Many centuries after its day, the ancient Roman army is still considered one of the greatest armies in history, and the Roman soldier one of the most disciplined and dedicated warriors the world has ever seen. They were loyal, steadfast, unwavering, and committed to the goal of their commanding officers and the Empire. Even enemy countries, and those who were conquered would admire the Roman army, and would try to incorporate such discipline in their own soldiers. The Apostle Paul frequently saw Roman soldiers during his missionary journeys across the Empire, and as we read in our Scripture today, he saw some admirable qualities that he felt Christians should imitate.
Scripture often compares the Christian life as a battle. Believers are soldiers in a very real sense (vs. 3). We are in a war against an evil world system, against sin, and against Satan. We are soldiers for Christ, and our enemy is real. However, the enemy is no match for God. But if we fail to take up our position in Christ, we will feel overwhelmed and defeated. This is where Paul urged Timothy and those in the churches he has ministered in to step up and follow the example of the Roman soldiers they all were familiar with.
A good Roman soldier was separated from civilian life (vs. 4). In like manner a good soldier of Jesus Christ does not allow the things of this world to distract them. The Roman soldiers always obeyed their commanding officer without question. We, too, should also be focused and obedient to the Lord Jesus.
Paul also compared the Christian life to that of a well-trained athlete. Christians at this time were familiar with Olympic athletes, as the ancient Olympic games were played until the year 393 AD. A serious athlete is as equally disciplined and dedicated as a soldier. This was an analogy that Paul often used in his Epistles, and here he remarks that the athlete’s hard work will be wasted if they don’t compete according to the rules (vs. 5). We, too, must obey the Word of God if we wish to see spiritual victory.
Like soldiers, we have to give up worldly security, and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes, we must train hard, and follow the rules. Like farmers, which Paul also mentioned, we must work hard and be patient. We keep going despite suffering, because we desire victory, winning the reward, and the hope of a harvest. A Christian serving the Lord should not be lazy or slothful, but work for the Lord with a view to the harvest, souls for the Savior. Whatever the Lord calls us to do, He will also provide the resources and strength to accomplish it.
As Paul continued in his letter to Timothy, he wanted to be sure that the true Gospel was being preached in the churches. There were some false teachings spreading even then, and they continue to be preached today. One that was taught said that Jesus was not both fully divine and fully human. Paul declared that Jesus was both (vs. 8). He is fully man, as He was descended from David. He is also fully God, as was prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6). There is salvation in no one else, except the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 10). Those who deny Jesus Christ as both fully human and fully divine give evidence that they never truly belonged to Him. Unbelievers will ultimately deny Jesus because their faith is not genuine.
Sometimes in the struggles of life, our faith might waver and weaken. Even when we have doubts, and our faith seems to falter, Jesus remains faithful (vs. 13). God will remain faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to Him. Don’t give up, because God won’t give up on us. He promises to remain faithful, even when we’re not.
As Paul concludes this passage, he instructed Timothy, and us as well, to avoid senseless arguing with false teachers, and deceivers who use “reason” to subvert God’s Word (vs. 14). Such arguing is foolish and futile. False teachers love to cause strife. We need to handle the Word of God correctly, and to do so we must study what the Bible says (vs. 15).
What kind of worker are we for God? Are we as diligent and disciplined as a Roman soldier was, or as an Olympic athlete? The tool for our training is the Bible, God’s holy Word. As we study His Word, applying it to every area of our life, we will never need to be ashamed as a soldier or athlete for Jesus.
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