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The Teacher, Soldier, Athlete, and Farmer

Simple Truths with Simple Questions

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ²And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. ³Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. ⁶The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. ⁷Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. —2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NLT)

Let the grace of Jesus be your strength.

1.) Teacher

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. —2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)

Simple Truths About Teachers:

• They receive the truth
• They train others in the truth

Simple Question:

• Have you received the truth?

2.) Good Soldier

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. —2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NLT)

Simple Truths About Good Soldiers:

• They don’t get entangled in “civilian affairs”
• They obey their commander

Simple Questions:

• Where have I gotten entangled in worldly affairs?
• Do I want to please God or man?

3.) Athlete

Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. —2 Timothy 2:5 (NLT)

Simple Truths About Good Athletes:

• They are disciplined to that in which they compete
• They deny selfishness
• They compete according to the rules

Simple Questions:

• Is my life marked by selfless obedience?
• If not, what is keeping me from doing so?

4.) Hardworking Farmer

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
—2 Timothy 2:6 (NLT)

Simple Truths About Hardworking Farmers:

• Diligent
• Labor hard
• Exhaust energy and resources to yield a harvest or crops

Simple Questions:

• Am I diligent in my pursuit to know Him more and serve others well?
• Am I willing to do whatever it takes?

Let the grace of Jesus be your strength.

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. —2 Timothy 2:7