May 24, 2015

Marks of a Good Soldier

Pastor: Shannon Ford Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3–2:4

Marks of a Good Soldier
2 Timothy 2:3-4; 4:7-8

“The Church is always one generation short of extinction. If our generation fails to guard the truth and entrust it to our children, then that will be the end! When you think of the saints and martyrs who suffered and died so that we might have God’s truth, it makes you want to take your place in God’s army and be faithful unto death.” Warren Wiersbe

2 Timothy 2:1-4

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.

1) A good soldier endures hardships (2:3)

  • Expect hardships
  • Experience hardships
  • Be Encouraged through hardships

2) A good soldier refuses entanglement with worldly affairs (2:4)

  • Priorities are in order
  • Practices God’s Word and enlists others

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…

3) A good soldier engages the enemy (4:7)

  • With the skill of using His weapons (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-11)

  • With the strategy of the Enemy (1 Peter 5:8)

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

  • With the Spirit’s empowerment (Romans 8:13)

For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

4) A good soldier exemplifies dedication (4:7-8)

  • Has resolve facing difficulties
  • Rewarded for service

I Am a Soldier

Written by: B.J. Morbitzer

I am a soldier in the army of my God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,
Trained by experience,
Tried by adversity
And tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this Army,
And I am enlisted for eternity.
I will not get out,
Sell out,
Be talked out,
Or pushed out.

My God has and will continue
To supply all of my needs.
I am more than a conqueror.
I will always triumph.
I can do all things through Christ.

Devils cannot defeat me.
People cannot disillusion me.
Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me.
Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me.
And Hell cannot handle me.
I am a soldier.

Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my Commander
Calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to Captain
And then allow me to rule with Him.
I am a soldier in the Army,
And I’m claiming victory.

I will not give up.
I will not turn around.
I am a soldier.