Athletes, Soldiers, and Farmers: Images of Effective Disciples

Images of Effective Disciples

2 Timothy 2:1-8 in verse 7 Paul tells Timothy to take what he has written and reflect upon it, calling upon, or expecting God the to give insight. That is our goal today: to take these images of effective disciples and reflect on the qualities that bring about success in these worldly endeavors and consider  how these might be helpful for us to apply to our personal quest to put on the mind of Christ and attain the better resurrection. `

1. Athlete - [2:5] the one who trains and shows stamina

2. Soldier - [2:3-4] the one who fights to win

3. Farmer - [2:6] the one who sows and reaps

4. Teacher - [2:1-2] the one who learns and passes along understanding & strengthens others

5. Jesus Christ - [2:8] the one who set our ideal and pattern for righteousness

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The Athlete

The popular and famous athletes of our day are amazingly good at throwing a ball, kicking a ball, into a cup, or a hoop, or a net. They have elevated the simple game of catch to a fine art. In some cases two people play catch while another person tries to hit the ball in mid air using a big stick, or they play catch and run down a field to cross a line while other try to stop them. The ones who achieve greatest fame and fortune have tuned their bodies and minds to excel at performing a few simple maneuvers better that anyone else. The successful athlete must also learn to think on the fly, to plan, and strategize., traits which can lead to great success in other areas of life.

A successful athlete may enjoy playing his chosen game... but in order to win [and win consistently] the athlete must do much more than just play. A successful athlete must have dedication, stamina and focus. In this way the athlete is an excellent role model for a successful disciple and follower of God.

Regimen of training - a successful athlete will set up a practice routine and then stick to it even when it gets tedious, or the muscles start to ache. He performs basic moves over and over so that he does not have to think about the basic motor skills and can focus on his reactions to the ever changing scenario of the game. [ex. basic commandment keeping].

The athlete doesn't just thrash around expecting mere physical activity to make him good. He has to learn which moves are essential and focus on those.1 Corinthians 9:24

Know the rules of the game - the successful athlete has to learn which moves are prohibited and the rules for winning. He has to think about the purpose of the moves he practices and how they contribute to the goal of winning. That's how he knows whether to throw a ground ball to first or second base.

He will not be successful if he has to pause and think through the basic strategies every play. A good athlete has probably thought through a variety of scenarios for how to field a ball with a man already on second base.

An example of basic moves for a disciple might be having a good grasp of grace vs. works and how it applies to various scenarios so you don’t get tripped up every time the issue is raise… and them have to spnd days of weeks thinking it through all over again.

Free Agent The athlete is also unique in that he/she is a free moral agent who competes from a desire to win... unlike the soldier for example who's desire to win is a matter of life or death. 2 Timothy 4:6-8. Paul death is coming soon and he know it. He speaks of the goal of the spiritual athlete: the crown of righteousness. Our goal is to become the type of person who can successfully and joyfully inhabit eternity… which will bring with it great joy, satisfaction, and self esteem.

The Soldier

The soldier has a lot in common with the athlete. The soldier needs to train in the basic maneuvers so he doesn't waste precious time pondering how to best aim or reload his rifle when seconds count. He needs to know the strategies and goals and understand how the effective practice of the basics lead to attaining the goal which is victory.

As I mentioned previously, the soldier differs from the athlete in he must struggle to win because if he does not he will be dead. Those of us who do battle with sin, who do not repent and overcome will not attain eternal life... they will die and be no more. The picture of a soldier reminds us that the stakes are high.

1 Timothy 1:3, 18 we struggle with those who oppose the gospel. Accepting false teaching can take you out and leave you dead on the battlefield. On the highest level our struggle is with spiritual wickedness in high places... but spiritual wickedness operates through flesh and blood. Contending with other people is unpleasant... most of us don't like personal conflict... we want to get along with others... usually by following the path of least resistance.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 the battlefield is you mind. However, your victory or defeat is known through what you do.

Fighting the good fight can leave us feeling at odds with everything and everyone. Lonely, isolated, fearful perhaps... it can be hard! However, if we are to fight the good fight like a soldier here are 3 soldierly attributes Paul draws out:

1) Willing & Prepared to Endure Hardship - the soldier may be up to his knees in freezing cold mud, wading through a swamp, or burning up on a desert plain. He doesn't get to pick where and when the fight is on. He must endure the circumstances he encounters and fight well. He will do better if he a) expects hardship and is mentally prepared b) if he understands this hardship as part of a path to victory.

a) And so it is with the suffering, hardship, and trial we face, we must expect them and thereby be mentally prepared when they come along

2) Not Distracted By Civilian Affairs - a soldier must have a singleness of mind and purpose. He cannot be distracted by a wishful longing for an easier life.

3) Follow the leader a good soldier seeks to please his commander... 24/7 obedience. It might be hard for a worldly soldier to endure a foolish or cruel commander... you do not have that problem. Your commander and master is all wise, concerned about your state of readiness, and best yet… His path to victory is inevitable. You may lose a battle or two but the war is a foregone conclusion.

4) Let me add one more of my own: Draw Strength From Your Comrades - worldly soldiers often say they keep themselves going by fighting for their buddies who are close at hand. Point:  fight the good fight not just for yourself, but for those around you.

The Farmer

The imagery of the farmer illustrates that the one who works hard:

1. has a realistic expectation of seeing good results from his effort

2. has a legitimate claim on the fruits of his labor

Galatians 6:7-10 a farmer thinks about what he wants to have grow in his field and he selects the corresponding seed. To get cucumbers you must plant cucumber seeds. So, like a farmer think about what you want to see growing in your garden. Consider what you want to get from it when harvest season comes.

Your goal is not merely immortality… your goal is a certain quality of living that will make eternity joyful and fulfilling. If you want to reap the produce of eternal life you have to plant the right kind of seeds! Sow the seeds of faithfulness, generosity, gentleness, mercy, humility, obedience, fairness and when the time comes you will have a wonderful crop of characteristics that will serve you well in eternity.

If all you plant are seeds that satisfy your material life [material gain and possessions, letting your emotions free and unchecked, sexual gratification] then you will reap as you sow. You may enjoy the sensations, the emotions, the pride during the 70-80 years you have to exist... but after that there is nothing. Eternal life would not be good option for you… so you’d be better off not getting it. God knows how to make these decisions.

A farmer who plants good seeds... can expect good things to grow!

Also, 2 Timothy 2:6 says “the hardworking farmer should be first"... implies that the disciple who shows energy, diligence, and application has priority over those who do very little or are idle. Jesus is very clear that when He returns His people will be rewarded according to what they did during their physical life. The imagery of the farmer speaks to this future reality.

The Creator is an equal opportunity employer! He levels the playing field during our days in the flesh and ensures that every person who heeds to call to repentance has equal opportunity to grow and develop the mind of Christ... but when the day of resurrection comes He will not distribute the blessings of the kingdom evenly to all. He will see to it the person who has worked harder will be blessed more. That is God's idea of fairness.

Equal opportunity for everyone to participate... greater reward for those who work harder! The poular human maxim “From each according to his ability and to each according to his needs” is not of God. Its  nonsense produced by human reason which been proven to yield bitter fruit.

The Teacher

A successful life of growing in Godliness begins with good information. With the bible God has provided you with a good working definition of what His goals are, what your goals should be. He has spelled out what is good versus evil... what is eternal, what is temporary. He has provided you with examples to follow... lots of examples to avoid... He offers you course correction... He offers you encouragement and coaching and a whole lot more.  

God has committed the truth to writing and put it in your hands. Truth sets you free from dead end ideas and philosophies of human reason and human tradition and religious dogma... which are bad information! GIGO

Therefore a disciple must begin by allowing themself to be taught... to become a student. Your first job is to sit down, listen and learn. God wants you to be able to teach others: within your won family, then for some... within the body of the Church,  then for everyone who attains the better resurrection: to serve as a teacher and guide to society during the millennial rule of Christ.  But, before you teach, you must first know the material yourself.

1. Read the course material

2. Listen to the instruction of those appointed to teach and explain

3. Take the lessons and apply

In 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul says "Timothy, take the material you have heard from me, use it to instruct others, and train others to teach it as well". He goes on to say that the content of what he taught was done in public in full view of others. The core material of church teaching and doctrine is public and available for all.

The truth of God and the expectations of God are the same for all people. There is not one truth for you, and another truth for me.

One of the greatest stumbling blocks I see with those who visit our congregations and do not stick is this: they desire fellowship… but they are not interested in being instructed. They read the course material, they learn a few truths, and they get a few things mixed up. When the Church does not agree with their private interpretation of scripture, they leave. As Paul says later on in 2 Timothy 3:7, “always learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth”.

The biblical model is two-fold: 1) self study of the text material, 2) careful instruction and explanation from people appointed by the Church to teach. There is no scriptural precedent for learning all you need to know through self study.

Yes, there is an overflowing abundance of would-be teachers out there, and you must decide. The biblical model for making that decision is the Bereans of Acts 17:11 who listened carefully to the instruction of Paul and then “examined the scriptures daily to see if these things were so”.

The Example of Jesus Christ

Jesus was God walking among men. Everything He did and said is the ideal pattern for what human life should be like. In the flesh He set a pattern of sound words, instruction, dedication, perseverance, focus, endurance of hardship, sewing the seeds of righteousness. In the resurrections He is the pattern of victory and good reward.

Conclusion: as Paul said to Timothy, reflect on the worldly examples of the athlete, the soldier, the  farmer, and consider how they get results. Become a teacher, and follow the pattern of life laid down by Jesus. Do these things and you will succeed.