"the Veteran"

2 Timothy 2:3-4 2 The Soldier

1. Veterans Must “Be Strong”

• Veterans give up the safety and security of their own homes. That’s strong .

• They left behind family and friends that’s strong.

• Some surrendered their personal plans for education and career.

• Some suffered the loss of sight. That is tough!

• Some lost arms and legs and were given prosthetics.

• Some had their faces permanently scarred or grossly disfigured.

• Many sacrificed their lives.

• And many others will be haunted by the nightmarish images of war for the rest of their lives.

• Veterans sometimes had no choice but had to “be strong” they are certainly deserving of our recognition and honor

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2. Veterans give us many Freedoms

• It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

• It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

• It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

• It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

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3. One might say Paul is a veteran of faith who told Timothy to be strong, Thou therefore, my son, be strong

• Paul is saying “be Strong” You are able, you are capable Timothy we can’t strengthen ourselves it is God that gives strength. God told Joshua . 6Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

• Paul believes Strong is about “Remaining not giving up” Jesus said, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing’” (John 15:4–5).

4. Paul felt To be a Good Soldier for Jesus one must Endure

• after Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus he had endure countless dangers, toils, and snares as a result of being a soldier for the lord

• Paul faced execution for his commitment to Christ—

• Paul endured cold Roman prison, cut off from the world

• Paul endured hardship but he still led others. He told Timothy to keep the faith. In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul states: . 3Endure Timothy hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

• Paul endures because many are dying or are lost, unsaved . This is my gospel, 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

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5. To be a Good Soldier Paul said be strong, be a soldier that endures, and be a soldier of Jesus Christ . Every soldier has A leader we call them Generals, Admiral,, lieutenants majors, sergeants we have a leader to Jesus Christ

• We are soldiers in the lords army, is Jesus leading our life’s? or something else leading

• God does not force anyone to serve in the service of His Kingdom,

• Following Jesus is a life-altering commitment that requires full devotion. When you make the decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your life must change.

• No longer are you able to be the commanding officer and general of your life. You’ve given that over to Christ. He is now the leader of your life.

• Paul told Timothy If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;