Verses & Meaning

(i) Men who learn doctrine according to apostle Paul’s writings (1 Corinthians 14:37) & teach others likewise too

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2, NASB)

(ii) Suffer Hardship

“Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3, NASB)

Notice: “NOT” fight against hardship NOR fight against the ones who cause hardship to us, having the true “harmless sheep attitude”.

(iii) Not active in civilian affairs

“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:4, NASB)

(iv) A Christian ONLY wins a prize for the race he runs if it is according to God’s “Rules” (Commands, e.g. 1 Corinthians 14:37)

“Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5, NASB)

(v) God Rewards fairly

“The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (2 Timothy 2:6 – 7, NASB)

(vi) Suffer for the sake of keeping the “Gospel” ONLY according to the “Word of God”:

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,

for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the Word of God is not imprisoned.” (2 Timothy 2:8 – 9, NASB)

(vii) Enduring for the chosen

“because of this all things do I endure, because of the choice ones, that they also salvation may obtain that is in Christ Jesus, with glory age-during.” (2 Timothy 2:10, YLT)

(viii) Our reward or punishment matches our deeds ‘done first in this life’

“It is a trustworthy statement:
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;” (2 Timothy 2:11 – 12, NASB)

(ix) Salvation remains a Free Gift of God

His Faith = Faith of Jesus Christ = Faith of God (Romans 3:3 – 4) remains “unaffected” bringing Salvation upon “all” (Romans 3:22)

“If we believe not, yet He abideth Faithful: He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13, KJV)

(x) How to correct those in “Opposition”?

By “gentle” words ONLY and NOT by force or riots or rebellions of any kind:

“with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,” (2 Timothy 2:25, NASB)

(xi) Why? Toward OBEDIENCE

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the OBEDIENCE of Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NASB)

(xii) We don’t fight against “other human beings” Even “if they are wrong”:

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, NASB)

That’s why we ONLY correct with “words” & nothing more as we allow the freedom for our hearers to make their “own” choice regarding
it as each bears it by themselves.