Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION

5  And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he
competes according to the rules.  6  The hardworking farmer must be
first to partake of the crops.  7  Consider what I say, and may the
Lord give you understanding in all things.

2 Timothy 2:5-7

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. Two more illustrations were cited:
a) An athlete
b) A farmer

2. The Illustration of an athlete
a) Even in the ancient days, there were special games that were held
b) One of them was “athletics”
i) There were short races
ii) There were long (marathon races)
c) Many trained hard to sin these races
i) There were prizes to be won
ii) There was fame and recognition
d) There were strict rules to be observed
i) All athletes had to know the rules well
ii) They cannot break the rules or they will be disqualified

3. The illustration of a farmer
a) He must of course be hard-working
b) He will have to exercise patience and perseverance too

c) At the end of the harvest, he will receive his just reward
i) He will be able to partake of his crops
ii) He must be prepared to work hard to ensure a good harvest

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. To consider what Paul taught
a) There are rules in life
b) There are rules for success in ministry too
c) These must not be broken
d) Vital rules:
i) Ministry
We must faithfully work for the Lord
ii) Messages
We must be prepared to work hard.
Messages cannot be taken from the Internet and passed off as our work!
iii) Messenger
We must practise personal holiness

2. The Lord’s enlightenment
a) We must seek the Lord
b) True and deep understanding come from the Lord
c) We have to diligently cultivate our walk with God, seeking discernment
d) Paul was a classic example:
i) He was a man of prayer
ii) He was one who studied the Lord’s word deeply
iii) He laboured hard for the Lord all the time

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan