Living on Purpose, ( 2 Timothy 2 Bible Study, Part 2 – Athlete)

Here is Part 2 of my 2 Timothy 2 :3-7 Bible study, which focuses on a powerful view of persevering as Jesus' disciples, using the example of Soldier, Athlete, and Farmer. Today's study focuses on the Athlete:

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

  • Athlete: We get victory and receive our crowns of life through obedience to God’s word. His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Our aim is to walk worthy of our high calling in Jesus. We receive eternal life in Jesus upon completion of our Earthly life.

Go Deeper: James 1:12, Psalm 119:105, Ephesians 4:1, Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Bible Journal Question: How do my natural health habits support my role as a Spiritual athlete (Spiritually, mentally, and physically)?

If you have participated in sports or know someone who has/is, please share any thoughts about how they view their training and potential reward in the Comments.

About the author 

Kimberly Taylor

Kimberly Taylor is the founder of Take Back Your Temple, a Christ-centered teaching ministry that helps Christian women understand what emotional eating is communicating and respond with wisdom, steadiness, and peace.

After years of struggling with emotional eating and reaching 240 pounds, Kimberly experienced lasting change through Scripture-guided renewal, practical stewardship, and learning to recognize the signals her body had been carrying.

Today, she helps women move from pressure and shame into clarity and steady formation, teaching that emotional eating is often a signal of inner strain rather than a failure of discipline.

Kimberly is the author of The Weight Loss Scriptures, The Anxiety Relief Scriptures, The Weight Loss Prayers, and other faith-based resources that support whole-person restoration.

Her work has been featured in Prevention Magazine, Charisma Magazine, and on CBN’s The 700 Club.