2 Timothy 2:1-13- “The Spirit of a Real Christian”

Soldier for Christ. Bound with chains. Die with Christ. Deny. Suffering.

This passage from 2 Timothy includes a lot of language that makes me uncomfortable. I prefer to focus on the positive image of a kind, loving God. Soldiers, death, and denial just doesn’t fit. Further, Paul’s discourse on suffering is complicated. Is he saying that persons who are painfully suffering should just endure? That doesn’t exude the compassion that I associate with God.

Because I’m a “good Methodist” I headed to Wesley’s Commentary on the New Testament for guidance. Wesley writes:
Encourage by this, that “the word of God be not bound.” I endure all things- See the spirit of the real Christian? Who would not wish to be like minded? Salvation is deliverance from all evil; glory, the enjoyment of all good.
I like how Wesley directs our attention away from the idea of present suffering and toward endurance as a characteristic of living a Christian life. Wesley’s refocusing allows us to not dwell on the idea of suffering in this passage, but understand Paul’s words as a call to cultivate our personal virtue. Holiness and happiness characterize for Wesley the life of a sanctified believer. Here we read that in order for us to truly enjoy God’s promises, we must endure in the word. With Wesley’s guidance the uncomfortable and complicated parts of this passage become less important than the command to remain faithful.

Yet our hope does not rest in this passage in our own ability to remain faithful. Verses 11-13 offer statements declaring the certainty of God’s faithfulness. In God, our hope rests. By God’s grace, we are called to practice endurance with God’s faithfulness as guide.