There is no shortage in the Bible of examples of how we should live. There are all kinds of teachings about how we can model our lives after others in order to live a Christian life. In 2 Tim.2:3-6, Paul gives three occupations that show us the need to patiently endure the sufferings that come our way so that we can enjoy the blessings that will ultimately follow.

First, he says we should be a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and he points out that soldiers do not get entangled in civilian affairs. Rather, they try to please their commanding officer. Some go to extremes to avoid any semblance of worldliness. Their enthusiasm for holiness is to be commended, but the main point is to not be tangled up in the things this world has to offer. Lust, greed and selfishness can lure a person away from what is essential in life—to live for Jesus Christ.

Rather than getting tangled up in worldly ways, the good soldier of Jesus tries to please his commanding officer, and our commanding officer, of course, is Jesus. He says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15). Our love for Jesus is not proved by our feelings and emotions. It is shown by doing what he says, like a good soldier is obedient to the authorities above him.

The second example is the athlete, who only receives the victor’s crown by competing according to the rules. Occasionally an athlete will have to forfeit their prize because they were later found to have cheated. In order to win, you have to play by the rules. Now some people will maintain that the Bible is not a rule book. Well, it’s not just a rule book. It is much more than that. However, there are certainly a lot of “thou shalts” and “thou shalt nots” in the Scripture! We must understand that there are rules to be followed if we are to win the prize of eternal life. That does not take away from the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. Our obedience does not earn our salvation. Rather, it proves that our faith is indeed genuine.  

Finally, we see that being a Christian is a lot like the hardworking farmer. Only by working the ground, sowing the seed and reaping the harvest can the farmer expect to receive a share of the crops. There is no such thing as a lazy successful farmer! You must put in the work to receive the reward. In the same way, Christians must sow the Word of God in their own lives and in the lives of others and participate in the harvest of souls. Living the Christian life involves hard work, but it also has rewards for those who faithfully labor in the Master’s fields.

The main point of this section is to encourage us to endure suffering for the gospel so that we may enjoy the reward that is to come. Soldiers must engage in the battle before they experience victory. Athletes must compete according to the rules before standing on the medalists’ platform. Farmers must perform the hard work before enjoying the fruits of their labor. So it is with the Christian. We must endure the hardships of this life before we bask in the glory that is yet to come.

The following verses point us to Jesus. If we remember his suffering, it will help us to persevere throughout life no matter what difficulty comes our way. Jesus Christ is our example and our inspiration!