Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in his faith, which on the face of it may like a very plain thing to say. The intent of his message becomes clearer when you consider that Paul is encouraging Timothy from jail with the challenge to endure suffering for the gospel. Coach Paul is on the sidelines, telling Timothy to be like a soldier who is focused on battle or an athlete who is focused on winning according to the rules, or a farmer who works hard until the harvest. In the second half of our reading, Paul warns Timothy against irreverent and empty speech, which spreads like gangrene. He should reject youthful passions and foolish disputes that breed quarrels. And if you’ve ever been on Twitter or Facebook, you know well what good advice this is for a young pastor.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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