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3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ~ 2 Timothy 2:3-4
Having considered the first step in the process of becoming stronger in the grace of God, being a teacher, today, we come to the second step, being a good soldier.
In v.3 we read, "Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
It is only as the result of growing stronger in the grace of God that we choose to enter the war. In this section of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul uses analogies to convey to us elements of spiritual strength that is the product of growing strong in God's grace. Let me remind you, growing strong in God's grace is not an over night thing, so be patient with yourself as He grows you to be stronger by revealing His great grace to you on a daily basis.
The amazing thing is there is a link between suffering and passion. You see, passion finds its root in the Greek word which means “suffering”. There is no testimony without the tests. We can not be passionate about something if we are not willing to suffer for it. Suffering is not a prerequisite for passion, it is the result of passion. As believer's in the Lord Jesus, we are in a war, and we are called to be at the forefront in this war. Since this war is spiritual in nature, we must be careful to do battle with the spiritual weapons that the Lord has given us. Our primary weapons are: the Word of God, the Spirit of God and prayer. And the many battles being waged for the hearts and souls of people.
Now, being a soldier involves “Joining in the suffering.” The best translation of this first part of the verse is: “endure affliction together.” In view of the cross, we are postured to grow in our passion for Him. And, after we have entered into the battle, we must not be surprised by suffering when it comes. As any soldier engaged in battle, we collect wounds as we factor into the war. But, we willingly enter the battles because we have seen our Lord's willingness to do everything He asks His soldiers to do and more. In fact, we are quick to lay down our lives for Him because He laid down His life for us, and we, subsequently, have eternities values in view.
It is odd how all of this works, but as we teach others what God has revealed to us and we suffer while being engaged in the conflict, we grow in the grace of God. You see, as we are put in these positions, we are given a front row seat to how the grace of God works in our lives first. Then, as we share the truths we have garnered in the various battles with those whom we influence, we then are able to help them through our battles.
In v.4 we read, "No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer."
This war only has a frontline, and we’re all in it together. And, the practical stuff of life is of less importance to us than the eternal stakes that are at hand. Since we have a soldier's mindset, we do not not get distracted by the temporary, we are focused on what will last for eternity. Most live for the things of this world, they do not possess an eternal perspective.Those who are strong in the grace of God are motivated to be engaged in the war.
At the end of v.4 we read, "but rather tries to please his commanding officer."
When we have come to appreciate the grace of God that He has lavished upon us, we will be anxious to do those things that are dear to Him. Of course, we do this not to gain His favor, but to merely say, "I love you" in return. As soldiers in the Lord's army, we live to serve Him. The greatest joy of the soldier is to please the Lord.
This was particularly true in the Roman army; a commander would gather around him men whom knew him, loved him, trusted him and would follow him anywhere. Those were the ones who won the great battles for Rome. The apostle uses that analogy to drive home the thought: The faithful soldiers serves the One who laid down His life for him. Our one objective is not to get something for ourselves, it is to please Him.
The motive here is love and passion, not duty. The One we are following has laid down His life for us. He has secured our eternity in heaven with Him. And, when this grips our being we will choose to lay down our lives for Him. And, primary on His heart are those who are yet trapped by the wrong passions.
