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In the grace that is in Christ Jesus clearly identifies whose grace it is as well as indicating the position that every believer has in Christ, that of being in grace. V.2 commands Timothy to pass on Paul’s teaching. These reliable/faithful people are to be qualified and competent in teaching others. The result is an ever-widening group of informed and informing believers.
Paul now presents in rapid succession three illustrations—the soldier (vv.3-4), the athlete (v.5), and the farmer (v.6). For endure hardship with us, see 1:8. Hardships/sufferings are part of being in Christ’s army, and believers suffer together. We serve Christ, the one who enlisted us (niv commanding officer). Since Christ has enlisted (kjv “chosen”) us, we owe him our loyalty and are not involved in civilian affairs. The illustration of the athlete focuses on obeying the rules in order to win. The victor’s crown is a wreath of laurel leaves. The farmer imagery stresses hard work. The crops (Gk., “fruits”) go to the laborer, not the lazy. V.7 explains that these illustrations are designed to give us better insight into the Lord’s desire for us as servants. God’s workers must be committed, willing to suffer hardships, obedient, and hardworking.