Being a good solider in Gods Army
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3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Intro: We are in spiritual warfare. (Sunday morning the armor of God) Eph
Here Paul is from a prison in writing to Timothy. 1. To encourage him. 2. Also about his own walk with the Lord, his live as a Christian.
Paul speaks of being a soldier. Being a part of Gods Army. (Kids song, I’m in the Lords Army)
We are in God’s Army (if you are a Christian) Today we are going to look at what it means to be a good Soldier in God’s Army.
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
I. A good Follower.
a. A. The first step is to enlist. No one can be a soldier for the Lord until they first get into the army.
b. 1981 I enlisted in the USMC. But I didn’t become a Marine until I finished Boot Camp . There were requirements.
c. To be a part of Gods army you have to enlist. This is accomplished only through receiving Jesus as your Savior, John 3:3;
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
d. Part of enlisting is following orders.
e. To refuse to follow orders is treason!
g. When we are in the Lord's Army, we have to follow His orders.
II. A good Soldier is faithful.
1. Endures hardship and does not quit.
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
a. A good Soldier realizes that part of this life is to “endure hardships” This is speaking of suffering.
The New Testament: An Expanded Translation Chapter 2
Take your part with others in enduring hardships as a good soldier of Christ Jesus
b. We don’t have to and never should endure hardships as a Soldier in God army alone.
c. During war, you have to depend you the ones that are fighting with you. We need each other.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
4 No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him.
a. Notice that the good soldier has no higher goal in life than pleasing His Superior. Not the “affairs of life” It’s not people are to worry about pleases. It is God himself, our commander. Without him we would not be in God’s army.
b. The good soldier knows that anything which interferes with his performance in the military must be done away with.
2. His Practice - Guards the truths of the faith.
a. The good soldier takes care of the things assigned to him.
b. He is determined to do a good job, and he refuses to do anything to bring disgrace and dishonor upon his Superior.
III. A good soldier is knowable.
1. He knows the commands of his commander.
11 General orders.
a. How do we know God’s commands? Time in His word.
b. Time in prayer.
Eph 6:6-18 Armor of God. It piece is for warfare. Grit with truth, breastplate, shoes, helmet of salvation, sword.
c. It’s important t know Gods word. Not know all the answers, will never know that. But know Gods word. It’s what makes you a better soldier.
d. USMC every Marine is a rifleman. If you do not qualify on the range, you do not become a Marine.
this is my rifle.
2. The Strategy Of The Enemy.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
IV. A good soldier is a fighter.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
A. He Is Determined - The good soldier does not retreat in the face of the enemy, he does not run from a fight. Instead, he stands his ground until the battle is over!
B. (Many Christian soldiers have dropped out of the battle! Don’t give up, keep fighting the good fight.
C. He Is Driven. I wanted that title United States Marine.
D. The good soldier realizes that the battle is long and hard. But the good soldier is driven to finish. The good soldier is in the battle to the finish. Are you?
E. He Is Dedicated - The good soldier dedicates himself to stay in the battle no matter the cost. He is determined to live for the Lord regardless of the personal cost.
V. A good soldier if a finisher:
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
What will the end of your live say? Will you be able to stay the words of Paul?
