2 Timothy 2:3-4

b.

As a Soldier 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Text 2:3, 4

3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

Thought Questions 2:3, 4

65.

Why inform Timothy that he was to take his place in suffering persecution? Was Timothy reluctant to do so?

66.

In what way would the sufferings of Timothy be associated with those of Paul?

67.

Why use the figure of a soldier? Show two or three comparisons.

68.

As a soldier of Christ Jesus, was Paul thinking of Christ as in this army? What position?

69.

Why mention possible entangling alliances?

70.

When does the Christian soldier get his furlough?

71.

Specify some of the affairs of this life in which the soldier of Christ Jesus could become entangled.

72.

How shall we understand the expression, enrolled him as a soldier?

73.

Is Christ actually affected with our conduct of life on earth; i.e., does He, personally, respond to our good and bad decisions? Explain.

Paraphrase 2:3, 4

3 Since thou must maintain the doctrine of Christ, and commit it in purity to others, do thou endure with constancy the evils attending that service as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, that the teachers whom thou appointest may imitate thee.
4 No soldier engages in any of the businesses of this life, that, being constantly ready for action, he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. The same rule ought a minister of the gospel to follow, that he may please Christ who hath called him,

Comment 2:3, 4

2 Timothy 2:3. Timothy is not only Paul's child (or God's child), but he is also Christ's soldier.

As a soldier of Christ, he must expect his share in the suffering that accompanies this service. No good soldier of Nero would leave the army or refuse the service because of hardships. Shall we do less for Christ than the soldier does for the emperor?
Are you a good soldier of Christ Jesus? Then expect to sufferit came with your enlistment.

2 Timothy 2:4. Continuing the metaphor, Paul reminds Timothy of the complete dedication required by army service. When there is a choice of activities, all that would hinder obedience to orders from the superior officer, must be eliminated.

The expression, on service, can also be translated, warring. The preacher is in a holy war! He must give his part in the battle priority over all else. How very many perfectly legitimate affairs of this life have taken up the time, thought and energy (to say nothing of money) that should have been given in winning the battle for King Jesus!
Someone immediately thinks of Paul's making tents as a hindering alliance with the affairs of this life. We do not know just how extensive such tent making was, or just what he did when working at such a task. But one thing we do know, it did not encumber him from warring the good warfare. Another thing we can know is that much tent making today does hinder and entangle God's soldierhow much time, thought, energy and talents can we devote to our captain when it has been spent elsewhere? Please do not forget that our captain is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, both for good and for evil (Hebrews 4:12). He is pleased or hurt by our service. The use of the term enrolled, as here used, is of one who has mustered an army and is calling for volunteers; for those who will enlist, We have enlisted at the call of our Commander, Let's give Him a full measure of serviceHe deserves it.

Fact Questions 2:3, 4

48.

What is the meaning of the expression, suffer hardships?

49.

Read Hebrews 13:23 and discuss its possible application to suffer hardship with me.

50.

How is the complete dedication required of Christ's soldiers here indicated?

51.

What is the meaning and application of the expression on service?

52.

How can it be determined when we have become entangled in the affairs of this life?

53.

Didn-'t Paul make tents? Wasn-'t this an association with the affairs of this life?

54.

Can we be sure that Jesus is pleased or hurt by our service? How?