2Tim 2:1-13, 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ
The apostle Paul was no stranger to trials, many were his afflictions but the Lord delivered him from many of them (Psa 34:19). From his life experience, he writes to his son in the faith and three times in 2Tim suffering hardship is noted (1:8; 2:3; 4:5). Paul instructs Timothy to be a “good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2:3). The whole tenor of the epistle is a note of encouragement and who better to encourage than an aged warrior ready to die. Timothy’s mission “endurance”, his call “a good soldier”, his commander in chief, Jesus Christ.
A soldier is one who has counted the cost, he is commissioned, and equipped for battle. A soldier is at war which may mean wounds and suffering. Paul did not ask Timothy to do something he hadn’t done himself. He says, “I have endured hardness, now you endure it with me.” (1Cor 11:1) but Paul knew the strength to endure came from God (Phi 4:13). If you never had a reason to endure, how can you encourage others?
2 replies on “Faithfully Enduring”
Very apt for these perilous times
That is the only way