Jeremiah 15-17, 2 Timothy 2 • Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:5
Every two years, the interest of the world is drawn to the Olympics, alternating between the winter
and the summer games. Sporting venues around the world are used, allowing opportunity for a
particular country to showcase itself. As much as the host cities would like to be the focus of
attention, the real center of attention is the athletes. Stories abound of dedication, determination
and years of discipline as these individuals “go for the gold.”
Yet every year the news that comes from the games includes stories of tarnished medals, as
individuals are disqualified for one reason or another. Performance-enhancing drugs, unapproved
or altered equipment and various rule infractions are some of the reasons that athletes are
disqualified. The bottom line is that they broke the rules.
Athletic competition, rules and disqualifications are not new. When Paul wrote 2 Timothy, he used
that familiar scenario to encourage Timothy to compete according to the rules. Realize, though,
that Paul was not writing as a coach to his young competitor but more as a mentor to his disciple.
Using the examples of a soldier, an athlete and a farmer, Paul was setting before Timothy valuable
instruction. Included in that was the statement that “if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not
receive the victors crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2:5).
God has given us the Bible to teach us how to live and how to serve Him. To receive the reward
that He has for us, our service must be “by the rules.”
Ask yourself if you are following God’s rules in your life. Just as an athlete can lose a medal, so you can miss
out on the reward God has for His faithful servants.
Woodrow kroll & Tony beckett
www.backtothebible.in