1. Requirements of a Leader: Paul used the images of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer to illustrate the qualities of single-mindedness, obedience, discipline, endurance, and diligence of a Christian leader (vv.4-6). What quality do you lack or need to work on? Why and how? 

2. Faithfulness of Christ: Paul cited a quotation (four couplets) to encourage believers to endure hardship and to remain faithful to their Christian profession. The last two couplets seem to contradict with each other, “If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (vv.12-13); yet, v.13 provides the solution. In short, the warning that “He will disown us” refers to the denial of a Christian’s rewards and not his salvation; for though one is faithless, God will remain faithful. What are some of the hardship that you are facing now?  Commit them to the Lord and rely on His faithfulness. 

3. Preparation for Service: Paul instructed Timothy to flee evil desires and to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, in order to be an instrument for noble purposes (vv.21-22). List some of the evil desires that you need to flee from, and Christian virtues that you need to pursue.

4. Your own insight: (fill in yourself) 

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Meditation and Application:

Meditate on the above questions along with the necessary actions. Pick one of the above action items to work on in the coming week.