Ever since receiving the assignment of Archippus Awakening, being a soldier in the Lord’s army (cf Philemon 2) has taken on greater significance. For sure, this is not just another Christian metaphor for a more impressive sermon. The spiritual battle rages on, and we are all expected to know our place and play our part in the advancement of the kingdom of God.
More than just a soldier, I want to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Allow me to draw four practical points from 2 Timothy 2:3-4.
1. Enlistment
I didn’t get to enlist in the Lord’s Army because I am a marksman- or best PT-material. It is entirely by grace through faith that I get to serve Jesus and the purposes of His kingdom. When I recognize this privilege, my attitude changes. My one desire is to please Him, the King and Commander of the Lord’s Army.
2. Engagement
I prefer to remain in camp. However, soldiers are trained to be sent out, to be engaged in warfare. I must be ready to go where I am assigned, to execute my mission well. Wherever our areas of operation may be, we are God’s kingdom representatives to bring kingdom influence that hearts and lives may be impacted for Him.
3. Entanglement
Often, many are entangled by the cares of this world. These detract and distract us from kingdom purposes. As a husband of one wife and father of seven children, I understand this too well. Even so, when I’m on assignment, my focus is fully on the King and His kingdom. I have found the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 to be true. When I seek first His kingdom, He takes care of everything else for me. When I do my part, my King more than does His.
4. Endurance
Every soldier knows that the battlefield is no walk in the park. Training is tough because the opposition we expect is much tougher. Similarly, when we take a stand for Jesus, we will face challenges. To be prepared for this, we remember the One who enlisted us, the One we are fighting for. Knowing and engaging in our assignment enables us to focus and endure, and not be distracted along the way.
“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.” 2 Timothy 2:3–4 (NKJV)
Dear fellow soldiers, let’s continue to encourage one another to keep moving on for Jesus and His kingdom. May we each be found faithful and pleasing to our King when He returns.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the honor and privilege to serve You. By Your Holy Spirit, show me my place and part in the advancement of the kingdom. Enable me as I move on my assignments. Strengthen and comfort me in difficult times as I endure all things for the sake of the kingdom and for the glory of Your Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
By Pastor Henson Lim
Reproduced from MCF 50th Anniversary Commemorative Publication