Paul begins chapter two by addressing Timothy as his son. Paul teaches Timothy as if he were a son. When we come under another to be taught we can think of that as a child being mentored by a parent, likewise when we mentor another, we might be wise to think of that relationship as a parent-child relationship. In both relationships one must be committed to not take that responsibility lightly and never ever consider giving up before the work is done.
Be strong in the Grace of God. Do not let life and mistakes take the power of the grace from you. Grace is the gift of God through Jesus sacrifice and suffering and we can rest securely in that gift.
Paul gives examples of what becoming a part of God's and Paul's work on earth might be like. First he talks of joining Paul as a soldier and enduring the difficulties of being a soldier. He points out that once one enlists the soldier forgets about civilian life and exercises his duties with a one sided mind and existence. He gives it his all that he will please those ranked above him as well as the one who called him into service. He goes on to say that to join him in his mission is like being an athelete. As an athlete you must obey the rules or be cut from the competition. To win the prize you must perform the event to the best of your ability according to those rules, then you will win the prize. And last he talks of the farmer who rises at dawn and spends hours in the field in all kind of weather. He never misses a day and sees his work through to the end. He sacrifices much for his crops and attends to them daily. Paul tells him this farmer, whose efforts and hard work yields crops will be first to get his share of those crops. All three are rewarded in some way for their hard work and sacrifice.
Following the descriptions of people who have committed to something and have given up the life that many live to please their superior, will see blessing and reward in that work. I believe that using the descriptions he did, we can all see that we have to give up much, be diligent and at times suffer for that which we committed to do. With that in mind remembering Christ, who took on the mission of the Father gave up much and suffered greatly to see the mission through, will give us encouragement and strength to keep going. Remembering Christ's work even to death we see Him risen and victorious. In that we see Christ as the victorious athlete, the soldier who pleases the general and the farmer who gets the first of the crops his work has provided.
For Christ's mission and for the sake of all who are to be saved, Paul suffers, goes to prison, endures all the things that come his way that they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ. Surely a mission that is worth the price.
He states that if we die with Christ we will also live with Him. If we endure these things, we will one day reign with Him. Although, if we deny Him He will deny us. Even if we struggle in our faith, He will always be there for us. Forever He is faithful and that faithfulness is not dependent on us or what we do.
Paul warns Timothy to not get caught up in battles over words but to remain steadfast in the truth. Idle conversation of such things lead to nothing good so stay away from it. Be secure that the Lord know those who are His.
He gives a picture description again of a large house with beautiful and expensive things. Some of these things bring honor and some bring dishonor. A person can have wonderful things but some are good for him while others are bad for him. However, if a man be cleansed of such worldly things and can let go of the world (Perhaps like the soldier, athlete and farmer mentioned earlier.) he can be what it is he is supposed to be and do what he is supposed to do. Once free from such things, he will be ready to do the Master's work. Hanging on to these things shows a lack of commitment and one cannot serve two masters.
Paul instructions instruct one to flee from the lusts of our youth and rather chase after righteousness, faith, love and peace along with those others who have taken on the same desire. Then we can call out to the Lord with a heart that is pure. Also to ignore foolish and ignorant speculations for they produce arguments and quarrels. As people of the Lord, we are not to be quarrelsome but rather we are to be kind to all, teach others the way, be patient if wronged, and gently correct those who oppose the truth. Be aware that God may guide them to repent and lead them to understanding of that truth so that they escape the devil and his lies.
While there may be sacrifice and surrender in following Paul and Christ who leads him, there are great rewards ahead. Focusing on His work and committing to it, we will escape the tricks and traps, of the evil one, that are there to destroy us. If we are not of His army, we can be seduced into the evil one's traps and become a soldier in his schemes.
This chapter says a great deal and offers two sides of our choices and allegiances. We have made a choice to enlist, compete or farm. We understand we have to give up some things, even some beautiful things that have great value. We also have to remember that great is the reward for doing so.
So continue to be alert, remain strong and unashamed of who you and are and that which you value in Christ.