June 26, 2019: SOAP #3492:  Jonah 1-4; 2Timothy 2

Scripture:  2Timothy (NIV) 2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No-one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.

Observation:   One needs to know the rules of the game.  There have been football games in which one team gained the most yards but lost the game.   It is not how many yards a team gains, it is how many points they score!

In our history, there have been several elections in which the candidate for president who had the most popular votes, lost the election.  It is not the total number of votes one receives, but how many electoral college votes were received.  Those running for president of the US need to know the rules.

Application:   In verse 7, Paul writes, “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give insight into all this.”

I hear Paul saying, consider what I am saying as to how it should be applied.  Truth is truth. However, in different situations it can be applied with some variation.  Paul is telling Timothy to consider these basic truths and apply them appropriately in the situations he faces.  He is encouraging Timothy that the Lord will guide him in applying these truths.

As the football coach must study the rulebook; as the presidential candidate must study the constitution; so, I must study the Bible!

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, help me daily apply the scriptures to my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!