God Calls Us Strong in the Grace that is in Jesus Christ part 2

Concept: Living a life as good soldiers strong in the Grace of Jesus Christ   

2 Tim 2:1-7 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. NASU

Today I want to address the metaphor of being a good soldier. To some people being considered a part of the military is not appealing, it is however a reality of life as a Christian that we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God’s Son. Col 1:13-14. This reality should cause us to seek to live a life in the light or in a way that is in line with what the Bible says is pleasing to God. In the Timothy passage above it speaks about suffering as a good soldier and pleasing the one who enlisted us.

Living for God requires His grace but it also requires that we say no to a lifestyle that displeases God. This means we have to say no to our fleshly desires and yes to God as a way of life. It does not mean we will be perfect but that our overall way of living will please God and if we fail at some point He is there to cleans us and forgive us.

Ever since the Lucifer rebelled as seen in Isa 14 and took one third of the angels with him there has been a war between Lucifer and those who would also align themselves with him in rebellion against God. 

Thanks to Jesus we may chose to serve God and are not bound to live a life of rebellion against Him. Thank God we have His strength and grace as we serve Him as good soldiers. For a brief introduction to the armor of God go to http://equippersedge.blogspot.com and read the study posted there.