Note 15 at 2 Tim. 2:7: As explained in note nine in verse three, Paul is encouraging Timothy to be faithful as an example to those he is training. Then he uses three examples of faithfulness to illustrate what he means (see note 11 in v. 3). Therefore, we can conclude that faithfulness involves these three things.

First, commitment is a vital part of faithfulness. More specifically, commitment to someone other than yourself is a vital part of faithfulness. Paul's illustration of a soldier portrays someone who is willing to leave his family, friends, and even sacrifice his own life because of a commitment (see note 12 at v. 4). A faithful Christian would do no less for his Commander in Chief.

Second, faithfulness requires discipline. There can be no discipline without commitment, but commitment isn't true commitment if there is no discipline associated with it. To be faithful, our actions and emotions must be bridled. Our instinct of self-preservation will keep us from being faithful unless we have brought self under control through spiritual, emotional, and physical discipline (see note 20 at v. 10).

Third, faithfulness involves patience which is simply faith that is active over a prolonged time (see note 10 at Rom. 5:3, p. 770). No one can be considered faithful who has not been following the Lord very long. Faithfulness has to be proven over time. Impatience is a sure sign of a lack of faithfulness.

Note 16 at 2 Tim. 2:7: The Lord is the source of all true understanding (Ex. 31:3; 1 Ki. 3:11-12). The way we receive His understanding in through His Word (Ps. 119:130; Prov. 2:6). As Paul explains here, we have to consider what the Lord has said before understanding comes.

The word "consider" means "to deliberate upon; examine" (NAHD). It is not speaking of casual observation, but implies effort, time, and study. Understanding from God comes to those (and only those) who spend time and effort examining, pondering, and meditating on His Word.