Soldier

2Tim 2:3-4 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.

“Endure hardness.”

1. Soldier’s Strength (Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.).

2. Soldier’s Strategy (Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places).

He must endure suffering (vs. 3).
He must endure separation (vs. 4) “entangleth.”

3. Soldier’s Spiritual Armour.

* Girdle of Truth – Truth destroys falsehood.
* Breastplate of Righteousness – It covers vital organs. We must guard the principles we believe in.
* Feet shod with Gospel- We must deliver the gospel message.
* Shield of Faith – Faith to see beyond that which is seen.
* Helmet of Salvation - Thinking power must be protected.
* Sword of the Spirit - Word of God is indispensable.

4. Soldiers Character

* One who is Chosen (vs 4).
* One who has a Commander – Recognizes authority (vs. 3-4).
* One who obeys Commands – Experiences warfare.
* One who serves his Country. We are citizens of another country (Heaven)
* One who is Cautious (vs 4) “Affairs.”
* One who has a Charge (4:1-5).
* One who is Crowned ( vs. 6).

5. Soldier must have:

* Fortitude to stand – “Endure Hardness” (vs. 3).
* Freedom to serve – “Entanglements” (vs. 4).
* Faithfulness to the Saviour – “To please Him” (vs. 4).

6. Soldiers have seven orders.

1. Arm ( Ephesians 6; 1 Peter 4:1). “Arm yourselves.”
2. Fight ( 1 Timothy 6:12). “Fight the good fight of faith.”
3. Resist ( James 4:7). “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
4. Stand ( Ephesians 6:14). “Stand therefore having your loins girt about With truth.”
5. Watch ( 1 Peter 5:8). “Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil.”
6. Endure ( 2 Timothy 4:5). “Endure afflictions.”
7. Be Strong ( 2 Timothy 2:1). “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” ( Ephesians 6:10) “Finally Be Strong In The Lord”.