Soldiers Are Prepared For Battle Series

We Were Soldiers Series

Soldiers Are Prepared For Battle (1 of 3)

2 Timothy 2:1-4

March 23, 2003 Chester First Baptist Church, Chester, Illinois Mike Fogerson, Spkr.

Introduction:

A (Enlist 3 to 5 veterans (one having battle experience preferably*) who are willing to be interviewed for the opening.)

Questions: (Thank veterans for serving, Congregation applauds, ask for them to introduce themselves and which branch they served in.)

1. Where did you go for basic training? How long were you there?

2. What was the most difficult thing about basic?

3. What was the greatest thing you took from basic?

4. What could you do to please your commanding officers?

5. *Where were you when you found out you would for sure going into battle? How did you feel?

6. *What were you trained to do to help win the war? What was your job?

7. *How would you describe your training to go into battle? Where you ready to fight?

8. *What would have happened if you didn’t perform well or you wouldn’t have been trained thoroughly?

"Thank you gentlemen for serving your country and helping us understand how important it is to be prepared for battle."

*Congregation Applauds

B This morning we will begin a three part series (We Were Soldiers). The first caveat in this series is "Soldiers Are Prepared For Battle."

a 2TI 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. [2] And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. [3] Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.

b (ETS:) "Paul (a highly decorated veteran) gave advice to Timothy (a buck private) on how to please their commanding officer."

C (ESS:) "We can please our C.O. by concentrating on carrying out His orders."

a Objective: "I hope you’ll pursue the mission of inviting three people to service next week."

b Probing Question: How prepared/ready are you for battle?

T.S.: Let’s look at two indicators that show we’re ready for battle.

*Pray. *After "amen" begin clip of basic training clip for first point

CLIP:

(Fox News, "We Were Soldiers" 9:12-11:45, "An Officer And A Gentleman", etc.)

*Read from FM-25-101, Battle Focused Training

"Training is the Army’s top priority; it prepares us to fight. As leaders, our sacred responsibility is to ensure that no soldier ever dies in combat because that soldier was not properly trained.

"Training is the cornerstone of readiness and the basis for credible deterrence and capable defense. Training prepares soldiers, leaders, and units to fight and win in war-The Army’s basic mission."

Training is the Army’s top priority and don’t you forget it!"

-General Carl E. Vuono

Forward of Army Field Manual 25-101, Battle Focused Training

To be successful in combat, the Army must train continually to develop and maintain combat-ready soldiers... -FM 25-101, Battle Focused Training, 1-1

I The first indicator that your ready for battle is....YOU HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TRAINED.

A Clip/ FM 25-101, Battle Focused Training

B Jesus spent 3 years training His disciples to go into battle.

a * He drilled them on the Word by keeping it in front of them.

*JN 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

He challenged them to confront the enemy.

*(Matthew 16:18)And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

He commissioned them to serve as a team.

MT 21:1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,

MK 6:7 Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.

b Upon completion of their basic training, the disciples were ready for the world. (They had the right gear, knowledge and training)

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

C Today, good soldiers of Christ Jesus are properly trained to go into battle.

[8] For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

a Many of you have been enlisted in the Lord’s Army for a long time.

(Heard hundreds of sermons, S.S. Lessons, preachers, read the bible several times over.) VETERAN SOLDIER..well trained!!!