Three Needed Qualities for Faithful Christians (2 Timothy 2:3-7)
THEME: “In order to endure as faithful Christians we must be good soldiers, athletes, and farmers.”
I. The Christian Struggle
A. Opposition
1. From Satan (Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8-9)
2. From Others (2 Timothy 4:141-5)
3. From Myself (Romans 7:21-23)
B. Suffering (Luke 9:23; Matthew 6:34; John 16:33; 2 Timothy 4:7)
II. The Necessary Qualities
A. The Focused Soldier
1. Eliminate Distractions
2. Please Your Recruiter (Hebrews 12:1-2)
B. The Lawful Athlete
1. Stick to God’s Rules (2 Timothy 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Philippians 1:15)
2. Receive a Lasting Reward
C. The Laboring Farmer
1. Diligently Labor (Colossians 1:29)
2. Anticipate the Rewards (1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Corinthians 3:8; Galatians 6:7-10; Hebrews 6:10)