Soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3-4)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-25-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Soldiers of Jesus Christ

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 2:3,4

 

            Message of the verse:  “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.”

            It might be good to remind myself that these letters are written to pastors as they are called the Pastoral Epistles.  However that does not mean that the material in these letters does not apply to all believers even though they are directed to pastors.  In verse three Paul uses a metaphor of the Christian life as being a soldier as he has done in other letters he wrote that are in the New Testament.  He tells Timothy that he should endure or share in the hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  These hardships are the persecutions that were upon some of the Church at this time.  In verse four he reminds Timothy that he is to keep his mind on the task of being a good soldier and not have his mind on the things of the world.  He must remember who it was who enlisted him as a soldier.  I am reminded of that verse in the gospels where Jesus says that when a person is plowing he should not look back but keep his mind on his plowing. (My interruption)

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  As stated before this verse is written to pastors, but I to am in the battle and am a soldier of Jesus Christ.  It is easy to get distracted while living in the world that reaches out to everyone to make sure that they get what they deserve as stated in all the marketing that goes on in the TV commercials.  I need to remember the One who has called me to be a soldier and not be entangled with the affairs of this life so much.

 

The Word of God  was convicting to me today.   

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I want to make sure that Sandy and I pray together today for the things that are going on in our family lives.

 

Memory verses for the week:  1Timothy 6:6-9

 

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.