2 Timothy 2:3-7

Paul has provided these three illustrations to Timothy. There's an illustration about a soldier who does not concern himself with civilian affairs. The next illustration is about an athlete who must compete according to the rules. The last illustration is that of a hard-working farmer who deserves the first share of his crops. What do these illustrations mean? Why does Paul put these three things together? I'm not sure and I don't think Timothy understood it at first either. However, Paul tells Timothy to think these things over. You may not understand it, but Paul tells Timothy that the Lord will give understanding. This isn't only applicable for certain things, for Paul says that the understanding given by the Lord is in everything. We may sometimes understand something all of a sudden, and it's easy to attribute that to ourselves. However, is it not the Lord who we should seek for understanding? He is the one who will give understanding in everything.