Soldier, Athlete, Farmer

Before doing this study, please read the 1-minute introduction: Reflect on This.

We're told to reflect the passage below because the Lord will give us insight. What a wonderful promise! 

2 Timothy 2:1-7 explains that we should suffer like a soldier, compete like an athlete, and work hard like a farmer:  

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

1. Like a soldier:

Because my husband was a career soldier, we moved 12 times in 22 years, and we had no choice where or when. When we were stationed in West Germany during the Cold War, he spent 4 months of the year away from home doing field training. He was subject to 4 a.m. alerts, long hours, and rigorous physical training. 

Soldiers today have the additional challenge of regular deployments, leaving their country and families for a year at a time. 

In what ways should our Christian walk reflect the "suffering" (self-denial) of a soldier?

Another verse about soldiers:

Matthew 8:5-13: When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6“Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” 7Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” 8The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment. 

This is a wonderful story and it highlights a major element of serving Christ: authority. In what ways does this apply to our daily walk.

2. Like an Athlete.

2 Timothy 2:1-7 specifically talks about the need for an athlete to compete according to the rules. How does this apply to our walk with the Lord?

Can you list some Scriptures that speak of integrity and honesty?

Another verse about athletes:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 

3. Like a Farmer.
2 Timothy 2:1-7 specifically talks about the reward of doing a task like a farmer. Consider ways that farming is different from other tasks and reflect on those things in regard to your relationship with the Lord.

Another Farmer Verse: 

James 5:7: Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 

Reflect on what these verses tell you, "for the Lord will give you insight into all this."


copyright 2015, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated 2025