A Good Soldier

As a soldier, fight wholeheartedly.

As an athlete, compete honestly.

As a farmer, work energetically.

1. A GOOD SOLDIER NEEDS ENDURANCE.

"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus."

2 Timothy 2:3 ESV

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2. A GOOD SOLDIER AVOIDS ENTANGLEMENTS.

"No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits…"

2 Timothy 2:4a ESV

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

The "One Year Challenge:"

Pray for the entire world.

¨ Pray for the entire world.

Read through the entire Bible in one year.

Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose.

Spend your time in another context.

Commit your life to multiplying community.

3. A GOOD SOLDIER UNDERSTANDS HIS ENLISTMENT.

2 Timothy 2:4b ESV

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

"…since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him."

4. A GOOD SOLDIER DEPENDS UPON HIS ENABLEMENT.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Making It Personal:

Will I consider the "One Year Challenge?"

What entanglements keep me from active service in the Lord's Army?

Have I "enlisted" in the Lord's Army?

a Have I "enlisted" in the Lord's Army?

Truth To Take Home:

Being faithful to Christ will involve hardship.