God's Army

The Why behind the What

as we are called into the Army of God. There is a fundamental question that has to be addressed. Why fight?

Why do people join the military?

To serve the country

2 to learn anew skills or a trade

to find purpose

to travel

to get physically fit

to pay for college

to save money

to have adventure

to have medical benefits

to enjoy job stability

to retire early

to gain experience.

Family Tradition

find an alternative to college

to earn respect

to form friendships

housing, stipends or loans

to learn discipline

to gain perspective

to meet challenges

Earn military perks.

to get paid vacation days

to get help starting a business

to find a positive environment

to showcase leadership abilities.

In scripture we see security, money (paid mercenaries), for God’s glory, family and the land.

trying to better my life. stable,

got discipline, training, attention to detail, following rules and procedures. independence.

wanted to get out of this place,

love your country.

messed up foot and mental issues . Pride for my core, skill set/push through uncomfortablility, good friends,

Freedom isn’t free. There is a cost.

Honor - my parents served, my greatgrand parents served. so I serve.

2 Timothy 2:4 ESV

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

Polycarp - Eighty and six years have I served Christ, nor has He ever done me any harm. How, then, could I blaspheme my King who saved Me?....I bless Thee for deigning me worthy of this day and this hour that I may be among Thy martyrs and drink the cup of my Lord Jesus Christ.

For Paul

2 Timothy 1:3 ESV

3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:8–14 ESV

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Entanglements

2 Timothy 2:4 (ESV)

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

2 Timothy 2:1–3 (ESV)

1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Context

be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Grace - charis - grace, favor, benefit, fit, credit. grateful

entrust to faithful men what you have heard.

share in suffering as a good soldier

2 Timothy 2:4–5 ESV

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

An athlete competes according to the rules.

Hebrews 12:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

When we talk of athletes I think of

CRISTIANO RONALDO

will he be the best?

In an interview with his father, His dad said, “He eats junk food and soda, I don’t push him too much, I understand, he is 10.”

The What without the Why fails every time.

Romans 6:13 (ESV)

13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

Romans 6:13 (ESV)

13 Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness.

The Amplified Bible (Ro 6:13). (1987). The Lockman Foundation.

members - Body, faculties

Instrument = tools.

Ephesians 5:2–5 ESV

2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.