THE SECRET OF EXCELLENCE (3).

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*THE SECRET OF EXCELLENCE (3).*

*Scripture Treasure.*

2 Tim 2:3-7

*Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.*

*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.*

*And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.*

*The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.*

*Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

Striving for masteries is rewarded with prize/crown when it is done lawfully/righteously.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

Today, we will look at 2 Tim 2:5.

*And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.*

Every arm of government, sports, industry, medicals, science, etc. is guided by law.

In all these arms, especially in sports, no one wins without winning lawfully.

God wants us not only to win but to win lawfully.

As we strive to achieve the reward, God does not want us to burn out. We must live out to see our rewards and success. This is the plan of God, 2 Tim 2:5.

Excellence requires discipline and obedience and must be achieved in the common and general interest of all, not as a selfish interest.

The disciple knows that he can only be crowned if he strives lawfully so everyone must live with this fear.

Some people achieve greatness at the detriment of others. Some of the ways they do this is what Solomon teaches on usury and false balance.

The push for excessive profit and gains are primary motives behind usury (illegal practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest), Exd 22:25, Deut 23:19, Prov 28:8.

Excellent finishing must not be plagued by malpractices.

Every spiritual pursuit, exerting diligence earnest effort, must accompany determined pursuit of righteousness and moral integrity to achieve spiritual goals. All these must align with God's will.

Excellence must be deserved, not stolen.

Paul's use of the sentence *".....strive for masteries,....."* and the reward of a crown, 1 Tim 2: 4 teaches us participation in a race that would be rewarded through advocating individual performances out of a pure heart and finesse rather than performance enhancing drugs or mechanism.

Paul teaches an earnest desire, endeavor, sincere, and fervent labour for an imperishable crown. Not one with conflict, self-centered hustling or bitter contentions with others.

While 2 Tim 2: 3 admonishes enduring *".....hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ* and 2 Tim 2:5 admonishes as

an athlete training for a crown. 

The believer as an athlete is not self-seeking but pursues an individual excellence in the confines of the regulations and standards of the field and track events.

The same applies to Christian service and faithfulness: the act of giving oneself to God.

Success is a perfect example of excellence

Excellence is a product of success.

*Remorse corner.*

The soldier and athlete are used by Paul as two people who are perfect examples of commitment to service, zealous struggle, spiritual victory, and excellence.

*Call to Word action.*

Excellent finishing must not be plagued by

a lack of determination to stop before the finishing line.

*The Christian clarion duty.*

While the winner takes all, nothing will be taken if the winner wins unlawfully.

Tread carefully as you aim for excellence.

*Prayer.*

Lord, help me not to engage in unhealthy rivalry or self seeking and selfish reward.

Let me achieve excellence, righteously, in Jesus name.

Good morning all, and have a blessed day.

God bless you.

Shalom.