Msg#2519 A Good Soldier
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan’s Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus … endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2Tim.2:1,3). In Ephesians 6 every Christian is equip as a soldier; in vr.10-13 we find our strength, our enemy, and our stand; in 14-17 our armor, is 17-18 our weapons; and in vr.18-19 our mission – gospel utterance, boldness, and ambassadorship. That mission is reiterated in 2Cor.5:17-21 where “all things are become new” so that we can be “ministers of reconciliation” and “ambassadors for Christ.” That’ll take “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel” as was said. In our text today Paul describes an advanced soldier training, sort of like post-graduate school, or more-so pulling up your big-boy-pants. When one matures past babes desiring the sincere milk of the word (1Pet.2:2) and moves through the meat of the seven principles of the oracles of God (Heb.5:11-6:3) he is ready for strong meat, ready to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” In Paul’s first epistle to Timothy he gives twelve charges in six chapters. In his second he covers being a good soldier, who can take on strong meat; i.e. to soldier, study, sanctify, be a vessel unto honour (2:1-5, 15, 19, 21). This charge is not for everyone. Unfortunately some Christians may wander in the wilderness of immaturity for forty years; we know some who have stagnated there; don’t be them. Like Joshua, press on into the Promise and posses the land. Be a good soldier, endure the hardness, taste the fruit, study, sanctify, and be a vessel unto honour. It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. “Faith cometh by … the word of God. … Above all, taking the shield of faith” (Rom.10:17, Eph.6:16).
An Essay for week #19, May 11, 25
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Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs250511.mp3
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A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit
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