Week 18 (Paul to the Leaders) – Day 3: Good Soldiers of Christ

Day 88 – Good Soldiers of Christ – 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Three items stand out for me in this chapter. 

First, read the metaphorical language and see its power.  This is rich language meant not in the literal sense.  The term good soldier of Christ Jesus has led to behaviors leading to historical events which are not very Chrsit-like.  The key is to note the effect of the metaphorical words like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  This metaphor is tied directly before to the word suffering, not violence or power.

Second is this issue of suffering.  Over and over, we are told that suffering is part of being a leader.  The prosperity gospel is not something easily found in scriptures.

Finally, we are exhorted to minister rather than become tied up in idle speculation and controversy.  Often this is a temptation at a personal, congregational and denominational level. 

Which metaphor speaks to you and why?

In Christ,

Randy