2 Timothy 1 – 2
Verses 2:5 & 6 make some interesting comparisons:
5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
Interesting how Paul talks about of system of rewards and applies it to our heavenly pursuits.This gets into some dangerous waters with many Christians since most doctrines and theologies don’t want to acknowledge works and salvation. I agree it’s not what you do to gain entrance into heaven, but rather a belief and following of Jesus. At the same time Paul implies that those who “reap” more for God here on earth will be rewarded in heaven.
The “athlete” analogy points out that everyone must play be the rules, which are “simple” Jesus is the way to salvation. We cannot bend the rules for our liking, I hear many “Christians” say that Jesus is one path to salvation. If that was so then why would God have come to earth as a man to sacrifice himself for our sins, if we could worship a cow and gain the same reward?
The “farmer” analogy shoots holes in the “Jesus was a communist” argument. I would consider it more compassionate capitalism. The hard worker realizes that much of his labor is going towards those who do less, but he will gain a larger reward at harvest. I have to believe that pastors of mega churches are living a reward and will have a higher place in heaven. I personally don’t worry about the reward, just the results, which for me are single digits if I stretch the “definition”.
Verse 2:21 talks about cleansing ourselves:
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
This is talking about pots and pans, where some are for great meals while others are bedpans. They key is even if you are a “puke bucket” there is nothing saying that in God’s eyes we cannot clean ourselves up and be used for great things. Some of the most influential Christians I know have a story that is less that flattering, yet they now influence a vast amount of people to Christ. It all starts with a confession!
Verse 2:22 explores our passions:
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
“Youthful passions” imply not just illicit sexual desires, but also pride, wealth, power, self-absorptiveness and argumentative stances. Interesting how “youthful passions” imply this yet as an “old man” I still struggle with these. The only difference is as I age I realize the trouble they cause and therefore try to ignore the impulses. The key for ALL ages is to pursue what God desires for our life and not impulsive emotions.