“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” 2 Timothy 2:1-4 12/03/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” 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. (2 Tim 2:1-2)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” 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. (2 Tim 2:3-4)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” Introduction In Scripture, we find several references to the Christian as being a soldier in warfare. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph 6:12)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Eph 6:13)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” We are called upon to be God’s agents on this earth to press forward with gospel claiming victory through Christ. We have been given our ‘marching orders’ by the Captain of the Host (Matt 28:19-20

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ”  Three Types of Soldiers Compromisers Quitters The Faithful

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ”  The Soldier’s Identity His Uniform  The soldier’s uniform tell you: owhat branch of service they are in. otheir job or duty. ohow long they have been serving.

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ”  A soldier of Christ can be identified readily. o We are to ‘put on’ Christ. 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal 3:27) o That means that when others see us, they see Christ. 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:24)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” His Orders  A soldier’s orders determine where he lives and how he spends his time.  Not just a list of things to do if we have time, or if we would like to do them. oOrders are given to be obeyed. oThey are not suggestions

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” His Experience  Look at a soldier’s chest and you can read where he has been and how he has served.  It’s been called ‘fruit salad’.  Another is to look for the scars from battle.

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ”  The Attributes of a Soldier A soldier endures hardness 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:16)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” 23 After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, (Acts 9:23)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ”  All of this he calls his ‘light affliction’. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Cor 4:17)  He declares that he has ‘fought a good fight’. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Tim 4:7)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” With Paul as his example, Timothy had determined to be faithful no matter what.

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” A Soldier Enlists Others oHe is proud of his outfit. oThe recruiters are not men who hate the service…they are ‘lifers’. oAre we recruiting others? oSoul-winning…inviting folks…bringing others.

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ”  A soldier will not collaborate with the enemy. oThe world hates the Christian. 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (John 15:18) 13 Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. (1 John 3:13)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ”  A soldier cannot fight the enemy during the day, and then go to a party with them by the night.  Faithfulness earns the approval and commendation of our Lord. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. (1 Cor 4:2)

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matt 25:23)  A soldier believes in the cause.  Soldiers get ‘psyched up’ for the battle.

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ”  The Christian must prepare for battle daily. oBy studying our manual (the Bible) oBy prayer that brings the power of the Holy Spirit. oBy trusting God’s direction and instructions for battling the enemy.

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” Conclusion Our Savior has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” We are challenged to go forward for the cause of Christ and be soldiers for Jesus’ sake.

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ” 2 Timothy 2:1-4 12/03/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles