00:37:07.880 --> 00:37:08.360 see these 00:37:08.360 --> 00:37:08.659 words, 00:37:08.760 --> 00:37:09.019 to hear 00:37:09.019 --> 00:37:09.480 these words 00:37:09.480 --> 00:37:09.740 and be 00:37:09.740 --> 00:37:10.220 encouraged 00:37:10.220 --> 00:37:10.740 by them, 00:37:11.240 --> 00:37:11.960 to be 00:37:11.960 --> 00:37:12.599 spurred on 00:37:12.599 --> 00:37:13.119 by them. 00:37:14.440 --> 00:37:15.300 Our desire 00:37:15.300 --> 00:37:15.780 is your 00:37:15.780 --> 00:37:16.159 pleasure, 00:37:16.860 --> 00:37:17.940 it is your 00:37:17.940 --> 00:37:18.300 glory. 00:37:19.980 --> 00:37:20.480 And so we 00:37:20.480 --> 00:37:21.180 ask that you 00:37:21.180 --> 00:37:21.700 would work in 00:37:21.700 --> 00:37:22.000 us, 00:37:23.059 --> 00:37:24.019 work in all 00:37:24.019 --> 00:37:24.639 of us as a 00:37:24.639 --> 00:37:24.960 church, 00:37:25.960 --> 00:37:26.819 and that 00:37:26.819 --> 00:37:27.159 you would 00:37:27.159 --> 00:37:28.400 take for 00:37:28.400 --> 00:37:28.960 yourself a 00:37:28.960 --> 00:37:29.599 great harvest 00:37:29.599 --> 00:37:30.839 for your 00:37:30.839 --> 00:37:31.619 glory here 00:37:31.619 --> 00:37:32.139 in Davidson 00:37:32.139 --> 00:37:32.799 and Craig 00:37:32.799 --> 00:37:33.139 and in 00:37:33.139 --> 00:37:33.539 surrounding 00:37:33.539 --> 00:37:34.099 areas. 00:37:35.339 --> 00:37:35.940 We ask 00:37:35.940 --> 00:37:36.239 this in 00:37:36.239 --> 00:37:36.819 Jesus' name. 00:37:37.440 --> 00:37:37.719 Amen.