"Think over what I say"

In 2 Timothy 2:1-7, Paul gives Timothy three main points to ponder in just seven short verses. These lessons are timely for us as well. 

1. Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Are you strengthened by His grace today? Are you comforted knowing Christ has paid your debt? Are you strengthened by Christ and the message of the gospel  - which is His grace in action?

2. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

At the time of this writing, being a Christian meant you would endure very real persecution, and Timothy, being a leader in the church would likely get singled out. God has called His children not away from battle, but to battle. This is not a battle fought with earthly weapons like swords or machinery. It is fought with prayer and godly actions with God's strength. It is standing for what is right and good and holy no matter the cost. It is standing for the gospel even when the message is unpopular. 

Know that when we suffer for the cause of Christ now, we will reap eternal glory.

 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV

3. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Paul puts it this way in Colossians: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.(ESV)

It is so easy to get our hearts and minds entangled with the things that are on earth. Timothy may have worried about persecution and suffering. We worry with health, finances, things that need fixing, job situations, our 'to do' list, the traffic, and the list goes on. While we need to think about these things and handle them in a godly manner, our main focus, our heart focus should be on the heavenly. 

Since we know these things, we can be strengthened by the grace of Jesus Christ and devote our lives (and thoughts) to His purpose.

Back in Timothy, Paul ends these verses with this exhortation: "Think over what I say...." 
 ....................... I will Paul, I will.

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 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,  and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.  It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.  Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. - 2 Timothy 2:1-7 ESV