A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ

2 Timothy 2:3  •  10 min. read  •  grade level: 10
 
" Thou, therefore endure hardness, as a. good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Tim. 2:33Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3).)
Many and varied are the aspects in which the believer is looked at in the Scriptures. I now desire to dwell upon that of soldier.
In the first place it is well to notice the state of things in this Epistle, the only book in the New Testament in which the term `soldier' is applied to the believer. The careful reader will notice that evil (and the consequent sorrow and trouble connected therewith) abounds throughout it. In Matt. 24, the blessed Lord speaks of a terrible state of things and warns (ver. 12) that "because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold." Is not then 2 Timothy of special value to us, beloved fellow believer, dwelling as it does on what takes place " in the last days when perilous (`difficult ' New Trans.) shall come." Let us however remember that any and every time is too difficult for us, but none are so for the Lord. Peter was as unable to walk on the water when smooth as when rough, except sustained by the power of God; and that same Peter (1 Peter 1) speaks of being "kept by the power of God," but adds (that we may remember our side) "through faith," for " without faith it is impossible to please God " Heb. 11). Now who are the ones that are going to stand in a day such as 2 Timothy contemplates, when we have not only Satan in his " roaring lion " character, but also " the wiles of the devil " to contend with. Do we not get a clue to it in chap. 2:2, where Timothy is enjoyed to commit to faithful men what he had himself learned of the apostle that they might be able to teach others also? Does this not show us that he considers Timothy to be such an one? But not for any natural qualification. Naturally Timothy was inclined to be weak and timid, as indicated in chap. i. 6-8. But is that not in accord with the teachings of 1 Cor. 1:2727But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27), etc. " God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. etc." He that of old had trained and taught the shepherd boy to slay the lion and the bear (typical of Satan's two ways of working) and sent him against the mighty Goliath, had been training Timothy and was now sending him forth to a more stupendous conflict. Paul's testimony of him in Phil. 2:19-22. is a very remarkable one. Taught and trained in God's school he had learned (by God's grace) to overcome the worst foe that any of us have to contend against, that Hydra-headed monster, self. The great lesson of Phil. 2 is self-abnegation. The Lord Jesus immeasurably first, " in all things He hath the preeminence," vs. 6-8; Paul, vs. 17, 19, 25; Timothy, vs. 20-22; Epaphroditus, vs. 25-30. " I have no man like minded" is the wonderful testimony Paul (inspired by the Holy Spirit) bears to Timothy. Constrained by the love of Him who had won his heart, the interests of Christ had displaced all self-interest, and that too when self-interest was predominant in all around. He did not entangle himself with the affairs of this life that he might please Him who had chosen him to be a soldier.
In reading this 2nd chapter of Phil. 1 am reminded of a question recently asked as to where collective testimony is now? If I read Acts 2:42-47; 4:23-37; 5:41, 4242And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:42‑47)
23And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:23‑37)
41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. (Acts 5:41‑42), I see collective testimony beautifully exemplified. But that was, I judge, an answer to John 17:2121That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:21). But when I read Phil. 2:1111And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11), I find that Satan, using the Hydra-headed monster, previously referred to, as his chief lever, had broken it up before the apostles were off the scene. As to corporate, or church, testimony, He who loved the Church and gave Himself for it had foreseen the unfaithfulness that would come in and made provision for it in Matt. 18:2020For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20). As He who uttered what is there recorded is. "The same yesterday, and today and forever," and as "The word of the Lord endureth forever," faith is certain that wherever the conditions there mentioned are fulfilled, so surely will He Who " abideth faithful, He cannot deny Himself" fulfill His part. Yes, only three, or even two, gathered to His name! " Who hath despised the day of small things?" He does not, nor will any one taught of the Spirit who has (through grace) overcome the Hydra-headed monster and in whose heart faith is in exercise.
To return to our subject. Does not the very term " soldier " suggest fighting, warfare of some description and not a peaceful state of things. Now every believer is a soldier; but there are bad soldiers as well as good. How many, in the present day, want to have all the blessings and privileges belonging to the Christian and to shirk the responsibilities—why? Because the heart has grown cold, the Hydra-headed monster has done his horrid work and the (I won't say duty, but) privilege of being wholeheartedly—identified with a rejected Christ in this the time and scene of His rejection is lost sight of. But it is very needful, if our service is to be of an intelligent character and so " acceptable to God," (Rom. 12:11I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1), where `reasonable' is rather intelligent') that we should learn from the word of God the true character of the warfare the Lord is looking for now, and also the sort of weapons. How valuable then is acquaintance with dispensational truth. The conflict for Israel, under Joshua, was against flesh and blood, but not so with us: read carefully Josh. 5:13-1513And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? 15And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13‑15); Eph. 6:10-19; 210Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:10‑19) Cor. 10:35. But as what happened unto Israel were types for us and written for our guidance and instruction (1 Cor. 10:6,116Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. (1 Corinthians 10:6)
11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (1 Corinthians 10:11)), we learn valuable lessons from the Old Testament as well as the New. And I desire to say right here that God's word is a beautiful and perfect whole and we need to be careful not to fall into the selfish way some have of reading it, viz, having a few pet corners that they go to when they do take up the Bible. Dear fellow-believer let us remember the gracious words of our beloved Lord and Master in John 15, where, after referring to His wondrous love so infinitely surpassing all other love (ver. 13), He, the Maker of heaven and earth, says (ill connection with fruit bearing) " Ye are My friends! (What wondrous language from such an One addressed to the likes of us), "if ye do whatever I command you," He then proceeds, " I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you," (vs. 14, 15). Now put that alongside 2 Tim. 3:16, 1916All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16), "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (lit. ' God-breathed'), and is profitable for doctrine (' teaching) for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect (` complete throughly furnished ('perfectly equipped ') for every good work." In the 1st Epistle Paul had enjoined Timothy to give attendance (' attention ') to reading... Meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them," " for ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price," and such a price! "Every word of God is pure " (Prov. 30:55Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (Proverbs 30:5))-then do not omit any of it, but be like Jeremiah, " Thy words were found and I did eat them, and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart." Beloved fellow-believer is that so with you and me? " Eating " making it our own before God and entering more into the interests of Christ and intelligent as to what concerns His glory, and then like Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus and fed upon His word we get to know what is suitable to Him and are led by the Spirit to the right thing at the right time and perhaps be found fault with for doing it as Mary was. Hut " let her alone... she hath wrought a good work... she hath done what she could," from the Master, more than repaid her. (Mark 14:3-93And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. (Mark 14:3‑9).) Do not forget the word of the Lord to Martha, Luke 10:41,4241And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:41‑42).
The word of God is the only offensive weapon the Lord gives to His soldiers (Eph. 6:1616Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Ephesians 6:16)), and remember you must let it do its work in your own soul first ( " your loins girt about with truth," Eph. 6:1414Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (Ephesians 6:14)), or you will not be a good swordsman. The Holy Spirit teaches us a valuable lesson through Ezra who is spoken of as, " A ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God had given" (Ezra 7:66This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him. (Ezra 7:6)). Read carefully the 10th verse (same chapter) and note the order " Ezra had (1) prepared his heart to (2) seek the law of the Lord, and to (3) do it, and to (4) teach." He was a real help (Ezra means " help, cf, 1 Cor. 12:2828And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28)). I would call your special attention, dear reader, to the first qualification above mentioned " prepared his heart." O do not let it be mere head work, " the Lord looketh on the heart." And what a remarkable lesson does the Spirit of God teach us, Eph. 6:18,1918Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:18‑19). We have in the previous 7 or 8 verses the Lord's soldier armed from head to foot and what next? Placed on his knees. What an attitude for a soldier'! Conscious of his own utter helplessness (if going on with God) he looks to the Lord that he may be made " strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, (2 Tim. 2:11Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1). cf. Eph. 6:1010Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10).) He needs to be watchful, even in prayer, against " self " for the Spirit adds " for all saints." Then are there any in the fore front of the battle in the deadly fight that is going on, as Paul then was, it is added further, "for me."
(1.) " Could keep rank." In my mind I associate this with that which is said in Eph. 5:2121Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:21) and 1 Peter 5:55Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5) and in contrast with, " Every one, did that which was right in his own eyes," why? Because "In those days there was no king in Israel.' If JESUS is reigning in our hearts we will not want to do what is right, in our own eyes but will he found in subjection to Him and to one another in His fear. And is that not closely connected with what is said of Zebulun.
(2.) "Not of a double heart." I will here simply quote what that little verse says and may the blessed Lord make it good in your heart and mine, beloved fellow-soldier.
" Oh, that strong in faith abiding, We may to the Savior cleave, Naught with Him our hearts dividing, All for Him content to leave!"