A GOOD SOLDIER?

MEMORY VERSE: Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Nehemiah 5-9

One of the names of our Lord Jesus Christ is Lord of hosts (Revelations 19:11-20). The word "host" is a translation of the Hebrew word "sabaoth meaning “armies” – a reference to the angelic armies of heaven. Lord of hosts simply means the Commander in Chief of all the hosts in heaven. The moment a man gives his life to Christ, he is enlisted in the Lord’s army. As a believer, you are part of the Lord’s armies here on earth and you are already in a war. Ephesians 6:12 says: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” As a Christian, soldier of Jesus Christ, certain things are expected of you. Firstly, you must be loyal to your master Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:38 says: “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Secondly, you must be ready at all times or be instant in season. 2 Timothy 4:2 says: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” You must be prepared at all times to be called upon by our Lord to lead a soul out of the camp of the enemy into His camp. Also, you must be dressed for battle at all times. Ephesians 6:13-16 says: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Thirdly and very importantly, endure hardness. 2 Timothy 2:3 says: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Hardness simply means hardship or suffering. One or two things are implied in the phrase “endure hardness”. One of it is, expect hardship. This is non-negotiable for any believer. Isaiah 43:2 says: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” The bible says “when thou passest through the waters” not “if thou passest through the waters”. Jesus Christ, Lord of hosts, said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” I was sharing with a brother, sometimes back, a time where things were so bad that I had nothing to eat. The Lord was merciful to me and someone gave me a bag of rice and oil. For a whole month, all I ate was plain rice – no salt, no stew, no meat or fish. Thank God things have changed now. I have a good news for you, Jesus will never leave you in the time of hardship. According to Isaiah 43:2, when you pass through waters (challenges), God is with you. Lastly, you are expected to be a good soldier. The question is what type of soldier are you? Are you a soldier who denies Christ when the going gets though? As a soldier what is your priority – the Master’s business or your business? Are you using your weapons to fight for the Lord or fight against the Lord? Are you always prepared?

NOTE: 2 Timothy 3:1 says: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” These are perilous (risky) times and as such, you have to have your armour on at all times.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in this perilous time please keep me safe.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world