“And the things you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3. Thou therefore endure hardness (hardships), as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4. No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him that has chosen him to be a soldier.”
Paul gave Timothy examples of the types of people who would be faithful in their service and who were able to teach others. He gave three examples: a soldier, an athlete and a farmer. I want to use the “good soldier” as an example of the type of life that we should live as Christians. What makes a good soldier will also make us more effective servants of Jesus. First, he mentioned the soldier’s endurance. To endure means to “keep on keeping on” in spite of whatever hardships that might be encountered. If one thinks that he, or she, can serve Christ without some hardship, he, or she, is in for a rude awakening. The fact that churches are comprised of human beings ensures that there will be hardships. Also, the temptations of Satan have to be dealt with. Once we commit to serve Christ, Satan picks up his activity. Just like a good soldier, we will encounter hardships that will limit our service if we are not committed to endure in spite of any obstacles that we might encounter. Do you endure hardships or do you give in to them. Second, he mentioned the soldier’s disentanglement from the affairs of the world. In His parable of the soils, Jesus mentioned the thorny ground, where the thorns entangled the person in things that made them unfruitful. This doesn’t mean that we can’t any interests outside of the church. It does mean that we do not let everything in the world keep us from serving Christ, whether in the church or in daily life. Satan is effective in entangling us in things that will hinder our service and witness in the kingdom of God. Think of some of the things that you are involved in, are they keeping you from serving Christ as effectively as possible. If you want to be a good soldier. Third, he mentioned the earnestness of the solider in pleasing Christ is in His, or her, service. This means that the good soldier is not only interested in being a soldier, but is willing to obey orders and to prepare for whatever his involvement might be. Soldiers do not just go about their work in any way they want. They always serve under orders, and with a plan. How earnest are you in your service. For example, how much time do you spend in Bible study and prayer. Do you take advantage of the education offered by your church or denomination that will enable you to be a more effective servant of Christ? Above are the three things that will make you a good solider of Jesus Christ. Well, based on these things are you a good soldier? Bro. Joe
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
All
Archives
September 2021
|