Soldiers for Christ

"3You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  4No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.  5And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules."   2 Timothy 2:3-5  NKJV

We saw yesterday how dedicated we need to be to have the fire back in our belly. Today, this is an add-on. Paul talks about enduring hardships of any kind that will come upon us without any notice. He mentions being a good soldier and that may be a strange thing to new Christians. However, we are in a battle and whatever comes our way we need to be able to deal with it. We are soldiers of Jesus Christ and He is our Commanding Officer.

Hardships can be anything :- loss of a job; loss of someone very dear to us, marital breakdown, bankruptcy or loss of good health. There are many more things that can be added and, these are all in the category of hardship. We need to be ready and able to deal with whatever comes our way. 

The word ENDURE means: To carry on through, despite hardships; undergo or suffer: endure an Arctic winter. 2. To put up with; tolerate: I cannot endure your insolence any longer. 1. To continue in existence; last: buildings that have endured for centuries. 2. To suffer patiently without yielding.  The Online Dictionary

As you can see, the word endure covers a great multitude of things and more. Soldiers don't bother themselves with life in 'Civvy Street' issues. They are on duty and have a role to fulfil. To become entangled with life issues can distract them from what their real role is all about. Do you get the message? We, as Soldiers of Jesus, are committed to Kingdom business. We have a:

(1)  Mission and that is to take the gospel to anyone who has never heard it

(2)  Lead people to Jesus

(3)  Offer love and healing

(4)  Bring peace to each situation

Of course we have much more that we need to do but, these are the main areas.

Paul compares this discussion with the example of an athlete. He/she trains and is a dedicated athlete with the desire to win and obtain the crown. As with the soldier, they have endured all of the pitfalls and press on to get this prize and along the way, they bring as many unbelievers with them who will listen.  And it is well worth it in the end.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. 

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

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