Competing According to The Rules

2 Timothy 2:1-10


"You therefore, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone COMPETES IN ATHLETICS, HE IS NOT CROWNED UNLESS HE COMPETES ACCORDING TO THE RULES. The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say and the Lord will give you understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."

Compete according to the rules; hard-working farmers partaking of crops(as His revelation comes, they must be the first to receive and do so others may do likewise); soldiers entangling not themselves in affairs other than that which is for good for battle. Paul is comforting Timothy with the truth which serves to strengthen and rooting out that which serves to weaken. 

Who knows what the rules are? Clearly Paul has good command of them as he was charged with writing so much of the New Testament. But, he knows from Whom he received them, as he gives glory to God in Christ Jesus. "The life that I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God". Timothy "must share in hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ". If he does so he, like Paul, he will behelping those who are willing to obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory- he will be partaking of the crops so those he oversees may do likewise. 

I've not been a soldier, but I doubt they walk among the enemy as if walking a dog in a park. They are focused and ready to fight. Their life, other's lives and the cause depends upon it! Consider His word and He will give you understanding in all things. Understand the cost His kingdom requires and be willing to pay it! On your next trip to a merchant, offer to pay substantially less than the cost. See if what you receive exceeds abundantly what you are asking for. Yet in His kingdom we are promised just that, in Him.