1. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (1-7)

Paul encouraged Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What does this mean? Paul used three examples to help Timothy. Good soldiers must endure many hardships. They must also seek to please their commanding officer only (suffer for the gospel and please God). Athletes win only when they compete by the rules (take the word of God to heart and obey it). And farmers should be the first to receive a share of the crops (bear fruit to God). When God's servants diligently do His work, we are rewarded with the joy of seeing the gospel take root and grow in others. We see many lives changed through the work of the gospel.

2. God's work is not chained (8-13)

To Paul, being strong in the grace in Christ Jesus meant suffering for the sake of the gospel. Paul was in chains, but God's word is never chained! So Paul endured all so that the elect may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus.