Week of Monday, November 6 – November12
Good Soldier – Man as Defender
"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him." - 2 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV
This week, we mark Veterans Day, a day for expressing gratitude to the men and women who have served in the armed forces. In 1938, November 11 (“Armistice Day,” or “Remembrance Day” as it is known in some other countries) was made a U.S. federal holiday in recognition of the armistice that ended World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of 1918. Later, after World War II, November 11 became a day to honor all veterans.
Having served over 36 and a half years in the U.S. Army, I have a keen awareness of the sacrifices made by service members and their families. It is a tough way of life for those who defend our freedoms. Consequently, it is fitting that we set aside a day to honor and encourage veterans—active duty and retired—from all branches of military service.
I am greatly encouraged that the apostle Paul compares Timothy’s role as a defender of the faith to that of a soldier. Paul got to know a number of Roman soldiers up close and personal. In fact, when he wrote this letter to Timothy from the Mamertine prison in Rome, he was likely chained to a different soldier every watch, which presented Paul with numerous opportunities to share Christ with these military service members.
So, it is not surprising that Paul encourages Timothy, his son in the faith, to endure hardship “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (v. 3). In fact, Paul speaks of being engaged in warfare. Reading these letters to Timothy, the battle lines become abundantly clear. There was a war on truth being waged by the father of lies; it even breached the church walls. Men, it is no different today. Truth is under assault like never before in our culture and even in many churches. Deceptive doctrines have sway over the minds of millions of Americans. In our role as Defenders, we must stand for truth amid all the deception.
As defenders of truth, Paul says we must be like the soldiers who engage in warfare without entangling themselves “in civilian pursuits.” It is so easy to get distracted, to drift from our mission. It is incredible to me how many of the things that vie for our time and attention as men are ultimately worthless pursuits. Remember, we have a mission and a Master. Above all, Paul urges that we do everything in our power to please Christ, our Commander, who enlisted us as His spiritual soldiers.
Note that Paul challenged Timothy to be a “good soldier.” I have had the privilege of serving with some of the best. Men who were willing to give their all to defend this country, and some of them died doing so. This much I can tell you: a good soldier does not cut and run but stands in the heat of battle. A good soldier doesn’t shrink from the struggle but advances under fire. A good soldier doesn’t retreat when bullets start flying but moves forward in the fight. A good soldier does not surrender but prevails in the battle or dies trying.
A good soldier must often make sacrifices to defend what is dear to him. Just as Roman soldiers suffered hardship in the service of the emperor for temporal gain, how much more should we be willing to suffer hardship as Christian soldiers in the service of the King of kings! So, men, strive to be a good soldier!
1. Consider some creative ways to honor and bless veterans and their families (for example, buying them a meal or serving them practically in some way). At the very least, thank them for their service to our country.
2. Share Christ with and pray for service members like Paul did in Rome.
3. As you survey the battle lines in your community or even in your church, ponder how you can be a good “soldier of Christ” defending truth. Pray for God’s help to stand courageous in that fight.
Good Soldier – Man as Defender
"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him." - 2 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV
This week, we mark Veterans Day, a day for expressing gratitude to the men and women who have served in the armed forces. In 1938, November 11 (“Armistice Day,” or “Remembrance Day” as it is known in some other countries) was made a U.S. federal holiday in recognition of the armistice that ended World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of 1918. Later, after World War II, November 11 became a day to honor all veterans.
Having served over 36 and a half years in the U.S. Army, I have a keen awareness of the sacrifices made by service members and their families. It is a tough way of life for those who defend our freedoms. Consequently, it is fitting that we set aside a day to honor and encourage veterans—active duty and retired—from all branches of military service.
I am greatly encouraged that the apostle Paul compares Timothy’s role as a defender of the faith to that of a soldier. Paul got to know a number of Roman soldiers up close and personal. In fact, when he wrote this letter to Timothy from the Mamertine prison in Rome, he was likely chained to a different soldier every watch, which presented Paul with numerous opportunities to share Christ with these military service members.
So, it is not surprising that Paul encourages Timothy, his son in the faith, to endure hardship “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (v. 3). In fact, Paul speaks of being engaged in warfare. Reading these letters to Timothy, the battle lines become abundantly clear. There was a war on truth being waged by the father of lies; it even breached the church walls. Men, it is no different today. Truth is under assault like never before in our culture and even in many churches. Deceptive doctrines have sway over the minds of millions of Americans. In our role as Defenders, we must stand for truth amid all the deception.
As defenders of truth, Paul says we must be like the soldiers who engage in warfare without entangling themselves “in civilian pursuits.” It is so easy to get distracted, to drift from our mission. It is incredible to me how many of the things that vie for our time and attention as men are ultimately worthless pursuits. Remember, we have a mission and a Master. Above all, Paul urges that we do everything in our power to please Christ, our Commander, who enlisted us as His spiritual soldiers.
Note that Paul challenged Timothy to be a “good soldier.” I have had the privilege of serving with some of the best. Men who were willing to give their all to defend this country, and some of them died doing so. This much I can tell you: a good soldier does not cut and run but stands in the heat of battle. A good soldier doesn’t shrink from the struggle but advances under fire. A good soldier doesn’t retreat when bullets start flying but moves forward in the fight. A good soldier does not surrender but prevails in the battle or dies trying.
A good soldier must often make sacrifices to defend what is dear to him. Just as Roman soldiers suffered hardship in the service of the emperor for temporal gain, how much more should we be willing to suffer hardship as Christian soldiers in the service of the King of kings! So, men, strive to be a good soldier!
1. Consider some creative ways to honor and bless veterans and their families (for example, buying them a meal or serving them practically in some way). At the very least, thank them for their service to our country.
2. Share Christ with and pray for service members like Paul did in Rome.
3. As you survey the battle lines in your community or even in your church, ponder how you can be a good “soldier of Christ” defending truth. Pray for God’s help to stand courageous in that fight.