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ments have nothing to do with eternal salvation, which cannot be obtained by any endurance or by any service, but only by faith in Christ. They refer, rather, to the service of a born-again “soldier,” and the results of that serv ice. Christ cannot commend the cow ardly and slothfui soldier; His re wards are for obedience and Christian courage. HI. T h e E x a l t a t io n (4:5-8) As Paul contemplated his departure to be with his Lord, he gave to Tim othy an exhortation to measure up to his high calling and “make full proof of thy ministry.” - Then Paul said, "I am already be ing offered,” -or “poured out as a. drink-offering’* (v. 6 , R. V. marg.). He knew the time was at hand, and he used a word for his departure that means “an exodus,” or "a going forth.” He was about to go forth from the place of hardship and suffering to the place of fullness of Joy. As he looked back, there was a deep satisfaction in remembering that he had fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. The fight had been against desperate odds since the day he was appointed as a soldier, but he had withstood the enemy in the strength of the Lord. The course had been rough and hard, but he had fol lowed it without deviation. And he had kept the faith without swerving, not turning to any of the attractive imitations offered him. Moreover, as he looked ahead he could rejoice that there was a crown of righteousness awaiting him. He had stood before many unrighteous judges and found unlawful treatment, but at last he was to stand before the Righteous Judge and receive the just treatment that only such a Judge could give. His past was aglow with victories won, his present was filled with con fidence and joy, and his future was all assured in the presence of his Lord. Points and Problems 1. “ Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:1). This is not an exhortation to an impossible condition. God has made it possible
BLACKBOARD LESSON
to teach others also. Thus would be fulfilled Paul’s desire to have those “things” perpetuated. Paul was aware that this procedure would entail suffering. He exhorted Timothy to “endure hardness,” or “take thy part in suffering hardship” (v. 3, R. V. marg.) as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. The suffering of hard ship is unattractive to human nature and not easy to endure. But it is necessary, if the truth is to be main tained and promulgated, so that fu ture generations may be blessed by it. Timothy was reminded that “no soldier on service” (v. 4, R. V.) is oc cupied with the affairs of this life, but his business is to "please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” The good soldier pleases his com mander by manifesting self-denial, courage, and obedience. These are the marks our Lord looks for in those who serve Him. II. T h e E x a m p l e ( vs . 8-12) Paul did not ask Timothy to en dure anything that he himself had not suffered. Timothy could find strength and inspiration at the same source at which Paul had found help, in remembering “Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.” It was from that risen Christ that Paul had drawn his abil ity to endure, and Timothy could do the same. There were a number of “faithful sayings” among the believers in those days, perhaps like the sayings or mottoes that we have today. Paul had been sustained in his troubles by the remembrance of some of these: “If we died with” Christ, “we shall also live with him” (v. 11, R. V.). And, “if we endure” we shall also reign with Him (v. 12. R. V.). These require
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