I am a Soldier in the Army of the Lord 2 Tim 2: 1-7 *
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 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. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and May the Lord give you understanding in all things.
As we serve the Lord our trials will increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger.
Philippians 1:29 *
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
The Christian is called to endure hardships.
Paul tells us about his trials.
(II Cor 11:22-33*)
A soldier in battle, a farmer during harvest, an athlete in the Olympics
Commitment to the Cause they believe in….
We are to be committed, sold out to the cause of Christ
Our God has given us different Tasks/Gifts
(1 Cor 12:11) *
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
We call them talents or gifts. Sometimes God gives us the desire to have those gifts and we are expected to cultivate them in his power.
From an Army’s standpoint (We the Army of the Lord)
Each unit is trained to do specific functions but they need each other to really do the job right.
Military people don’t run from hardship they overcome and continue the fight.
We are on active duty as Christians for the duration.. WW2 (Christians actively working for the Lord) aren’t any different than active duty military people during a world war.
Military people need a well defined mission statement or Rules of engagement. We as Christians need these also.
“Eleven General Orders” that guides every military person when on duty as a Sentry”. These are the U.S. Navy’s but they all are similar.
1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view.
2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard house than my own.
5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard only.
7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
9. To call the petty officer of the watch/corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.
10. To salute all officers and all colors and all standards not cased.
11. To be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.
Based on Eph. 6:10-23* - The Christian like the military has “11 General Orders of the Sentry”
These are based on Eph. 6: 10 – 23
(1) 6:10 Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power.
(2) 6:11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.
(3) 6:13 Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle is over - you will still be standing firm.
(4) 6:14 Stand your ground, hold on to the truth and the body armor of God’s holiness.
(5) 6:15 Bind yourself to you the spirit of the Lord and the Gospel of Peace
(6) 6:16 In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows shot at you.
(7) 6:17 Depend on your salvation, and take the sword of the Spirit with you into battle, which is the word of God. Cove your head with the helmet of salvation
(8) 6:18 Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.
(9) 6:18 Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
(10) 6:19 Ask God to give you the right words to explain his message of Salvation.
(11) 6:20 Love with faith, the Love that comes from God as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit
Our superior Jesus Christ tells us said in Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
As our example Jesus we Christians shouldn’t leave anyone in the hands of the enemy. We are expected to pick them up and carry them until they can walk again in Christ’s love and power again.
Conclusion:
Keep yourself pure unto the Lord
De 23:9 - "When the army goes out against your enemies, then keep yourself from every wicked thing.
When it looks Hopeless I must have Faith
Ps 27:3 -
Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, In this I will be confident.
When it I am at a loss, after I have Fallen
Micah 7:8-9 Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. 8 Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The Lord will be a light to me.
For what reason do I fight the battles
1Tim 1 6:12 - Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
When it is all over and we are done here on earth…
2Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
