2nd.Timothy 2:1-4 "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please HIM WHO hath chosen him to be a soldier."
While all believers face various trials in life, many who live in the West seldom encounter the persecution for the faith that their brothers and sisters in CHRIST in other areas of the world must frequently endure. Being a Christian carries a high price where no freedom to do so exists, and it requires determination and courage to be faithful to JESUS CHRIST. While we in the United States of America still possess many of our religious and political freedoms given at the founding of this nation, that may soon change as we witness our society's rapid shift into a humanistic culture that rejects the GOD of the Bible. In comparison to many brethren around the world who live in countries where even being a believer comes at a tremendous cost, we still have an abundance of liberty; however, we are clearly losing those rights as time goes by.
When we observe the persecuted believer's bravery and commitment to CHRIST in the face of mortal danger for simply being a Christian, we are reminded of what it means to be "a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST" (v.3 pictured at top of post). These oppressed saints regard allegiance to GOD as their life's priority. HE has enlisted them in HIS service, and they are ready and willing to follow HIS orders. JESUS' clear call to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20 pictured above) has come with a high price tag throughout church history, and obedience to this command continues to be costly in many nations today. Both in the past and in the present, we find those who were and are examples of ones who faithfully endure as good soldiers. They demonstrate what this entails by remaining steadfast at their post, following CHRIST's command to pass on the faith to the next generation (v.2)
Paul uses an important illustration to communicate the necessity of remaining faithful in the Christian life. In our text, Timothy is to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST" (v.3 pictured at top of post). The English words "endure hardness" are translated from a Greek compound word that conveys serving while suffering distress. Often, life is not easy for believers in CHRIST. Living a godly Christian life is not for the weak or faint of heart, we face a powerful foe who seeks to destroy us by sending trials resulting from our faith in CHRIST. Yet, we must continue to fight the good fight (2nd.TImothy 4:7 pictured above).
To "endure" (v.3 pictured at top of post) is more than simply "to put up with" or "tolerate affliction." The implication is that, just as a soldier trains for his duties, believers likewise should be suited for the conflicts of life in "this present evil world" (Galatians 1:4 pictured above). We must be ready for the battles that come our way. Paul reminds Timothy, and us today, that when a person has believed on CHRIST for salvation, he will encounter a relentless enemy (Satan) who has resources at his disposal -- the world and the flesh -- that he unceasingly utilizes in his effort to thwart progress and spiritual growth in the Christian's life.
A soldier's life, especially in the midst of combat, is not easy. He often is deprived of the basic comforts of life. For those who choose to make the world their priority, life can be "easy street" as it offers them much in the way of pleasure and indulgence. For the LORD's soldiers, however, these temporary attractions are but "for a season," and the "reproach of CHRIST [is] greater riches" (Hebrews 11:25-26). May we "be strong in the LORD" and fit ourselves for the battle with the armor of GOD (Ephesians 6:11-17 pictured above).
Notice from our text the Christian soldier's positive value to his COMMANDER. The apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to "endure hardness as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST" (v.3 pictured at top of post). How, then, does one qualify to be described as a "good soldier" ? This requires the believer to be faithful, loyal, and obedient to the COMMANDER, and he does so in order to "please HIM WHO hath chosen him to be a soldier" (v.4). The child of GOD has been selected for service by the Great COMMANDER, "JESUS CHRIST" (v.3) !
A good soldier must put off "the affairs of this life" (v.4). Interestingly, the Greek word that Paul uses for "affairs" also gives us the English word "pragmatic." The idea seems to be that ordinary, run-of-the-mill things that "civilians" take for granted, such as the comforts of home or the entertainments of society, are unnecessary or unavailable for those who are engaged in battle. Thus, the faithful Christian soldier is willing to forgo this world's pleasures so that he "may please HIM," his COMMANDER JESUS CHRIST.
The Soldiers that the Apostle Paul was chained to.
As far as we know, Paul never served in the army, and yet he understood much concerning what it takes to be a good soldier. How ? As a prisoner of Rome, he was continually chained to various soldiers, and no doubt he would have observed their routines as well as engaged them in conversation. He readily could see the importance of the soldiers' discipline, endurance, and faithful duty. In the Christian life, how is your service in the LORD's army ? Do you find yourself entangled with matters pertaining to the comforts of this present world ? Or, have you determined that, in even the basic issues of life, you will do what is pleasing to your COMMANDER and LORD ? GDF
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org #soldier #Christian #JESUS
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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