You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also 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 in all things.

Paul is very carefully laying out some guidelines to his protege. Not directions to be applied verbatim, but as general directions to guide Timothy as he instructs the leadership of the churches as they are being planted.

Paul uses examples drawn from the military, athletics, and agriculture to illustrate his points, but other examples could have been used. Most importantly, they are examples that Timothy would understand.

We need to study Paul's teaching methods and make our leadership follows similarly.

Reading.

Morning Psalm 42, Noon Psalm 119:25-32, Evening Psalm 135