Do you know anyone involved in the military, sports, farming, or ranching? As you read 2 Timothy 1–2, notice how Paul compared living the gospel to a war, an athletic contest, and the harvesting of crops. Why do you think Paul used these comparisons?
Understanding the Scriptures
2 Timothy 1
| Unfeigned (v. 5) | Sincere |
2 Timothy 2
| Husbandman (v. 6) | Farmer, land worker | |
| Charging (v. 14) | Commanding | |
| Subverting (v. 14) | Destruction, ruin | |
| Erred (v. 18) | Been in error | |
| Gender (v. 23) | Bring about or cause |
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A or B as you study 2 Timothy 1–2.
Spiritual Soldiers, Athletes, and Farmers
Make three columns in your notebook and label them with the words Soldier, Athlete, and Farmer.
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1.
Read 2 Timothy 2:1–6 and list in the columns what each person is to do (for example, the soldier is to “endure hardness”).
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2.
Write a paragraph describing why you think soldiers, athletes, and farmers are good comparisons to use in a talk about developing spirituality.
In Your Own Words
Read 2 Timothy 2:22–26 and write a short paragraph explaining why you think these verses are important to you today.
