2 Timothy 2:6

Paul’s third illustration, the farmer, emphasized the toil necessary if one wants to enjoy the fruits of his or her labors. [Note: Cf. J. H. Bernard, The Pastoral Epistles, p. 118.] A farmer must continue to sow seed and water it if he or she wants to harvest its fruit. Likewise the farmer for Christ must plant and nourish the gospel seed if he or she eventually expects to reap the fruit of God’s Word in the lives of people.

All three illustrations imply dogged persistence and hold out the prospect of eventual reward for the faithful.