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2 Timothy 2:3-7 - Homilies By T. Croskery

The apostle bespeaks from Timothy a copartnership in affliction, which would have its due reward.

I. THE DUTY OF SUFFERING HARDSHIP IN THE GOSPEL . "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ."

1 . The minister is a soldier of Christ, enrolled by him, trained by him, armed by him, supported by him, as the Captain of our salvation. The ministry is a warfare, involving, not only the "good fight of faith," but an increasing struggle against false teachers.

2 . As a good soldier, he must be prepared to suffer hardships. Like the soldier, he must often leave home and friends, expose himself to cold and hunger and fatigue; he must fearlessly meet the enemies of his Lord, and die, if need be, in the arms of victory.

3 . The apostle strengthens his admonition by an appeal to his own hardships and sufferings. Timothy took a sympathetic interest in the career of the greatest of the apostles. The tried veteran appeals to the young soldier.

II. ENCOURAGEMENTS TO BE DRAWN FROM THE DUTIES AND REWARDS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE . There are three pictures presented to our view—one military, another agonistical, and another agricultural.

1 . The supreme unembarrassed devotion of the soldier to his commander. "No one that serveth as a soldier entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him to be a soldier." The Roman soldier was isolated by express law from all trades and interests and agencies that would interfere with the discipline of his profession.

2 . The severe training and lawful striving of the athlete in the games. "But if any one also strive in the games, he is not crowned unless he have striven lawfully." The figure was a familiar one to the people of that age who dwelt in cities.

3 . The reward of the labouring husbandman. "The labouring husbandman must needs first partake of the fruits of his labour."

III. THE DUTY OF GIVING CONSIDERATION TO ALL THESE FACTS . "Consider what I say, and the Lord will give thee understanding in all things."

1 . It is the Lord only who can give us a true insight into both doctrine and duty.

2 . Those who enjoy this Divine help are under the greatest obligation to use their understandings upon the highest of all themes.— T.C.

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