We are so glad that you joined us today at North Main Street Church of God. At North Main, we exist to develop completely committed followers of Christ who...

Know Christ intimately,

Grow in Christ continually, and

Go for Christ daily

BAPTISM
December 7th will be our next Baptism service.If you are ready to take this important step in your walk with Christ we’d be honored to come alongside you in this journey. There is a mandatory baptism class the week before. RSVP online at NORTHMAINCOG.ORG/EVENTS or at the Welcome Center.


TOY SHOPPE
North Main is collecting toys for 8-12 year olds. Please purchase a toy or gift card ~$25 and drop it off at the Community Partnerships Christmas Tree before Wednesday, December 10th.


POINSETTIAS
Poinsettias may be ordered anytime through Sunday, December 7th. These flowers purchased will be used to decorate the stage for Christmas Eve services and will be dedicated in gratitude to God, or in honor or memory of someone of your choosing. You can order with a paper order form, available at the Welcome Center or on our website at northmaincog.org/events. Your poinsettias can be taken home after either Christmas Eve service.

A Soldier, An Athlete, and A Farmer
2025 Theme: Faithfulness
Series Title: Guard the Treasure
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-26
November 9th, 2025

Something to think about:

Perseverance is defined as “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”[1]

Overcoming difficulties is a part of the life of a follower of Christ. Perseverance – the steady persistence in the direction of Jesus – is the key to enduring virtually any situation or circumstance.

As Paul continues his letter to Timothy, he is ever vigilant to make sure Timothy doesn’t give up, but instead endures till the end in the face of persecution, false teachers, and rejection. Paul knows by experience the importance of staying the course even when everyone else walks away, and he exhorts Timothy to stay strong and press on in the Faith. He does so in the following passage by using the example of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Let’s take a closer look:

Key Point: “A growing faith requires endurance through hardships.”

How was Timothy to endure hardships? Paul gives three tangible examples:

Something to take home:

According to Biblical scholar, the late William Barclay,

“One thing remains in all three pictures. The soldier is upheld by the thought of final victory. The athlete is upheld by the vision of the crown. The farmer is upheld by the hope of the harvest. Each submits to the discipline and the toil for the sake of the glory which will come in the end. It is the same with the Christian. The Christian struggle is not without a goal; it is always going somewhere. Christians can be certain that after the effort of the Christian life, there comes the joy of heaven; and the greater the struggle, the greater the joy.”[1]

In addition, Bruce Barton asserts, “From the soldier one learns obedience; from the athlete disciplined preparation; from the farmer steady, patient persistence. Each metaphor portrays a way of enduring hardship for a long-range objective not yet fully realized.”[2]

So, are you persevering? How are you handling the hardships you face? Are you a good soldier of Christ who has laid down their life in complete submission to His will and ways? Are you a trustworthy athlete who is following the rules and commands of Christ rather than the patterns and customs of this world? Are you a hardworking farmer, patiently enduring the difficulties of the world around you in order to reap a harvest of the fruit of your labor in due season?

Key Point: “A growing faith requires endurance through hardships.”


[1] Barclay, William. 2003. The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. 3rd ed. fully rev. and updated. The New Daily Study Bible. Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
[2] Oden, Thomas C. 1989. First and Second Timothy and Titus. Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Louisville, KY: J. Knox Press.

Key Point: “A growing faith requires endurance through hardships.”



A good soldier.

Like a good soldier who doesn’t get caught up in civilian affairs, how are we to endure hardships like a soldier for Christ (Read 2 Timothy 2:3-4)?

What keeps a soldier focused and ready for battle?How are we to keep focused and ready for spiritual battle?

Since Jesus is our commanding officer, how should we live out our faith daily?Will this cause more hardships for us, or will life become easier?Explain...



A trustworthy athlete

Like a trustworthy athlete who follows the rules, how are we to endure hardships like an athlete for Christ?

What must an athlete do in order to build up endurance?How are we to build up endurance like an athlete so that we can win the race set before us in Christ?

Is following the rules, teachings, and commands of Christ important for enduring hardships?Explain...

What happens to an athlete who breaks the rules?What happens when people of faith break GOD’s rules, especially when they face hardships?



A hardworking farmer.

Like a hardworking farmer who toils against the elements, the soil, and weeds, how are we to endure hardships like a farmer for Christ?

When we work hard, enduring hardships for our faith, what is the ultimate fruit of our labor?

OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday
9:00am - 4:00pm