2 Timothy 2
II Timothy Chapter 2 is a goldmine of truth pertaining to the position, disposition, and expectations for the child of God. Throughout the Bible, God uses various terms to describe His people. Here, in this chapter, we can find several defining words that characterize the Christian. It ought to be our goal and desire to portray each of these traits in our own Christian life. Let’s notice these seven marks of a bonafide believer in II Timothy Chapter 2.
1. We are Sons! -v1 “Thou therefore my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
Paul saw Timothy as his own son in the faith. Paul was his mentor and spiritual father figure, but far greater than the truth that Timothy had a spiritual father is the fact that Timothy and all of us as believers have a Heavenly Father! We are sons!
2. We are Soldiers! -v3 “Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
Christianity is not a life of play; it is a life of warfare. We are in enemy territory while in this world and are called to be soldiers of the cross.
3. We are Athletes! -v5 “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”
We are pressing toward the prize. We are running the race. We are likened to an athlete who would keep his diet and training in check so he could perform to his utmost ability.
4. We are Husbandmen! -v6 “The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaken of the fruits.”
We are stewards of God’s field. We are husbandmen.
5. We are Workman! -v7 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
We are likened unto laborers. Our task is to dig into the truth of the Word of God. We are to study.
6. We are Vessels! -v21 “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”
We are vessels. A vessel is worthless unless it is filled.
7. We are Servants! -v24 “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,”
God doesn’t call celebrities. He does, however, call us to be servants.
Share this post
Justin Cooper, Assistant Pastor
Since 2006, Pastor Cooper has served as an evangelist and as a pastor, traveling across the nation holding revival meetings and preaching in Bible conferences. Pastor Cooper moved to join our staff in 2019 and is building the Tabernacle Bible Class. He and his wife, Desarae, are an incredible blessing to both the college and church families. Pastor and Mrs. Cooper have one son, Lincoln.
Stay connected