Stand Strong in the Gospel
The following is my speaking manuscript from the graduation ceremony of the 2025 class of students, HTI Nicaragua, in Somotillo, Nicaragua–I served as the keynote. This manuscript supported me and my translator.
2 Timothy 2:1–7
When Paul wrote the second letter to Timothy, he was in prison in Rome. He was near the end of his life, and Luke was there with him. Timothy was in Ephesus, leading the church Paul had planted there. It is the late 60s AD, and both Paul and Timothy were experiencing opposition. Paul had been thrown in prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus and was nearly alone. The context of 2 Timothy tells us his situation was dire. Meanwhile, Timothy was struggling against false teachers in the church he was leading.
In the face of this opposition, Paul urges Timothy to view his mission the way a soldier, athlete, or farmer would. It involves steady endurance. The false teachers Timothy faces are greedy and self‑centered; they like to argue and engage in pointless chatter. Paul tells Timothy to avoid these people and their foolish controversies and to stand firm in the truth of the gospel.
This is the setting that brings us to chapter 2 of 2 Timothy. When you read 2 Timothy 2:1–7, you see Paul teaching Timothy about Focus, Integrity, and Hard Work. These are three critical elements in teaching ministry. They are important for the teacher to have and maintain, and they are important to teach and hand down to students. Paul is handing these down and teaching them to Timothy. He is also asking Timothy to teach his students these very elements: Focus, Integrity, Hard Work.
A big part of our Christian faith is the relationship between teacher and pupil. The Paul‑to‑Timothy pattern is present in all of our lives, and it is what we nourish in our work in Somotillo at the HTI Seminary. Students, as you are commissioned today to go out and lead your ministry, do it with focus, integrity, and hard work.
And it reads here:
2 Timothy 2:1 (NASB95)
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
“My son” is Paul’s reference to Timothy. Paul loved Timothy as a true father would love his son or daughter. Many of you can understand this type of love; possibly you have given it, possibly you have received it. It is in love that you have labored as students, and it is in love that the teachers have imparted wisdom to you here, the same way Paul imparted wisdom to Timothy.
2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB95)
2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Paul is calling Timothy to teach others what he has learned. He uses the word entrust.
v. 2: “entrust”; [Greek: paratithēmi, middle voice]
It means “to turn over” or “to give into the care of.” It is the wisdom that has been given to Timothy that he is now urged to entrust to his followers.
Students, in ministry, give freely what you have gained in your study. Give away what you know in a manner that allows the receiver to preserve the information well for the next generation of learners.
Next, Paul outlines the characteristics of both teachers and students in the academic setting. He uses metaphors to outline three character traits: Focus, Integrity, and Hard Work.
2 Timothy 2:3 (NASB95)
3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Here Paul uses the metaphor of the soldier.
2 Timothy 2:4 (NASB95)
4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
As you lead your ministry, don’t get caught up in the worldly drama that will derail your focus. Do not let yourself “get entangled in everyday life.” Maintain your focus on the gospel. [Share the gospel here]
2 Timothy 2:5 (NASB95)
5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.
The only way an athlete can truly win the race is by competing according to the rules. In the same way, the student and the teacher must play by the rules. This is integrity. Follow the rules of good ministry you have been taught here. Do not take any shortcuts.
2 Timothy 2:6 (NASB95)
6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
To succeed as a farmer, one must work hard. The student and the teacher must also work hard. Be prepared to do the work it takes to teach and equip the students in your ministry.
2 Timothy 2:7 (NASB95)
7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
Rely on God for His teaching in your life. Be a student of God and receive what He has for you without blemish. Lead your ministry with Focus, Integrity, and Hard Work. And expect the ones who follow you to commit themselves to Focus, Integrity, and Hard Work.
It has been a joy and an honor to watch all of you grow through your education at HTI Nicaragua. We are all pleased with your perseverance that has strengthened you to this day of graduation—this day of beginning, more than a day of completion. I will be praying for each of you and the ministries you lead. I am proud of you.