Expository Sermon: The Soldier, Athelete, and Farmer

Introduction

Some of the most popular and effective teaching methods are the ones that involve having some sort of diagram or model to give the student an idea of what is going on. In fact, researchers have found that 65% of people learn better through visual aids as opposed to auditorial and kinesthetically. However, visual learning is not limited to just a visible picture on a board. This also happens with the use of mental visualizations called analogies.

An analogy is, “a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.” Instead of drawing a picture on a board, the teacher thoroughly explains a scenario which enables the learner to paint a mental image in their own mind. Once the mental image is made, the teacher will use this to make a connection to the lesson and clarify its meaning. This makes the application unique to every individual, which is incredibly effective when learning.

We see this second form of visual teaching all the time when we read the Bible. Personally, this one of my favorite things about reading the Bible, especially the New Testament. Jesus does this all the time in His parables, which are earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. Another person who is known for doing this type of teaching is Paul.

An example of Paul doing this is found in (2 Timothy 2:3-6), where he is using an analogy to try and encourage Timothy while he’s in his ministry by using illustrations. In verses (3-4), he uses the image of a soldier. In verse (5), he talks about an athlete. Finally, Paul talks about a farmer in verse (6). Paul uses these figures, draws some notable characteristics from each, and applies them to Timothy’s life. Before we get into the text, let’s review the background of 2 Timothy.

The Hardened Soldier (3-4)

A. Being a good soldier of Christ means enduring hardship (3).

1. There’s no way around this, we are living in one of (if not) the biggest spiritual warfare of all time (Eph. 6:12) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

2. Like earthly warfare, there is always opposition

a. There are enemies of the Church who will oppose Christ’s teachings. And it’s our jobs as soldiers of Christ to fight through them.

b. There will be enemies that infiltrate our ranks. False teachers worm their way into our pulpits and tear apart congregations, weakening us from within.

3. These are just the sum of the types of hardship we will face as soldiers of Christ.

B. Being a good soldier of Christ means not entangling yourself in the world.

1. Paul tells Timothy in verse (4) that you will not be pleasing the one who enlisted you in this warfare by entangling yourself in the pleasures of this life.

2. As a Christian, you have been drafted into this spiritual warfare.

3. There are all kinds of wickedness in the world today, but even more so, there are tempting pleasures.

a. Paul lists some examples in (1 Tim. 1:9-10).

4. Don’t get trapped; don’t return to the wickedness of sin that you just came out of.

a. Peter tells us in (2 Pt. 2:21-22) “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

b. Peter, here, is actually referring to false teachers. But if we’re not careful, we too can fall into the same path.

C. Being a good soldier of Christ means being prepared.

1. How do you do this? You put on the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-20)

a. Truth

b. Righteousness

c. The gospel of peace

d. Faith

e. Salvation

f. Word of God

2. The army does not send out a soldier unless he’s prepared. Neither should Christians go unprepared.

3. As Christian soldiers, we must be armed and ready for the warfare we face.

The Honest Athlete (5)

A. An athlete is rewarded when he competes in accordance with the rules.

1. When I was in 5th grade, I competed in track. I believe it was a 100-meter dash, but what I did was, I zoomed over into the other lanes to stop the other kids from passing me.

2. I didn’t know it was against the rules until after the race.

3. The point is, I broke the rules to gain an advantage, but I didn’t even get first place.

B. Ever heard the Phrase “cheaters never prosper?” This is true on many accounts:

1. First, there is no growth.

2. Second, it’s not fair to the other competitors who gave it their all, while the cheaters didn’t give even half.

3. Third, the “success” isn’t real, nor is it earned. Fake efforts only yields fake victories.

C. You do not truly deserve the victory.

1. This is what Paul is telling Timothy here when he says, “he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”

2. You absolutely cannot gain something you do not deserve.

3. (1 Cor. 15:57) “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Victory is through Christ.

4. But, how can we expect to have this true victory when we do not follow the rules laid out before us. How can we have victory in Jesus without following His rules? The answer is we can’t.

D. Often times we find ourselves thinking we can cheat our way into Heaven.

1. Brethren, this cannot be further from the truth.

2. You cannot cut corners and think you’re still safe.

3. You will not be crowned at the end of this life if you do not follow the rules given to us by God.

The Hardworking Farmer (6)

A. Not just any farmer, a hard-working farmer.

1. I’ve never met a farmer who doesn’t understand the true value of a hard day’s work.

2. Farming isn’t as easy as simple as planting, watering, and harvesting.

- Those of who who’ve tried gardening before know it’s not as easy as it seems.

- If it’s hard to put together a small garden the size of your back yard, how much harder do you think it is to maintain a garden the size of 50 football fields put together.

3. Farmers often go u appreciated in their trade, but they deserve all the credit for the labor they put in.

4. Although this is a notable characteristic of farmers, this isn’t the only point Paul is trying to make in this verse.

B. The other point is when Paul says “partake of the crops” is getting to see the fruits of his labor.

1. As stated previously, a farmer plants, waters, harvests, and sells crops.

2. But during these times, he keeps a portion for himself and his family.

3. The farmer would get to sit at the table with his family, and share a meal, enjoying the fact that his farm is what keeps his family alive.

4. Combining these two points, we have the main take away from Paul’s statement.

C. You enjoy the fruits of your labor when you work hard for it.

1. This is very similar to the athlete where true satisfaction comes from putting in all the honest and hard work.

2. Have you ever had that “sense of accomplishment” feeling? This is a natural feeling God designed us with. Without it, we would not be motivated to get things done.

3. A quote from mentalhealthstrength.com says:

a. “Achievement in many areas of human endeavor adds richness and quality to our lives. Painting, composing, writing, teaching, and performing all manner of jobs successfully are great sources for satisfying our intent to be successful and gain a sense of accomplishment.”

4. Paul knows this and uses it to encourage Timothy in his responsibilities.

D. We should also take Paul’s message to heart, and let it encourage us to continue on in our endeavors.

We’re not guaranteed success, but we are guaranteed joy in the fruit of our labors.

Conclusion

If anyone ever tells you that being a Christian is easy, they’re gravely mistaken. We are not promised an easy life when we live for Christ. There is a waging war, rules that must be followed, and hard work to be done. But let there be encouragement among us that hard work strengthens us, rules maintain order, and we are fighting the good fight (1 Tim. 6:12). When we look at these four verses, we can get a glimpse of some aspects of Christianity. Being hardened like a soldier, honest like an athlete, and hard work like a farmer. The question is, do these qualities describe us? If not, why not? And what can we do to change our lives for the cause of Christ?