The Good Soldier of Christ

2Ti. 2:1-3 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

CHARACTERISTICS:

In person: strong spiritually through dependence upon the grace of God.
In public: effective in leadership, example, and in teaching others.
In persecution: able to endure, persevere and press on in affliction.

THE SOLDIER OF CHRIST MUST KEEP THE FIRE OF HIS SERVICE BURNING BRIGHT. 2Ti. 1:6-7 “And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh (i.e. Stir into flame) the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.” 2Ti. 1:13-14 “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” (cf: Eph. 4:11-16, Eph. 5:18, Eph. 6:10-18)

A GOOD SOLDIER TRAINS DAILY IN THE USE OF HIS WEAPONS AND ARMOR. 2Ti. 2:15 “Be diligent (study) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” 2Ti. 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST MUST KEEP HIMSELF PURE. 2Ti. 2:20-22 “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and clay, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

THE GOOD SOLDIER MUST PREPARE FOR PERSECUTION, AND BE ABLE TO ENDURE IT. 2Ti. 3:10-12 “But you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me! And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (cf: Act 13:13-52, Act 14:1-28)

THE GOOD SOLDIER MUST FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT TO THE FINISH. 2Ti. 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (cf. 1Ti. 1:18, 1Ti. 6:12; 1Co. 9:25; Phi. 4:1; Jam. 1:12; 1Pe. 5:4; Rev. 2:10)



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