Pastorals: Qualities for Christian Service

Pastorals: Message Twenty-Seven

2 Timothy 2:1-7

ETS: Paul encouraged Timothy to possess the qualities necessary for Christian service.

ESS: We ought to embody these qualities as we engage in Christian service.

OSS: [MO: Consecrative] {SO: I want the hearers to be challenged to embody these qualities as they minister to others.]

PQ: What qualities are necessary for effective Christian service?

UW: Qualities

Conjunction οὖν and its significance [continues the thought of Onesiphorus and his example; the fact that Paul desired Timothy to follow his example]

TS: Let’s examine the qualities together.

We must embody faithfulness. [v. 2]

We must embody faithfulness to God as we seek out those who are faithful to entrust the Gospel to them.

We must embody single-mindedness. [vv. 3-4]

The soldier must remained focused on the task at hand, not becoming entangled by civilian life. The original word ἐμπλέκεται “envisages a soldier’s weapons entrammelled in his cloak.” (Donald Guthrie, 158). Thus, in such an occasion, the soldier is prone to failure and loses his ability to be effective.

Furthermore, the reason for this is that the soldier’s aim is to please the commanding officer, not the civilians.

WE must not become entangled with the way of the world, thus losing focus and losing our weapon against the enemy. If we do, we lose our efficiency in the ministry. We must remain focused on the single-minded task of pleasing our commanding officer, King Jesus.

We must embody integrity. [v. 5]

The athlete must compete according to the rules, exercising discipline.

Guthrie stated that this refers to an athlete of an olympic game, who, in the time and culture of Paul “had to state on oath that he had completed the ten months’ training before he was permitted to enter the contest.” (Guthrie, 159). Thus, it required both discipline and integrity.

WE must embody integrity to remain effective in the ministry, exercising discipline to complete the training necessary to compete well.

We must embody a strong work ethic. [v. 6]

The farmer must be hardworking. Several commentaries mentioned that the work of the farmer differed from the soldier and the athlete because it required daily toil without decoration or fan cheers.

WE must embody a strong work ethic, always diligently working and laboring for the Gospel.

5. We must embody a commitment and devotion . [vv. 3-6]

The common quality in every illustration given by Paul is commitment: the soldier remained committed to the task and his commanding officer; the athlete remained committed to the competition; the farmer remained committed to the harvest.

WE must embody a commitment to the task at hand (ministry) and to our Lord, Jesus Christ. This is of utmost importance.

CONCLUSION: Verse seven provides the final imperative of this section: Consider or think about. During the next few moments, think about these things regarding your personal walk in life and engagement in the ministry. Have you embodied faithfulness, single-mindedness, integrity, strong work ethic, and commitment? Are you lacking in any of these qualities? What needs to change for you to be more effective in the ministry of the Gospel?