Interpreting 2 Tim. 2:4-6

Q

Can you tell me what 2 Timothy 2:4 means? “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

 

A

2 Tim 2:4-6 consists of three aphorisms Paul used in advising Timothy to stay focused on preaching the Gospel and not to be sidetracked by the things going on around him. Verse 4 says that a soldier stays focused on obeying the orders of his commanding officer and doesn’t allow himself to be distracted by civilian affairs. Paul was instructing Timothy to concentrate on what he had taught him and not let outside influences take him off course. Verse 5 concerns playing by the established rules and warns Timothy against trying to develop new ways of doing things. And verse 6 says a hardworking farmer is entitled to the first share of the crops. Following the plans Paul had set before him would bring rewards to Timothy.