1. The Duties of a Faithful Minister

2. A Minister’s Duty to be Strong 2 Timothy 2:1 Paul urged Timothy to be strong like Onesphorus, who had not deserted but refreshed Remember, God gives the Christian a spirit of power, not of fear (1:7) –Our power is found in God’s unmerited favor which is found in our Lord (John 15:4- 5)

3. Strong in Spreading the Gospel 2 Timothy 2:2 Timothy had heard the truth proclaimed by Paul –Witnesses to this would either be those who heard at the same time or others who testified to the same truth (3:15) He was instructed to place the gospel trust in the hands of men who would be loyal to the truth –They would, in turn, pass it on to others

4. A Minister Is Like a Soldier 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Timothy would have to be ready to suffer persecution, self denial and the onslaught of the enemy like a soldier on active duty Soldiers cannot afford to get loaded down with things not pertaining to their warfare –When it came time to fight they might not be able to draw their swords because of the burdens in the way The overriding concern is to please the Savior, who is also our commander

5. More Images of a Minister 2 Timothy 2:5-7 Like an athlete, a Christian must pursue heaven by the Master’s rules and along the course he laid outLike a hard-working farmer, a Christian will get to enjoy the fruits of his labor –Those working hard to teach others will be the first beneficiaries of their labors When Timothy carefully considered these images, God would help him gain understanding of all things –All need wisdom from God to properly apply the truth (James 1:5)

6. Christ Gives Encouragement 2 Timothy 2:8 Jesus was a man –He was the seed of David (Romans 1:3-4; Jeremiah 23:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5; 3:16 Jesus’ enemies put him to death, but God raised him up (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) Suffering Christians should remember Christ’s enemies could not ultimately defeat him, nor can ours because God raises the dead

7. Paul’s Life Gave Encouragement 2 Timothy 2:9-10 Paul was in prison chains as if a common criminal –They could bind the messenger but not the message –He could still write the truth so others outside prison walls could hear the truth that sets men free Paul endured suffering so all who would obediently receive the gospel would have an opportunity to hear He bore pain so those who had already heard could receive the end of their hope

8. Encouragement from the Coming Reign with Christ 2 Timothy 2:11-13 If we die to sin or die during persecution, we can be assured that we will live with Christ –Though our enemies can cause us to die, they cannot prevent us reigning with Christ Those who turn back, or deny the Lord, will find themselves denied Though we are unfaithful, Jesus remains faithful and true