2Timothy 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.”
2 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV
Many believers are as busy as Martha, we go about everything except our Father’s business. Not as though we are busy with kingdom matters, but engage in unnecessary affairs that most times do not even concern us. Church drama, gossip, groupies, and the like, keep us distracted from fulfilling our God-ordained duties. Today let’s dive into the importance of operating as a good soldier.
In our scripture of study, Apostle Paul teaches Timothy phenomenal characteristics as a follower of Christ. He uses an unusual phrase, a good soldier. This example shows the relevance of soldiers even in the time of Paul. For the contemporary soldier, the qualities of preparation and the right gear are not odd. Let us explore the nature of a good soldier in Christ. A good soldier is first determined by their preparation, and identified by their armor. According to Ephesians 6:11-18 KJV, the bible says put on the whole armor of God. This depicts the fact that a good soldier is only placed in battle with the necessary and right arsenal. God will not set us up for failure. The tools have been laid before us and it is our duty to make good use of them.
The verse continues, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. A good soldier knows and understands the nature of the battle to be fought and he can easily recognize his adversary. Believers of this age, trivialize the devices of the adversary, that is due to the fact that we have not with certainty conformed to our nature in Christ. There are still secular ways we have adopted, whereby it seems we are one foot in and one foot out. A good soldier stands his ground, knowing what challenge lies ahead and anything detrimental to his victory and does not undermine his opponent’s tactics.
Hence, the verse further teaches what enhances a good soldier. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” These are familiar in Isaiah 59:16-17 and 1Thessalonians 5:8. We will explore these further in our next study, God bless you and have a great week. Good morning.