2 Timothy 2:3,4 – “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
- A soldier is totally committed to doing the will of his commanding officer – so we must be committed to the will of God.
- A soldier will not become entangled in anything that will compromise his effectiveness – so we refuse to become entangled in worldly affairs.
- A soldier is trained to instantly obey orders – so we must instantly obey the Holy Spirit.
- A soldier is trained to endure hardship – so our personal comfort is never the main issue.
- A soldier is highly disciplined – so we must be disciplined in prayer, the Word of God and fellowship.
- A soldier gives due honour and respect to his superior officers – so we also honour those who lead us in the Lord.
- A soldier knows the importance of keeping rank with his fellow soldiers – so we look out for each other as Christians.
- A soldier knows how to be content with his rations, especially in the heat of battle – so we learn to be content with what God provided.
- A soldier is prepared to lay down his life if necessary – so we present ourselves to God as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1).
- A soldier is trained in the use of weapons and protective clothing – so also we must know how to use the armor of God and the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:12-18).
- A soldier understands that there are some things more important than his own life.
- A soldier knows how to fight.
