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Daily Devotions

2 Timothy

2 Timothy 
Day 
Day 21

"Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

Text: 2 Timothy 2:3

A STRONG WORD OF EXHORTATION

The apostle Paul had a deep sense of affection for Timothy as his spiritual son. However, the fatherly affection shown would always be given in strength. The following word was indeed a strong exhortation.

“You therefore must endure hardship
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:3

1. Paul’s employment of a military imagery

a) He wrote about spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-13.
b) He wrote about God’s supply of a full suit of armour for battle (Ephesians 6:14-17).
c) He now urged Timothy to be a good soldier for the Lord (2 Timothy 2:3).

 

2. “You therefore must endure hardship”

a) Enduring hardship
i) This is expected of anyone who enrols to serve in the military.
ii) This is also applicable in spiritual warfare.
b) The phrase “enduring hardship”
i) This phrase translates a single compound word in the Greek text.
ii) This hardship is “shared hardship”.
iii) He would always have “comrades in arms”.
iv) All the soldiers would share in the same hardship.
v) This was Paul’s gentle reminder to Timothy never to feel that he is suffering alone.
vi) Knowing that others also suffer hardship enables one to endure better.

 

3. “As a good soldier of Jesus Christ”

a) Everyone who signs up in the Lord’s army must seek to be “a good soldier”.
b) Paul urged Timothy to be that “good soldier of Jesus Christ”.

 

THE COMMANDER OF THE LORD’S ARMY

We are reminded of Joshua who was tasked to lead the children of Israel into the land of Canaan. The Pre-Incarnate Lord appeared to Joshua one memorable day!

“…And behold, a Man stood opposite him
with His sword drawn in His hand…
So He said, ‘No, but as Commander of
the army of the LORD I have now come.'”
Joshua 5:13, 14

How wonderful it is to know that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Supreme Commander! May we prove to be good soldiers of the Lord indeed!