As I prepare to head to the Kenyan coast in a couple days, I’m working on a sermon I will preach to the pastors I’m training in Malindi. The passage is 2 Timothy 2:1-7, and the theme of the passage is: In Christ’s strength pass on to others the good training we’ve received through a disciplined life.

I introduce the message in this way:

Kenyans have a world-wide reputation as being some of the fastest runners. When I was a young man, I competed in running events in my school. One of my events was a relay race. There were four of us on the relay team, and each member would run 400 meters with a baton, and then pass that baton to the next member of the team. It was a difficult race, but I had to run as fast as I could, according to the rules, despite pain and weariness, without getting distracted or giving up, to please my coach and help my team to victory.

Likewise, there is a long line of men who have taught me about ministry and life. But there was a purpose behind their investment. I in turn must pass on to others what I’ve received. I think of Enock, a young man from Shinyanga who became a pastor and then a trainer of pastors, taking what I taught him and passing it on to many throughout his region. It was challenging, and sometimes they slept on the concrete floor of the church, but he was disciplined, endured difficulties and successfully trained many other pastors.

In 2 Timothy 2, as the end of his life is approaching, Paul is challenging Timothy to pass on all the important things Paul had taught him to other faithful men who will pass them on to still others (v.2). Four layers of multiplication. But to do this, we must work in Christ’s strength (v.1), and discipline will be required. Paul uses illustrations of a soldier, an athlete and a farmer to communicate the discipline that will be required. Suffering is to be expected (v.3), but don’t get distracted with “civilian matters” since we are trying to please our Commander (v.4). We must follow God’s rules in order to gain success in ministry (v.5). And hard work will be required, but when we have done so, we will witness the blessed results of God’s hand working through us (v.6). Paul urges Timothy to consider these matters and God will grant him understanding (v.7). In Christ’s strength pass on to others the good training we’ve received through a disciplined life. May we hear Paul’s message and apply it to our lives just as Timothy did!