Lessons from old Soldiers for today (temp title)

 

2 Timothy 2:1-13 “You then,my child,be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,andwhat you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful menwho will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering asa good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldiergets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.  An athlete is notcrowned unless he competes according to the rules. It isthe hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.  Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.  Remember Jesus Christ,risen from the dead, theoffspring of David,as preached in my gospel,for which I am suffering,bound with chains as a criminal. Butthe word of God is not bound! ThereforeI endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtainthe salvation that is in Christ Jesus witheternal glory.  The saying istrustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will alsolive with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless,he remains faithful—forhe cannot deny himself.”  ESV

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a day we remember those who gave their life in service to their country.  These brave men and women died in the service of the United States Armed Forces.

Can we learn some basic scriptural principles from their service?

The Apostle Paul served God as a Christian Soldier.  What can we learn from this old soldier?  Much, but here is just a little:

  1. God first
    1. Be strengthened by the Grace that is in Christ Jesus
  2. No soldier serves alone
    1. We need each other
    2. Share in the suffering as a good soldier
    3. Don’t leave your fellow believers behind
    4. Don’t make your fellow believers pull your load
    5. You gotta have each other’s back!
  3. Do your job!  STAY ON MISSION
    1. Serve God alone
    2. Do not get caught up in what others are doing
    3. You probably do not have a “need to know” what their mission is!

i.     You do what God has called you to do

ii.     Don’t waste time pointing fingers at them

  1. STAY OUT OF THE DRAMA

i.     No soldiergets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him

  1. Be faithful and obedient
    1. Follow the rules
    2. Obey the rules of engagement
    3. You will not win if you follow your own rules or the rules of the world.
    4. One of the biggest offenses in the Military is “Failure to Follow a Direct Order”
  2. Work Hard
    1. Real life is not for wimps
    2. The life of FAITH lived in the WORLD is not for the weak!

i.     Not that YOU are strong

ii.     That you SERVE the ONE who is the STRONGEST

  1. Know that TRUE PEACE only comes with CLEAR VICTORY
    1. Compromise only extends suffering
    2. If you try to compromise with the world YOU WILL be the one who SUFFERS
  2. ENDURANCE is NECESSARY
    1. Give yourself to your Commander in Chief – JESUS
    2. ENDURE and REIGN
    3. DENY Him and LOOSE
  3. Jesus will NEVER FAIL
    1. You might BUT He never will