"THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

Soldiers Of Jesus Christ (2:3-4)

INTRODUCTION
  1. Our service to Jesus Christ is often compared to different occupations...
    1. Such as an athlete - 1Co 9:24-27; 2Ti 4:7-8
    2. Such as a laborers in the harvest - Lk 10:2
  2. In our text (2Ti 2:3-4), our service is to compared to that of a soldier...
    1. In which one is to be "a good soldier"
    2. Seeking to please him who enlisted us as "soldiers"

[That we may be sure to understand the service Jesus desires of us, let's review the characteristics of a soldier in the army of Christ...]

  1. THE NATURE OF OUR ENLISTMENT
    1. WE HAVE BEEN CHOSEN...
      1. As per the KJV ("chosen") - 2Ti 2:4
      2. The Greek is stratologeo, "to gather (or select) as a warrior, that is, enlist in the army; choose to be a soldier." - Strong
    2. NOT AN INVOLUNTARY DRAFT...
      1. We are "enlisted" (NKJV, NASB, ESV) - 2Ti 2:4
      2. We were chosen as we responded in faith to the call of the gospel - cf. 2Th 2:13-14

      [The army of Christ is an "all voluntary" army. We were not drafted against our will, and our attitude should reflect our willingness to do our part. Note also...]

  2. THE NATURE OF OUR SERVICE
    1. IT IS AN 'ACTIVE' SERVICE...
      1. I.e., full duty, like those in active military service - 2 Ti 2:4
      2. Therefore one is not to be entangled "in the affairs of everyday life" - 2Ti 2:4
      3. One must be willing to endure hardship - 2Ti 2:3
        1. This affects our relations with our physical families
          1. Christ must come first - cf. Mt 10:37
          2. Even as He put His Father in heaven first - cf. Mt 12:46-50
        2. This affects our attitudes toward our secular jobs
          1. The true purpose of work - Ac 20:34-35; Ep 4:28
          2. For we cannot serve both God and mammon - Mt 6:24
    2. NOT 'RESERVE' DUTY...
      1. Where we serve only on limited occasions
      2. Where one might not take their responsibilities seriously

      [All the soldiers in the army of Christ are on "active duty", though some might be on the front line and other supporting them at the base. Now consider...]

  3. THE NATURE OF OUR WARFARE
    1. OUR ENEMIES...
      1. Spiritual forces of wickedness - Ep 6:10-13
      2. Physical lusts which wage war against the soul - 1Pe 2:11
      3. The unrighteousness and ungodliness of men - Ro 1:18-32
        1. Of those who do not recognize God
        2. Of those who are given over to vile passions
    2. OUR OBJECTIVES...
      1. To produce the fruit of the Spirit in our own lives - Ga 5:16-23
      2. To bring every thought into submission to Christ - cf. 2 Co 10:5
      3. To help those ensnared of the devil to escape - cf. 2Ti 2:26

      [The opposition is mighty, the objective is noble. With what weapons do we wage such warfare...?]

  4. THE NATURE OF OUR WEAPONS
    1. THEY ARE NOT CARNAL...
      1. For our warfare is not carnal - 2Co 10:3-4; Jn 18:36
      2. Thus we do not use the sword or other such weapons to fight - cf. Mt 26:52
      3. Nor are we to use works of the flesh (e.g., anger, wrath) - 2Co 10:1-3; cf. Ga 5:19-21
    2. THEY ARE MIGHTY IN GOD...
      1. Attitudes consistent with the meekness and gentleness of Christ - cf. 2Co 10:1
        1. Such as the fruit of the Spirit - Ga 5:22-23
        2. Needed when we seek to help those overtaken in a fault - Ga 6:1
        3. Necessary to correct those who are in opposition - 2Ti 2:24-26
      2. The armor of God, including truth, faith and hope - Ep 6:10-17
        1. The Word of God is a powerful sword of the Spirit - Ep 6:17; He 4:12
        2. Faith is a powerful shield against the devil - Ep 6:16
        3. Hope likewise serves as a helmet - Ep 6:17
CONCLUSION
  1. In the army of Christ, we seek to save ourselves and those with whom we fight
  2. It is a noble objective, one that requires a noble service as "Soldiers Of Jesus Christ"

Are you therefore willing to endure hardship, and thus please Him who enlisted you as a soldier...?