2021.05.30 - RECOGNITION OF A GOOD SOLDIER

Text: 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 4:7-8 Opening Statement: Memorials and special days are known throughout Biblical history. And such is true throughout American history as well. Tomorrow we celebrate our national holiday known as Memorial Day. On Memorial Day, we honor the memories of all those who have died in the military in the service of the United States of America and in our own families. We would all do well to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom this morning. I) HE IS A FOLLOWER (2:3) A) This Implies Relationship No one can be a soldier for the Lord until they first get into the army. This is accomplished only through receiving Jesus as one's Savior. John 3:3 B) This Implies Rank Every child of God is under and out ranked by Jesus and is responsible for following Him and His will for their lives, 1 Cor. 6:19-20. C) This Implies Rule When we are in the Lord's Army, we have the obligation of obeying His orders even unto the death! Matt. 16:24. When we refuse to live as the Lord desires, then we have crossed the line from follower to traitor - James 4:17 II) HE IS FAITHFUL (2:3-4; 4:7b) Faithfulness can be seen in: A) His Patience (2:3) Endures hardship and does not quit. The good soldier realizes that there will be troubles along the way and is not detoured by them. John 16:33. B) His Priorities (2:4) Notice that the good soldier has no higher goal in life than pleasing His Superior. The good soldier wants to please his Superior and does whatever he has to do to get that job done! C) His Practice (4:7b) A good soldier takes care of the things delivered unto him. He is determined to do a good job, and he refuses to do anything to bring disgrace and dishonor upon his Superior. The Christian solider wants to live his life in a manner that brings honor to the Lord and not dishonor. III) HE IS FAMILIAR A) He Is Familiar With The Sound Of The Commander’s Voice John 10:3-5 says that the sheep know his voice. The way to get more familiar with the Lord's vo