2 Timothy 2:4-7

2 Timothy 2:4-7
2:4 No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him. 2:5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules. 2:6 The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. 2:7 Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this.

Notes:
1. As a soldier who is visiting a foreign land on assignment does not get too involved in the local life, so are we to be in this world. We are just visiting, just passing through, spreading the message about our homeland and inviting others to join us. Our life is to be devoted solely to the purpose of pleasing Him who recruited us. To be devoted to being about his business, not ours, not this world’s.

2. If anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned unless he competes according to the rules. In the ancient world, these rules included not only rules in effect during the competition, but also during training. We are to train and compete as if we want to win that crown. Training hard, and following the rules. Again, not getting entangled in the affairs of this world, but setting our eyes on the goal, which is life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share... To me, this alludes to the fact that although we compete, there is a prize at the end of the road. That God will reward his good and faithful servants, not only with eternal life, but much more. Riches and mansions, etc. in the life to come. Christ has gone to prepare a place for us, and the runners who run hard will be given a great reward, treasure in heaven.

4. Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding... I believe this applies to all of scripture, not just this section. We are to think about the word, and the meanings, not just read. We are to use our minds, and allow the Lord to give us the understanding that He wants to give us in it.