Paul tells his son in the Lord, Timothy, to "think on these things" and the Lord will give you revelation! My favorite "dead saintly mentor"--A.W. Tozer--said believers should think twice as much as we read. Why? If we don't, we will become passive readers who simply "read books" or even "enjoy reading" with little to no life change or growth. God's ideas (His Word) embraced transform us!!!
What was Paul talking about in 2 Tim. 2:7 when he said, "think on these things"? Paul had just finished talking about growing stronger in Jesus and making disciples when he gave three illustrations: one on suffering soldiers, another on integrity filled athletes and the final one on rewarded farmers (see 2 Tim. 2:3-6).
We "share in sufferings as good soldiers"; we are athletes who "compete according to the rules"; we are "hard-working farmers who have first share of the crop." As you suffer do not despair...you are a soldier and all soldiers suffer. As you refuse to cut corners do not be proud...you are an athlete and we all compete within the rules. As you are rewarded do not refuse the blessings...you are a farmer reaping the fruit of your labor.
Think on these things.
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