“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”—2 Timothy 2:3–4
A man was coming out of church one day, and the pastor was standing at the door, as he always was, to shake hands with the worshippers. As he shook the man’s hand, he pulled him aside and said, “You really need to join the army of the Lord.”
The man replied, “I’m already in the army of the Lord, Pastor.”
So the Pastor enquired, “Then why do I only see you at Christmas and at Easter?”
The man whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.”
Christians are in a spiritual warfare. The devil, the world, and the flesh are real enemies. These spiritual enemies are out to destroy the testimony and effectiveness of the believer. The enemy will seek to take you out or make you a prisoner of war. Thus, we are called upon to be good soldiers for the war.
How can we be good soldiers of Jesus Christ? What does it take for us to be soldiers who are victorious in the spiritual conflict?
First, We Must Be Dedicated
We are called to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. We are enlisted as His soldiers. We are dedicated to His cause. The flag we wave is the flag of Heaven. Those around us should have no questions about our loyalty as His soldiers.
Second, We Must Be Durable
Paul told Timothy to endure hardness. Enduring hardness means we should not allow ourselves to become easily discouraged. It means we are prepared for conflict at all times of the day: in the wee hours of the morning or late in the night. It means we should not back down from the threats of the enemy. It means we will not allow the casualties around us to make us quit. A good soldier does not think about quitting!
Third, We Must Be Deliberate
Paul said, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life.” A good soldier is not distracted by all the things going on in this life. His focus is to represent the Lord Jesus well in the conflict and to make sure He wins. Distractions could result in being hit by a fiery dart of the wicked one. Distractions could make us the target of a spiritual assassin. Distractions could cause us to turn our backs and become vulnerable to satanic attacks.
Fourth, We Must Be Delightful
Our number one priority as soldiers is to please the Lord! God is most pleased with us when we follow our orders, we are diligent at our post, we are vigilant as watchmen, we are loyal to our cause, we fight to win, and we are steadfast at all times.
Being a good soldier requires effort. We must realize that we are not called to be part time soldiers. We do not wrestle with, “Flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Let us go onward and forward for the cause of Christ! Lift His royal banner and do not let it suffer loss. Let it be known we are in the Lord’s army, and as His soldiers we are earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints.
“你要忍受苦难，好像基督耶稣的精兵。凡在军中当兵的，不将世务缠身，好叫那召他当兵的人喜悦。”——提摩太后书 2:3-4
有一天，一个人从教堂出来，牧师像往常一样站在门口与信徒握手。他一边和这个人握手，一边把他拉到一边说：“你真的需要加入主的军队。”
这个人回答说：“牧师，我已经是主的军队了。”
牧师问道：“那为什么我只在圣诞节和复活节见到你？”
这个人低声回答说：“我是特工。”
基督徒正处于一场属灵的争战中。魔鬼、世界和肉体都是真正的敌人。这些属灵的敌人一心要摧毁信徒的见证和效力。 敌人会试图将你消灭，或将你俘虏。因此，我们蒙召成为这场战争中的精兵。
我们如何才能成为耶稣基督的精兵？我们需要什么才能成为在属灵争战中得胜的精兵？
首先，我们必须献身
我们蒙召成为耶稣基督的精兵。我们被征召成为祂的精兵。我们献身于祂的事业。我们挥舞的旗帜是天国的旗帜。我们周围的人不应该质疑我们作为祂精兵的忠诚。
其次，我们必须坚忍不拔
保罗告诉提摩太要忍受苦难。忍受苦难意味着我们不应该让自己轻易灰心。这意味着我们要时刻做好迎接冲突的准备：无论是清晨还是深夜。这意味着我们不应该在敌人的威胁面前退缩。这意味着我们不会因为周围的伤亡而放弃。一个精兵是不会想放弃的！
第三，我们必须深思熟虑
保罗说：“凡在军中当兵的，不将世务缠身。” 一个优秀的士兵不会被世上发生的一切事分心。他的重点是在争战中好好代表主耶稣，确保祂得胜。分心可能会导致被恶者火箭般的箭射中。分心可能会让我们成为属灵刺客的目标。分心可能会导致我们背弃神，容易受到撒但的攻击。
第四，我们必须令人喜悦
作为士兵，我们的首要任务是取悦主！当我们服从命令、在岗位上勤勉、像守望者一样保持警惕、忠于事业、为胜利而战、始终坚定不移时，上帝会对我们最为喜悦。
成为一名优秀的士兵需要付出努力。我们必须意识到，我们蒙召并非是兼职士兵。 我们并不是与“属血气的争战，乃是与那些执政的、掌权的、管辖这幽暗世界的，以及天空属灵气的恶魔争战”（以弗所书 6:12）。
让我们为基督的事业不断前进！高举祂的君王旗帜，不让它遭受损失。让我们知道我们是主军队中的一员，作为祂的精兵，我们正在为从前一次交付圣徒的真道竭力争战。
A good soldier of Jesus Christ is someone who endures hardships, remains dedicated to their faith, and focuses on pleasing God rather than getting distracted by worldly affairs. This concept is emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:3-4, which encourages believers to be strong and committed in their spiritual journey.
Characteristics of a Good Soldier of Jesus Christ
Willingness to Suffer
A good soldier of Jesus Christ is called to endure hardships. This means sharing in suffering, as exemplified in 2 Timothy 2:3, where believers are encouraged to "endure suffering along with me." This willingness to face challenges is essential for spiritual growth and perseverance.
Focus on the Mission
Good soldiers do not get entangled in civilian affairs. They prioritize their commitment to their calling, aiming to please the one who enlisted them. This focus helps maintain clarity and purpose in their spiritual journey.
Discipline and Obedience
Just as soldiers follow orders, Christians are expected to adhere to the teachings of Christ. This includes living according to biblical principles and striving for mastery in their spiritual lives, as highlighted in 2 Timothy 2:5, which states that athletes must compete according to the rules to win the prize.
Spiritual Strength
Empowered by Grace
To endure as a good soldier, one must be strengthened by the grace found in Christ Jesus. This grace provides the necessary power to face trials and fulfill one's mission effectively.
Community and Support
Being part of a community of believers is vital. Sharing experiences and supporting one another in faith helps individuals remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.
In summary, a good soldier of Jesus Christ embodies resilience, focus, discipline, and reliance on God's grace, all while supporting fellow believers in their spiritual battles.
耶稣基督的精兵是能忍受苦难、忠于信仰、专注于取悦上帝而非被世俗事务分心的人。提摩太后书2:3-4强调了这一概念，鼓励信徒在属灵旅程中坚强、委身。
耶稣基督精兵的特质
愿意受苦
耶稣基督的精兵蒙召忍受苦难。这意味着要与人同受苦难，正如提摩太后书2:3所举的例子，经文鼓励信徒“与我同受苦难”。这种面对挑战的意愿对于属灵成长和坚忍不拔至关重要。
专注于使命
精兵不会纠缠于世俗事务。他们优先考虑对使命的承诺，力求取悦招募他们的人。这种专注有助于他们在属灵旅程中保持清晰的目标。
纪律与顺服
正如士兵服从命令一样，基督徒也应遵守基督的教导。这包括按照圣经原则生活，并在属灵生命中追求卓越，正如提摩太后书2:5所强调的，运动员必须按规则比赛才能赢得奖品。
属灵力量
恩典赋予力量
要成为一名坚忍不拔的好士兵，一个人必须靠着基督耶稣里的恩典坚强起来。这恩典提供必要的力量，使人能够面对试炼，有效地完成使命。
社群与支持
成为信徒社群的一员至关重要。分享经验，在信仰上互相支持，有助于个人坚定地委身于基督。
总而言之，耶稣基督的好士兵体现了韧性、专注、自律和对上帝恩典的依赖，同时在属灵争战中支持其他信徒。
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