Soldiers of Christ New Life Community Chapel 2

Soldiers of Christ New Life Community Chapel

2 Timothy 2: 3 -4 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs- he wants to please his commanding officer. (NIV)

1 Timothy 1: 18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, (NIV)

Directions just for Timothy? . . . • or for the whole body of Christ?

Today’s Christians • Little Influence • Sin / Addictions • Divorce / Family Problems • “Look like” everyone else • Immature • Weak • Laughed at

2 Timothy 2: 3 -4 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-- he wants to please his commanding officer. (NIV)

2 Timothy 2: 3 -4 * Learning to endure hardship Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-- he wants to please his commanding officer. (NIV)

2 Timothy 2: 3 -4 * Learning to endure hardship * Being a disciplined one Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-- he wants to please his commanding officer. (NIV)

2 Timothy 2: 3 -4 * Learning to endure hardship * Being a disciplined one * Setting aside everything for service Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-- he wants to please his commanding officer. (NIV)

Football Practice • August 15 in FLORIDA Very Hot 2 Practices a day HARD work Committed to win

Football • Time for little else Football became our lives No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-- he wants to please his commanding officer.

We sign up [salvation] and expect comfort, luxury Vs. 4 Attitude is largely missing in today’s church! • We are promised WARS – BATTLES We are to be Good Soldiers of Jesus Christ

2 Timothy 2: 3 -7 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-- he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.

2 Timothy 2: 3 -7 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (NIV)

We are at WAR and that WAR is intensifying !! Very few of us are really prepared Christian soldiers!

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – 3. WEAPONS – 4. HARDSHIP – 5. OBEDIENCE – 6. PROTECTION – 7. SCOUTING – 8. PREPARED –

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – 2 Timothy 2: 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (NIV)

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – Ezra 7: 10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. (NIV)

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – Physically and mentally approved; learn what is involved; know 6. how to overcome; 1. Purity Tongue practice hard to be ready regular Bible 2. Relationships 7. Work forsaking what 3. study Mind and prayer while 8. Perseverance harms 4. Devotion 9. Church 5. Integrity Mat 5: 8 Jas 1: 26 Jn 13: 34 1 Co 10: 31 Phil 2: 5 2 Pe 1: 6 Phil 4: 8 He 10: 25 He 13: 18 10. Giving 2 Co 9: 7

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – 3. WEAPONS – 4. HARDSHIP – 5. OBEDIENCE – 6. PROTECTION – 7. SCOUTING – 8. PREPARED –

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – Eph 6: 10 -18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes…

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. … 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – …For

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand… Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, … 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – …Therefore

…, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one…

2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – …Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV)

Full armor of God

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – 3. WEAPONS – 4. HARDSHIP – 5. OBEDIENCE – 6. PROTECTION – 7. SCOUTING – 8. PREPARED –

Know what Works!!! 3. WEAPONS – The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 10: 4 Ephesians 6: 17 -18

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – 3. WEAPONS – 4. HARDSHIP – 5. OBEDIENCE – 6. PROTECTION – 7. SCOUTING – 8. PREPARED –

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS Learn to Keep Going for GOOD SOLDIERS When it Hurts!!! 4. HARDSHIP -- 2 Timothy 2: 3 Job – The Apostle Endure hardship with us. Paul like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1: 18 2 Timothy 1: 8; 4: 5

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – 3. WEAPONS – 4. HARDSHIP – 5. OBEDIENCE – 6. PROTECTION – 7. SCOUTING – 8. PREPARED –

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS Love, keep his commandments; for GOOD SOLDIERS learned in practice, fulfilled in battle; winners -have great Generals/ 5. OBEDIENCE John 14: 15 coaches who the soldiers obey "If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14: 21 -23; 15: 10, 14 1 John 5: 3

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – 3. WEAPONS – 4. HARDSHIP – 5. OBEDIENCE – 6. PROTECTION – 7. SCOUTING – 8. PREPARED –

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 6. PROTECTION -- 2 Kings 6: 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see. " Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS The Armor = Christ Himself for GOOD SOLDIERS 6. PROTECTION -- 2 Kings 6: 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see. " Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Tallahassee Leon, 150 pound average Psalm 34: 7; Daniel 6: 22 Matthew 18: 10; Acts 12: 7 Hebrews 1: 14

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 1. DISCIPLINE – 2. ARMOR/DEFENSES – 3. WEAPONS – 4. HARDSHIP – 5. OBEDIENCE – 6. PROTECTION – 7. SCOUTING – 8. PREPARED –

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS …in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. . 7. SCOUTING -- 2 Corinthians 2: 11 2 Corinthians 4: 4; 11: 3; Matthew 13: 19; Ephesians 6: 12

2 Cor 4: 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (NIV) But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (NIV) 2 Cor 11: 3

Mat 13: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. (NIV) Eph 6: 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS Know the Enemy !!! …in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. . 7. SCOUTING -- 2 Corinthians 2: 11 2 Corinthians 4: 4; 11: 3; Matthew 13: 19; Ephesians 6: 12

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS DISCIPLINE – ARMOR/DEFENSES – WEAPONS – HARDSHIP – OBEDIENCE – PROTECTION – SCOUTING – PREPARED –

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 8. PREPARED – Is 8: 9 Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be shattered! … (NIV) Eph 4: 11 -12 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 8. PREPARED – 2 Tim 2: 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. (NIV) 2 Tim 4: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-- with great patience and careful instruction. (NIV)

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS 8. PREPARED – 1 Pet 1: 13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (NIV) 1 Pet 3: 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (NIV)

8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS • All of the first 7 areas are levels of preparation [Discipline, Armor/Defenses, Weapons, Hardship, Obedience, Protection, Scouting], • BUT you can perform all 7 and NOT be PREPARED NOW! We Must REMAIN in a state of PREPAREDNESS.

Matthew 25: 1 -13 1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

7 "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out. ' 9 "'No, ' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves. ' 10 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 "Later the others also came. 'Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

12 "But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you. ' 13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (NIV) We MUST “BE READY”

8. Prepared Military must prepare • • Food Transportation Weaponry Defenses Medical Engineering Mechanics • • Headquarters Calvary Infantry Naval Aviation Armored Etc. , Etc.

2003 Iraq War – Months preparing for invasion; planning, moving troops, equipment, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: • No ONE person can be an expert in ALL the areas of preparedness [Food, transportation, medical, etc. ] Soldiers specialize. • Everyone joining the military trains in all 7 levels – but they specialize. Sometimes the individual can choose – often chosen for them.

In the spiritual realm specialization is EXTREMELY important as well !! God chooses our area of specialization !! • 1 Cor 12: 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (NIV) • Heb 2: 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (NIV)

In the SPIRITUAL Realm!!! Romans 12: 4 -6 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. . . (NIV)

Know your Gift[s] !! Romans 12 I Corinthians 12 -14 • Discern • Develop 1 Timothy 4 1 Peter 4

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 8 Areas of PREPAREDNESS for GOOD SOLDIERS DISCIPLINE – ARMOR/DEFENSES – WEAPONS – HARDSHIP – OBEDIENCE – PROTECTION – SCOUTING – PREPARED –

Areas of PREPAREDNESS In 8 football, unless a tie, always one for GOOD SOLDIERS wins and one loses -- if good teams, don't know which will win. In spiritual life, however, we have been promised victory if we stand firm.

We are PROMISED VICTORY if we stand firm Rom 8: 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 2 Cor 10: 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

We are PROMISED VICTORY if we stand firm 1 Cor 15: 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 2: 14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

We are PROMISED VICTORY if we stand firm 2 Cor 12: 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. " Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Rev 12: 11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

We are PROMISED VICTORY if we stand firm 1 John 5: 4 -5 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Romans 16: 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

We are PROMISED VICTORY if we stand firm 1 John 2: 14 I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

• We can & WILL be VICTORIOUS in battle as we learn to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ – prepared for battle.

Victory in Jesus!