The Three (3) Keys to Being a Good Soldier

Be Strong in Grace: The Keys to Being A Good Soldier

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  3  You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  4 No one entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

- II Timothy 2:1-4

SUMMARY

The writer warns Timothy of the difficulties of leadership and urges him to “be strong,” in contrast to those who defected. A good should be:

1. DURABLE.  “Endure hardship” (“literally, “suffer affliction”): Paul illustrates this truth by a soldier of whom suffer privation (scarcity or lacking) in order to be rewarded (ref BASIC TRAINING).
2. DISCIPLINED.  A good soldier must be well trained. He must keep his weapon (Bible), with him at all times. He must watch his powder (Word of God), and not let his weapon get wet.
3. DEDICATED.  Just as a soldier called to duty is completely severed (cut off) from the affairs of civilian life, so also must the good soldier of Jesus Christ refuse to allow the things of the world to distract him.