GIVEN THE GOSPEL TO GIVE THE GOSPEL (3 OF 10)
by Drew Hunter
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
This content is part of a series.
Given the Gospel to Give the Gospel (3 of 10)
Series: Entrusted with the Gospel, for the Spread of the Gospel.
Drew Hunter
2 Timothy 2: 1-7
Here is an important question for every Christian to ask: ''what should the feel and tone of the Christian life be like?''
I wonder what many people would say about the Christian life - whether you are a Christian or not. When Jesus calls people to be his disciples, his followers, his people; what kind of lifestyle is he calling them to?
What images come to mind? If we took a survey of America, and gave several options, I don't think the ones in this text would be chosen very frequently.
This text is first about what pastoral ministry looks like. So this gives us all a vision for what to expect of pastors and elders. And this is also what the Christian life looks like.
And the dominant image used is the life of a soldier.
If you are a Christian, I wonder if you think of yourself like this. Is there some kind of sense in which you think that, because you are a Christian, your life has become a bit more like a soldier's life?
If you are not yet a Christian, I wonder if you've considered that this is what is involved in becoming a Christian. You become like a soldier. When Jesus talked to people about following him, he wanted them to know that it would involve a whole-life commitment. There would be implications for their lives. They would have new priorities. He wanted people to know up-front what they were getting into. This text helps us see what we get into when we become Christians.
Now, this image of being a soldier isn't at all about becoming a culture warrior. This text does not have politics in view. This is about recognizing that the Christian life is a battle and there is a mission. It is a battle against personal sin and apathy. And it is a mission of intentional love. It requires hard work, diligence, and focus. It is to look like being a soldier.
This is true because the Christ ...
Series: Entrusted with the Gospel, for the Spread of the Gospel.
Drew Hunter
2 Timothy 2: 1-7
Here is an important question for every Christian to ask: ''what should the feel and tone of the Christian life be like?''
I wonder what many people would say about the Christian life - whether you are a Christian or not. When Jesus calls people to be his disciples, his followers, his people; what kind of lifestyle is he calling them to?
What images come to mind? If we took a survey of America, and gave several options, I don't think the ones in this text would be chosen very frequently.
This text is first about what pastoral ministry looks like. So this gives us all a vision for what to expect of pastors and elders. And this is also what the Christian life looks like.
And the dominant image used is the life of a soldier.
If you are a Christian, I wonder if you think of yourself like this. Is there some kind of sense in which you think that, because you are a Christian, your life has become a bit more like a soldier's life?
If you are not yet a Christian, I wonder if you've considered that this is what is involved in becoming a Christian. You become like a soldier. When Jesus talked to people about following him, he wanted them to know that it would involve a whole-life commitment. There would be implications for their lives. They would have new priorities. He wanted people to know up-front what they were getting into. This text helps us see what we get into when we become Christians.
Now, this image of being a soldier isn't at all about becoming a culture warrior. This text does not have politics in view. This is about recognizing that the Christian life is a battle and there is a mission. It is a battle against personal sin and apathy. And it is a mission of intentional love. It requires hard work, diligence, and focus. It is to look like being a soldier.
This is true because the Christ ...
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