Paul trained his son in the faith, Timothy, to follow in his steps and to lead others in ministry. For over a decade Timothy traveled with the Apostle, learning doctrine and practice, as well as perseverance.
In time Timothy pastored the church at Ephesus, and Paul wrote him these words: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (II Tim. 2:2). Timothy had a duty to pass on truth to the next generation. To obey that command, he had to obey the next verse: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
Every generation has a duty to receive truth and to persevere in truth. Timothy received truth; but if he didn’t endure, he couldn’t disciple the next generation. God wants to use you to help others spiritually, but you must endure hardness. If you don’t endure, if you give up, if you take the easy way out, you will not be used of the Lord to make disciples. If you want to be used in this way, you must bear up under the difficult load and endure hardness. Remember, the next generation is counting on you.