Soldier Of The Lord

A SOLDIER OF THE LORD

Date: November 11,2001

Place: Allendale Baptist

Text; 2 Timothy 2:3-4:4:7-8

As we celebrate Veterans Day today, I am reminded of many men & women who abandoned everything and answered the call to service and a call to arms by their nation. One of the most sobering scenes I have ever seen is a picture of Arlington cemetery of the rows and rows of crosses of the many that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy.

I am reminded of those also in the army of Christ who have died on the battlefield of faith and of the legacy they have left behind. I recall those in Hebrews chapter 11, great men & women of God who were good soldiers of the cross and died to preserve our precious faith.

We all must face one day that our life will be over. And what will be the legacy that we leave behind? Paul faced the end of his life in a Roman prison & left instructions to a young preacher boy named Timothy, about how to be a good soldier.

A GOOD SOLDIER IS

I. A FOLLOWER

A. No one can be a good soldier for the Lord until they first enlist.

B. This is accomplished only through receiving Jesus Christ as one’s Savior.

C. This is the commitment a person makes when they come forward to join this church. “I COME TO SERVE JESUS CHRIST, MY COMMANDING OFFICER, HERE IN THIS CHURCH.”

THIS IS WHAT I ASK FOLKS. HAS GOD THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT LEAD YOU HERE? HAVE YOU ACCEPTED CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD & SAVIOR? IT SHOULD BE EVIDENT IN THEIR LIVE!!!

A GOOD SOLDIER…

II. IS FAITHFUL

It can be seen in…

A. His Patience- he endures hardships and does not quit.

1. John 16:33 “ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

B. His priorities- he seeks to please the commander

1. Ask these questions, what comes first in your life? What keeps you from serving God?

(Stopped preaching and started meddling.)

C. Also by his practice- a good soldier guards the truths of faith. He is also determined to do a good job & refuses to do anything to bring disgrace and dishonor upon his commander.

1. So it is with the Christian soldier. He wants to live his life in a manner that brings honor to the Lord.

A GOOD SOLDIER…

III. IS FAMILIAR…

A. With his commanders voice.

1. He becomes familiar by spending time with Him

2. We can do so by spending time in His Word.

Is familiar…

B. His weapons- Faith and Prayer are the Christians weapons

Is familiar with…

C. His comrades- a good soldier not only cares about himself but also the welfare of his fellow soldiers.

D. His enemy- a good soldier is familiar with the tactics of his opposition.

A GOOD SOLDIER…

IV. IS A FIGHTER

A. He does not retreat in the face of his enemies.

B. He is.

1. Dedicated

2. Determined

3. Driven

To finish

A GOOD SOLDIER

V. IS A FINISHER

A. Because he knows there was a reason he enlisted in the war.

B. Because he knows he will be rewarded. Every good deed will be rewarded by the commander

C. Someday the soldier will here “well done my good & faithful servant.”

D. Read 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Conclusion:

At the SBTC, Dr Jim Richards gave this challenge to the messengers, I cannot preach as Dr Richards, but I offer the same challenge…

I am a soldier. Here I stand.

I am a soldier, a prayer warrior, of the army of my God.

The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.

The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.

Faith, Prayer, & the Word are my weapons of warfare.

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, & tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, & I am enlisted for eternity.

I will either retire @ the Rapture or die in this Army; but I will not get out, sell out, or be talked out.

I am faithful, capable, & dependable.

If my God needs me, I am there.

I am a soldier, a prayer warrior. Here I stand. I am not a baby.

I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up.

I am a soldier, a prayer warrior. Here I stand.

No one has to call me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me.

I am a soldier, a prayer warrior. Here I stand. I am not a wimp.