2Tim 2:1-13, 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ
2Tim are the final words of the great Apostle Paul to his own son in the faith Timothy. It’s an exhortation for him to stand strong in the face of difficulties ahead. The writing is tender, sympathetic, tearful, and yet heroic and stately. Paul is preparing Timothy for the perilous times as a believer, pastor, son, citizen, and as a brother.
3 times in 2Tim the note of suffering hardship is mentioned (1:8; 2:3; 4:5), indicating the need for Timothy’s encouragement. Paul instructs Timothy to be a “good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2:3) and who better to encourage Timothy than an aged warrior ready to die. As “must suffer” may not be for us all, we know as believers, we are not exempt. We are praying and hoping that we don’t have to suffer but God’s sovereign will must prevail for His own glory and that is our comfort.