Portrait of a Good Church Worker

[전승훈2]

Summary:
Paul tells Timothy to suffer hardship with him as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier in active service does not become entangled in the affairs of everyday life, because his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

He then points to the example of an athlete. Even if someone competes, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

Finally, Paul points to the hardworking farmer, who ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

Through these examples, Timothy is presented with the soldier's single-minded devotion, the athlete's lawful striving, and the farmer's diligent labor.

Teaching:
We are told to be good soldiers of Christ. And if we are soldiers, we are to suffer together with Paul. Since Paul is a man who lives for the gospel, suffering together with Paul means suffering together with the gospel. Therefore, unless one is a good soldier of Christ, one cannot suffer together with the gospel.

Know that God is the One who provides for us. God sustains those who labor for His kingdom in one way or another, so do not be anxious. He gives more to those who labor more and cares for them. God recognizes and rewards His hardworking servants.

Not only within the church but also outside it, we are to sow the Word, sow our labor, and sow our resources. Then, when God causes the fruit to grow, we simply gather the harvest.

Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Oct 1, 2026
2 Timothy 2:3-6