Being A Hero

2 Tim. 2:1-7

Today is Veterans Day, we remember and honor all those who have served our country in the military. One of my friends, and a brother in the Lord, Bob Wisehart, served in Korea. He is a recipient of a Purple Heart and also honored by the South Korean government for defending them. I had the honor of presenting him with the citation and the medal from the South Korean government. When I called him a modern day hero, he said that he was not. The real heroes, according to him, were the ones who didn’t make it home, the ones who gave their lives. Fortunately today we will talk about being Heroes for the faith, it does not require our blood, but it will require our commitment.

1. Commitment to Faith

a. When we serve in the military all our basic needs are taken care of; food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, even companions are supplied by our government. However when we are committed to the Faith, God supplies us with all our needs. Matthew 6:31-33 31 So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?’ or `What shall we drink?’ or `What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

b. He will also supply our companionship

i. 1 John 1:3 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ

ii. Acts 2:42 AC 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer

iii. 1 John 1:7 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin

2. Commitment to Completion

a. Jesus had a commitment to completion he told the Apostle’s that his food was to complete the work of the Father. John 4:34

b. Paul saw his life as nothing if he did not complete the race he had begun to run Acts 20:24; 2 Tim 4:7

c. Paul told the Corinthian Christians to complete the work 2 Cor 8:11

d. The Hebrews writer tells us the same. Hebrews 12:1-3 he tells us this in light of all of what was done by the OT heroes of the Faith.

3. Commitment to Discipline

a. Sir John Barbiroli was conducting a great symphony to a standing room only. This hall was used for the public during the week, and for worship on Sunday mornings. One of the patrons noticed the minister of that Sunday morning congregation sitting in the audiences. He leaned over and asked the minister, “When will you fill this hall on Sunday like Sir John does. The minister looked back at the man and said, “when you give to me as you have to Sir John, 85 disciplined men and women to be with me and work with me.” {James Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited}

b. 2 Tim 1:7 God has given us the spirit we need to be disciplined

c. Discipline to Obedience: Acts 3:22

d. 2 John 1:6

e. Phil. 2:2

Complete Devotion to the Gospel

a. Our allegiance cannot be divided Matt 6:24

b. Romans 12:10-12 our devotion to God requires our devotion to each other.

c. The household of Stephanus is our role model, 1 Cor 16:15

To do all this we must Volunteer ourselves to God

God wants us to come to him under our own free will

Will you become a hero of the Faith by volunteering yourself to Him

Giving to Him Completely