Text: 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 4:7-8
Opening Statement:
Memorials and special days are known throughout Biblical history. And such is true throughout American history as well. Tomorrow we celebrate our national holiday known as Memorial Day.
On Memorial Day, we honor the memories of all those who have died in the military in the service of the United States of America and in our own families. We would all do well to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom this morning.
I) HE IS A FOLLOWER (2:3)
A) This Implies Relationship
No one can be a soldier for the Lord until they first get into the army. This is accomplished only through receiving Jesus as one's Savior. John 3:3
B) This Implies Rank
Every child of God is under and out ranked by Jesus and is responsible for following Him and His will for their lives, 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
C) This Implies Rule
When we are in the Lord's Army, we have the obligation of obeying His orders even unto the death! Matt. 16:24. When we refuse to live as the Lord desires, then we have crossed the line from follower to traitor - James 4:17
II) HE IS FAITHFUL (2:3-4; 4:7b)
Faithfulness can be seen in:
A) His Patience (2:3)
Endures hardship and does not quit. The good soldier realizes that there will be troubles along the way and is not detoured by them. John 16:33.
B) His Priorities (2:4)
Notice that the good soldier has no higher goal in life than pleasing His Superior. The good soldier wants to please his Superior and does whatever he has to do to get that job done!
C) His Practice (4:7b)
A good soldier takes care of the things delivered unto him. He is determined to do a good job, and he refuses to do anything to bring disgrace and dishonor upon his Superior. The Christian solider wants to live his life in a manner that brings honor to the Lord and not dishonor.
III) HE IS FAMILIAR
A) He Is Familiar With The Sound Of The Commander’s Voice
John 10:3-5 says that the sheep know his voice. The way to get more familiar with the Lord's voice is to spend more time listening to it.
B) He Is Familiar With The Skill Of Using His Weapons
The good soldier knows that he is engaged in mortal warfare and he knows that the only way to succeed in the fight is to be proficient in the use of his weaponry. For the Christian we are given the Armor of God. (Eph. 6:10-18)
C) He Is Familiar With The Strategy Of The Enemy
1 Pet. 5:8 reminds us that our enemy is ever active and never rests. That the enemy is shrewd and ever attacking. He knows that regardless of the trap, God will make a way of escape for him, 1 Cor. 10:13.
IV) HE IS A FIGHTER (4:7)
A) He Is Determined
The good soldier does not retreat in the face of the enemy, he does not run from a fight. Instead, he stands his ground and fights the battle until the battle is over!
B) He Is Driven
He knows that another is in charge of the duration of the battle, but the good soldier is driven to finish. The good soldier is in the battle to the finish. Are you?
C) He Is Dedicated
The good soldier dedicates himself to keeping his oath. He is determined to live for the Lord regardless of the personal cost. The good soldier keeps the faith, do you?
V) HE IS A FINISHER (4:7-8)
A) He Has Resolve
The good soldier is in it for the long haul. He does not quit at the first hint of trouble. He is a finisher.
B) He Has A Reason
The good soldier knows the great price that was paid by his Superior to make a place for him in the army.
C) He Has His Reward
For those who stay in the battle, there will come a glad day of blessing. They will hear the Lord say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant...", Matt. 25:21, 23. What will be waiting you when you meet Jesus?
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