A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1-7)

How could Timothy be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus?

Why would Timothy have heard truth in the presence of many witnesses? Why did Timothy need to entrust this truth to other men? Why did these other men need to be faithful? Why did these faithful men need to teach others?

How could Timothy share in suffering? Why would Timothy want to share in suffering? What might be gained through suffering?

• Is all suffering bad? Why or why not?
• Should we be prepared to suffer? Why or why not?

How would suffering show Timothy to be a good soldier of Christ Jesus?

Is there a tendency for modern Christians to forget they’re soldiers and get entangled in civilian pursuits? Why? What are some of the civilian pursuits in which modern Christians entangle themselves? How can we keep ourselves from getting entangled in such pursuits?

The aim of the soldier is to please the one who enlisted him. How can we aim to please the one who enlisted us?

An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. Do many athletes attempt to bend the rules? Why can Christians not bend the rules?

• Does Paul here advocate the idea of legalism (he does imply that we must play by rules)?
• What role does rules play in Christianity?
• How can we follow rules and not lose sight of grace?

What was the crown for which ancient athletes competed? What is the crown for which we compete?

Why should the hard-working farmer have the first share of the crops? Is it important to work hard? Why or why not? In what way(s) should God’s servants today work hard?

What is the value of thinking things over? What new insights might one gain by thinking things over? How would the Lord give Timothy understanding in everything?