"Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." 2 Timothy 2:1-10
All believers of Christ are like mini-Timothies -- children of God as much as children of their teacher/discipler, who in turn will become teachers/disciplers to the next generation of believers.
Starter
As new believers we were fed the milk of the Word -- nourishing us, as newly born infants in the faith, as we grow and able to start taking our first steps of walking, and walking with the Spirit.
Sustenance
As we mature out of infancy, we move on to solid food -- fresh manna from heaven. Sweet and filling us daily, as we continue growing stronger in our faith and conviction, and now starting to be able to share our new found faith.
In time, we will out grow out of eating the same food and will crave for and feast in the meat and potatoes of the Word. If we aren't, then there is something wrong with the way we are growing up; much the same as maturing in real life, from babies, to toddlers, to teens and to young adults. So in much the same way, our faith should be growing and maturing.
Service
Now as adulting believers we should start to be able to encourage, teach and disciple new believers. But no, not until we have fed on the Word, enough to start living by faith and not by sight.
No, not until we have depended on the meat of the Word and led by the Spirit than being dependent on our independence and on our own strengths and understanding.
No, not until we have gone through the push backs for trying to live and conduct ourselves as mature believers.
And no, not until we have passed every test our faint and fickle hearts need to endure; on the way to being battle-tested, tough and seasoned soldiers, athletes and farmers in God's Kingdom wherever the Lord have planted or transplanted us.
Milk - 1 Corinthians 3:2
Manna - Exodus 16:31
Meat - Hebrews 5:12
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