You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:1-4
With the threat of legalism spreading in the church, with their thought that “you can work yourself into divine favor.” Paul tells Timothy, his son in the faith, “Be strong in the grace” that is in Christ Jesus. Paul had led Timothy to Christ during his first missionary journey, and here is one of Paul’s many reminders of how Timothy is to show his courage and trust in the Lord’s grace and mercy for his ministry. Not much has changed over the course of time, today’s ministry leaders need the same courage and to rely upon the same grace that is found in Christ the Lord. During Timothy’s many years under the tutelage of Paul, he had heard divine truth which had been revealed by God, and now he was to take what he had heard and commit them to faithful brethren who will be able to teach others. This is the discipling of men in the truths of the gospel, rightly divided truths that make ordinary men into Christians and followers of Christ. Then in turn, will go forward and teach others these same truths. All of which is the divine working of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of men, sent to us by the Lord Jesus Christ after His ascension to God.
Again we don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. These same tried and true methods of conversion are still how church growth appears, and how maturity can be seen in the lives of Christians today. From Paul to Timothy to faithful men with proven spiritual character, to others, encompasses four generations of godly leaders fulfilling their calling. That process of spiritual reproduction which began the early church, is to continue until the Lord returns.
A good soldier—The metaphor of the Christian life is warfare against the “evil world system”, that is, what the fallen sinful nature is all about, being under the power and influence of Satan himself, who wants to destroy the church of Jesus Christ. We’re in a real battle, a tough battle against spiritual powers of darkness, who are on constant assault against those in Christ. This why Paul can say to Timothy, as well to us, “endure hardness” as a “good soldier.” Jesus said to His disciples in a warning to watch for His coming, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:34-36). In order to be ready for Christ’s return, the Christian ought to prepare himself with vigilant prayer, that is truly seeking after Christ and His will for you. A good soldier in Christ disciplines himself to avoid the snares that are set against Christians, to avoid catching us unaware. Some of which have to do with the deceitfulness of riches.
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life—Just as a soldier is called to duty and is no longer considers himself a “civilian,” being a soldier completely severs off his or her former way of life, to live that life of a soldier. A good soldier of Jesus Christ refuses to allow the things of this life to distract or take away what He is in Christ. He has made a commitment to follow and be pleasing to Him who has enlisted him. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and to take up our cross which is death to self, and live a life worthy of His calling. This means I must be seeking first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and the things of this life and what things I have need of will be added (Matthew 6:33).
Beloved friend, This is Veterans Day weekend, when we honor the life and the memory of our servicemen and women who served our country and for some gave their lives for our country. I will always be grateful for their service and sacrifice. When I enlisted in U.S. Air Force, I was told by a friend’s father, that the Air Force would be your father and mother, and brother and sister to me. I found that to be exceptionally true. It was during this time that I gave my life to Christ, at the age of nineteen. Nearly thirty-five years later, I have found that a Christian in Christ, like a good soldier, endures the hardships of trials and persecutions, but endures this never alone. The Lord is always with us, and He has placed us into His body of fellow believers, another family who is like yourself that has your back, that will love you and affirm you when you need it most. Likeminded soldiers in the Lord who are encouraging one another as we look to our Lord’s return. Yes, it is important to honor those who gave so much of themselves for our nations freedom, but for us as Christian’s, we give honor and all the glory to Him, who enlisted us. Jesus Christ, our strong tower in whom the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Our security relies upon His manifest perfections of faithfulness, power, mercy, and wisdom, on which the righteous and good soldiers of Jesus Christ, rely upon for our security. A person who honors God with his or her whole life will remain steadfast and ready for battle, and enabled to endure through storms of life.
May the Lord bless your walk with Him!
H.B. K.J.T.
