Be A Good Soldier in Battle, Part 4 (2)

Introduction

In the second epistle of Paul to Timothy, the apostle laid down certain qualities that will make Timothy a good soldier of Christ.

For Timothy these are reminders, since he was already engage in battle

For many among us, this should serve as preparatory lessons so we are ready to engage in spiritual warfare.

Sharing in the suffering

The good soldier shares in the suffering for the gospel.

2 Timothy 1:8 NKJV

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

Paul was not ashamed of his suffering

2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Onesiphorus was not ashamed of the suffering

2 Timothy 1:16–18 NKJV

The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.

Suffering is part of Christian testimony.

2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Sharing in the suffering has a special benefit for the believer:

When we suffer together with Christ, we will be glorified together with Him!

Romans 8:17 NKJV

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Being Strong

The good soldier of Christ is strong.

2 Timothy 2:1 NKJV

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:1 NKJV

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Note: strong - grk. endynamoo, empowered, to be enabled

The good soldier is empowered by the grace of God.

The purpose of empowerment is so that we can empower others.

2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Enduring hardship

The good soldier of Christ is ready to endure hardship.

2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Note: grk. kakopatheo means “to suffer evil, suffer misfortune, to be in distress

Hardship is part of ministry.

2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

The hardships endured by the good soldier...

staying away from the affairs of this life.

2 Timothy 2:4 NKJV

No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

competing according to the rules.

2 Timothy 2:5 NKJV

And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

planting, maintaining, and waiting for the harvest.

2 Timothy 2:6 NKJV

The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.

enduring for the sake of others (elect).

2 Timothy 2:10 NKJV

Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

presenting oneself approved unto God.

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Note: diligent, grk. spoudazo, to be eager, make every effort

Note: approved, grk. dokimos, accepted, tested

The good soldier has nothing to be ashamed of, because:

he does not quarrel over unprofitable words

he stays away from idle chatter

,

2 Timothy 2:14 NKJV

Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:16 NKJV

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

The good soldier rightly divides the Word of truth.

grk. orthotomeo, to cut straight, to analyze correctly

teach the doctrine correctly

explain or expound the Scripture correctly

Maintaining a clean life

The good soldier of Christ maintains a clean life.

2 Timothy 2:20–21 NKJV

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Things that make us “unclean” and “not ready for the Master’s use”:

profane and idle chatter

2 Timothy 2:16–18 NKJV

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

youthful lusts

2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

foolish and ignorant disputes

2 Timothy 2:23 NKJV

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

Conclusion

What is the purpose of all these qualifying descriptions?

To give the servant of God the right skills and characteristics necessary towards effective gospel proclamation.

2 Timothy 2:24–26 NKJV

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

The servant of God...

will not quarrel - he is strong and ready to suffer, to endure

is gentle - he is willing to endure

is apt to teach - he is able to expound the Scripture

is patient - he is willing to wait

The real strength of the soldier of Christ does not lie in brute strength, but in tactical wisdom!

Matthew 10:16 NKJV

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves!