Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 2:5-7
In 2 Timothy 2:5-7, God continues to use Paul to give Timothy (and us) illustrations of what it looks like to walk with Him each day as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yesterday, God used the soldier as an excellent illustration of what it looks like to walk with Christ. Knowing we face spiritual battles each day means we must be prepared just like a soldier is for warfare. Today, God uses the athlete and the farmer to illustrate what it looks like to walk with Him. An athlete works out daily, eats right, practices their sport, and studies the rules of their sport to prepare for competition. Any athlete who comes into a competition unprepared will end up being defeated. God knows we must spiritually work out every day by praying and being in constant fellowship with Him. We must also read, study, and memorize His Word to be adequately nourished. We must feed our minds and hearts His Word so we are in excellent condition for the competition of this life. We compete each day to overcome what the spiritual forces of darkness use to seek to defeat us. We compete according to God’s Truth and we cling to Him and His Word to walk away victorious. God uses the farmer to illustrate that just as a farmer receives the fruit of his labor, we too see God’s fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) produced in us as we walk in obedience to Him. These are the things we must stay focused on, knowing the Lord is the One who gives us His understanding.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about being prepared like an athlete and reaping fruit like a farmer?
2. How are you preparing for the spiritual competition each day and what fruit do you see produced through your walk with Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!