Fellowship Bible Church - Mullica, Hill N.J.

Names of a Believer...

•Like a STUDENT, we learn, practice and impart truth to others (2 Tim. 2:2, Phil. 4:9).
•Like a SOLDIER, we develop instinctive obedience to the voice of our commander (2 Tim. 2:3, 4).
•Like an ATHLETE, we endure training; competing by the rules (2:5).
•Like a FARMER, we are dependent on the Creator for fruitful increase (2:6)

Like a STUDENT, we learn, practice and impart truth to others (2 Tim. 2:2, Phil. 4:9)

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
(Phil.4 :9)

Like a SOLDIER, we develop instinctive obedience to the voice of our commander (2:3, 4)

"The early training of a soldier is designed to make him unquestioningly obey the word of command. There may come a time when such instinctive obedience will save his life and the lives of others. There is a sense in which it is no part of the soldier’s duty “to know the reason why.” Involved as he is in the midst of the battle, he cannot see the over-all picture. The decisions he must leave to the commander who sees the whole field. The first Christian duty is obedience to the voice of God, and acceptance even of that which he cannot understand." - Barclay

A Believer is like a soldier:

•Endure suffering because his purpose is greater than your comfort.
•Avoid distractions because pleasing the Lord is greater than your pleasure.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

Like an ATHLETE, we endure training; competing by the rules (2:5).

•Train hard; keep the prize in view (Phil. 3:13-14)
•Compete fairly; don’t take shortcuts lest you be disqualified (1 Cor. 9:27)

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. - 1 Cor. 9:24-27

Like an athlete, Paul has a single-minded goal: to bring as many people as possible, from whatever station in life, to faith in the gospel. - The ESV Study Bible

All an athlete’s hard work and discipline will be wasted if he or she fails to compete according to the rules. This is a call to obey the Word of God in the pursuit of spiritual victory. - The MacArthur Study Bible

Like a FARMER, we are dependent on the Creator for fruitful increase (2:6)

•Learn DEPENDENCE. Work hard but trust the Lord to bring the increase.
•Learn PATIENCE. It takes time to bear fruit.

“There seem to be…ways for a nation to acquire wealth…agriculture, the only honest way, wherein man receives a real increase of the seed thrown in the ground, it is a kind of continual miracle, wrought by the hand of God in his favor, as a reward for his innocent life and his virtuous industry.” - Benjamin Franklin

Questions you'll likely discuss in Connection Groups this week:

A Christian is to be focused.:

•Where are you distracted?
•What areas need strengthening?