Articles
Sketches of Service
It can be easy to think of Paul’s letters to Timothy as only useful for how to be an effective evangelist. After all, that was what Paul meant to teach the young man serving the congregation at Ephesus. However, it cannot be overlooked that Timothy’s behavior was to be one of “an example of those who believe.” (I Timothy 4:12) Therefore, we cannot pretend that Paul’s words to Timothy have no bearing on the lives of all saints.
When the apostle spoke of the required dedication for those who serve God, he used three figures, or pictures, to give the young man an idea of what was required of him. “Suffer hardship with [me], as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (II Timothy 2:3-7) What information about service to God can we glean from these pictures?
Paul using the figure of a soldier’s service shows us the importance of our dedication, because we are engaged in a war. Not only will fleshly distractions prevent us from being dedicated, but we will be taken down by the enemy if we are not prepared. (Ephesians 6:10-18) We put our lives in the hands of our fellow-soldiers, and respect them as such. (Philippians 2:25; Philemon 2) Those who cast their hope completely on God should be appropriately rendered their due. (I Corinthians 9:6-7) Being a soldier in service to God keeps us dedicated and focused.
The second figure of the athlete is not only descriptive of the dedication and discipline required for service, but also the care necessary to follow the rules. Without both physical discipline, and care for our conduct, disqualification is the expected outcome. (I Corinthians 9:24-27) As athletes, we cannot allow sin to entangle and slow us in the race toward the finish. (Hebrews 12:1-3) Being an athlete and striving for God’s prize helps us stay disciplined and careful.
We may not think of famers as the foremost image of service, but Paul explains that the measure of the farmer’s work (and the source of his benefit) is the health of the crop. Farmers aren’t the source of the crop’s growth, but are the submissive workers. (I Corinthians 3:5-8) Since the crop is God’s work, then we can learn to be patient, knowing that His timing will always be right. (James 5:7-8) Being a farmer in God’s crop allows us to be humble and patient.
Let us be like the church in Ephesus and look to Timothy’s example according to Paul’s instruction. Let us be the servants that consider what the apostle instructs, so we can have understanding in Christ.
