Title: Saints who hold on to the mission
Content Paul is also writing to Timothy, the son of faith. He is in prison. Paul was a prisoner for the Lord. Paul had something he wanted even in prison. It is the hope that Timothy, the son of faith, will also run the path he has run so far. That is why Paul says, do not be ashamed of yourself, but receive the power of God and suffer for the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8). Where did Paul's power to do the wonderful work of evangelism come from? Because he had a very clear mission. If God calls them to be saints, he gives them a mission. The saints who hold onto their mission do not become discouraged. You have the power to conquer the world. It is truly precious to realize and complete the mission entrusted to you. I hope it will be a blessed time to confirm your mission through the words of today's text.
1. Appearance of the missionary (4-6)
(1) Appearance as a fighting soldier (verse 4)- The world in which the rainy season lives is like a battlefield. Satan uses all kinds of temptations and temptations to bring down believers. However, we are soldiers of the cross who must overcome this temptation of Satan. Soldiers of the cross must overcome sin and temptation. But we do not have the strength to overcome the world. The only strength that can overcome the world is faith in the Lord (1 John 5:4). We can win by faith
(2) Appearance as a racer (verse 5)- The world is like a stadium. And the saints are runners who run toward the heavens. It's not a short road, and you'll have to run it for the rest of your life. So you have to keep running. You have to run even if you sweat and your legs hurt. Instead of running blindly, you have to run towards your destination. We must run while looking at the hope of heaven, not the world. Jesus Christ is our only goal (Philippians 3:14). Those who aim for Christ and finish the race can receive the crown of eternal life.
(3) The image of working farmers (verse 6)- The Lord has called us to be workers in a world like a vineyard. We are not called to rest in peace. You are called to work hard for the Lord. He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6). As farmers in the vineyard, we must be more diligent and sow the seeds of the gospel diligently in the world. If you sow with tears, you will reap the sheaf with joy (Psalm 126:5-6).
2. Fulfilling the mission of the saints
(1) Fulfillment of military mission
① You must suffer (verse 3)- The saying that no one who engages in any work can succeed without suffering is a common saying in the world. The saints have hardships when they fight in the world as soldiers of Jesus Christ. A saint must never give up or withdraw from the spiritual battle in the world for the Lord.
② We are not bound by our own life (verse 4) - If we give ourselves up as soldiers of Christ, we must not be bound by this world. While we live in this world, we have no choice but to engage in a livelihood, but this should not cause us to neglect our duty to God and our duty as saints.
③ We must please the Lord whom we recruited (verse 4b) - The greatest thing that the military has to do is to please the Lord who is our captain. It is his obedience and loyalty to the Word that pleases him.
(2) Fulfilling the mission as a racer (verse 5)
① You must play according to the law (verse 5)- Paul says, “If a player does not play according to the law, he will not be crowned.” God is not a God of chaos, but a God of order (1 Corinthians 4:33). Believers must overcome worldly greed and corruption and lead a life of faith that keeps God's law.
② Racers must thoroughly train themselves. With training, the runner will have the ability to run to the end.
③ Putting off heavy things and things that are easy to get entangled in. Being entangled means a burden of sin. In order to win the crown in the life of the saints who race, they will have to take off the burden of lust, the burden of lust, and the burden of pride.
④ We must be patient and restrained. For example, when a marathon runner runs 42.195 km, his chest is stuffy, he is short of breath, and he desperately wants to give up, but if he stops halfway, he fails. So it runs all the way to the end. This is especially true in the race of faith. In the course of your life of faith, you will face various things that are difficult to bear, and there will be times when your heart will be troubled and frustrated. But you have to be patient. Hebrews 12:2-3 says, “For the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who is God.”
(3) Fulfilling the mission as a farmer (verse 6)
After a seed or a tree is planted, how the farmer manages it can produce different fruits. Insect pests must be prevented and weeds must be removed. Likewise, as missionaries, we must get rid of the worldly greed and old habits that prevent us from growing in our faith. You have to work hard to keep the devil from taking advantage of it so that you can bear fruit 100 times, 60 times, and 30 times.
① A farmer's harvest principle- First, good seeds must be planted in good fields. Second, you will reap according to your kind. If you sow for the flesh, you will perish; if you sow according to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life. You will reap what you sow, and you will reap a harvest that is 30 times, 60 times, 100 times, more than seeds.
② You must work hard and be diligent (Romans 12:11)- First, believers are the status of working hard from morning to evening. Second, we must do our best in both physical and spiritual matters. Third, believers must have the sweat of devotion and tears of prayer. Fourth, toil in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
③ The right to receive the grain first belongs to the toiling farmer (verse 6)- The faithful and diligent saint will stand at the head of those who receive the reward.