2 Timothy 2:5-7

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Two Models of the Faithful Christian: The Athlete and The Farmer

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Like an athlete, the faithful Christian is disciplined in training.

  2. Like an athlete, the faithful Christian is disciplined in running the race.

  3. Like a farmer, a faithful Christian labors for the harvest.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Will you be a medalist or an also-ran?

  2. How big a shareholder are you?

QUESTIONS

  1. What is the primary lesson in the model of the athlete?

  2. In which two ways is this lesson observed?

  3. For what medal should the Christian of today strive?

  4. How do some Christians disqualify themselves for the prize?

  5. What is the primary lesson in the model of the farmer?

  6. What is the farmer’s goal and reward?

  7. How does this apply to the faithful Christian today?

ANSWERS

  1. Discipline

  2. The athlete must be disciplined in training and in running the race. He trains in areas of diet, curfew, work-outs, etc. But he also must follow the rules of the race itself.

  3. The imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

  4. By disobedience and lack of discipline

  5. Hard work or labor

  6. The harvest

  7. The harvest is bringing people to salvation through Christ, and having a part in bringing people to maturity in Christ.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Are you a faithful Christian athlete? Are you disciplined in your life? In which areas do you need to exert more self-discipline?

  2. Are you a faithful Christian farmer? What are you doing to prepare your garden and reap a harvest? How are you laboring for Christ? Do you have the patience to wait for the harvest?

CHALLENGE

  1. Think of the challenge of the athlete. Are you striving for the imperishable crown? Are you obedient to the whole word of God? Are you disciplined in your life?

KEY VERSES

  • “If anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding of all things.” 2 Timothy 2:5-7

2 Timothy, Talks, New TestamentDeb Harms2 Timothy 2:5-7