2 Timothy 2:3-4 Ephesians 6:10-18
Introduction:
1. Having embraced the role of spiritual soldiers engaged in spiritual warfare, we ponder the makeup of good soldiers.
2. Though our Commander supplies our weapons and armor, we still must go out and use them in life’s battles.
3. He will deliver us to victory, but we must soldier on to the end.
Discussion:
I. Determined to Endure (2 Timothy 2:3)
A. Suffering is sure (Matthew 10:16ff; Mark 13:13; John 15:18-21; 2 Timothy 3:12).
B. Good soldiers must press on (Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13; Revelation 2:10).
II. Dedicated to the Commander’s Objective (2 Timothy 2:4)
A. The self-sacrificial attitude above demands dedication to a cause that is greater than oneself.
B. We must focus on our Commander’s objective over all earthly matters (Matthew 6:24; 13:7, 22; Luke 9:59-62).
III. Striving for Readiness (Ephesians 6:10-18)
A. Knowing a battle is coming, a good soldier keeps ready.
B. The weapons and armor the Commander supplies are of no value if we do not put them to use.
C. We must put on the “panoply” of armor God supplies: a panoply means a complete set of arms, leaving no part out.
D. Every piece of the armor in Ephesians 6 connects back to the revealed word of God.
Conclusion:
1. The battles we face in this spiritual warfare will be tough.
2. However, if we take on the makeup of good soldiers of Christ, we will through His strength be able to withstand the evil day.