In Paul’s last epistle, he described to Timothy the attributes of a good soldier. Since all of us are encouraged to put on the armor of the Lord (Eph. 6:11), we would all be wise to think seriously about what Jesus expects of us as His soldiers. Take time to look at Paul’s description in 2 Timothy 2:1-6.
Good soldiers are strong in the grace of Christ (v. 1). Our strength does not come from within, it comes from our understanding of grace. No man can be a perfect soldier, but every man can be perfected by His grace. Be strong in grace.
Good soldiers know the source of the truth we believe (v. 2). Paul reminds Timothy that he had heard heaven’s message from him. Good soldiers today hear that same message from that same man. Be confident in the source of truth you first have believed.
Good soldiers stand in all the things he has learned and gives the same truths to others (v. 2). The KJV translates these words urging Timothy to commit the same message to faithful men, who in turn would commit the same message to others. Be confident that truth never changes—never changes.
Good soldiers endure hardship regardless of the cost (v. 3). ln the previous chapter, Paul mentions two men who had left the faith, and Paul had withdrawn from them. This is why he began this chapter with the word “therefore.” Men can make shipwreck of the faith, but a good soldier endures whatever hardship his service to his King might bring. Be determined to be faithful until death, regardless of the cost.
Good soldiers stay focused and are not distracted by the world around them (v. 4). Every Christian should meditate on these words. “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself in the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” Secular affairs, political affairs, sporting events, success in the world and all that is in the world to distract us really do not matter. Be determined to keep the main thing the main thing.
Good soldiers are like athletes (v. 5). He trains extensively for the events, but he fully understands that he must compete lawfully. He knows the truth he has learned, and that truth regulates every action. Be aware of the boundaries God has given you.
Good soldiers are like hardworking farmers who first partake of the crops (v. 6). At first reading one might think Paul is discussing financial support for workers. This does not fit the context. The vital word in this verse is the word “first.” Before he sees the results of the seeds he works so hard to plant, he must apply them first to his life! Otherwise his life is hypocritical. Be a soldier who applies the truth to your life first.
Be a good soldier in the greatest work on earth!