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We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Today and on July 4th we celebrate America. This weekend is to remember all those who have served, and those who are now serving, in our armed forces. I am glad to see that now our country often recognizes those in our armed forces as heroes! Many of us remember a time when soldiers who returned from war to America, were scorned and spat upon by those who were too cowardly to fight to keep freedom alive! Every man and woman who serves America today with dignity and honor deserves to be designated a hero. One of the primary reasons I say this is because now, no one has to serve! Those who serve choose to do so. God’s army is also composed entirely of people who choose to serve Him. God does not draft people into His army. That is because His army is composed only of those who are saved, and God never forces anyone to be saved. I believe God created Man to live in freedom. Scripture teaches that God’s freedom is true freedom! I’m using that pastor’s outline and title as we consider the question: what kind of war memorial are you building? Let’s begin with:
- THE SOLDIER’S DRIVE. Read 2 Tim. 1:8-14. Listen these words as I read them: “I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” What is it that drives a person to become a soldier? Paul’s drive was, in part, because of his conversion. He tells us in Gal. 1:15-17 after his salvation, he did not immediately begin to minister. Rather he went away into Arabia for a period of time. Is it possible for a person to be saved without being converted? Yes, but it is a twisted life of hypocrisy and legalism. Believing and trusting in Christ’s redeeming work for the forgiveness of sins does result in salvation, but it does not automatically result in establishing Christ as the Sovereign Lord and sole Governor of one’s life. So the question at this point is: As a result of your salvation have you made Christ the Sovereign Lord of your life, and given Him sole governing authority that drives you to serve Him as a proper Ambassador? Paul’s drive was also a result of His call. Read 2 Tim. 1:8, 9. You will note Paul is not speaking of himself only! Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he tells us “we” are all called to a holy calling. When God calls a person to become one of His children, the individual has the option to refuse the call, and instead of going to jail, they get to remain in prison and the chains of sin and darkness. So: if you are one who knows you have been called by God to serve in His kingdom, does the knowledge of that call drive you to give all you have for Him who gave all He had for you? Notice also:
- THE SOLDIER’S DURATION. 2 Tim. 1:12; 2:3, 4. Every soldier understands once they have taken that oath of enlistment they are a soldier for the duration of their contract! From enlistment to discharge a soldier is expected to endure whatever they encounter! Paul is telling Timothy and us we need to plan and prepare to endure through all difficulties! Paul’s confidence is in Christ’s endurance. Paul had committed his life in ministry for Christ as long as Christ allowed Paul to minister. More importantly Paul had committed his eternity to Christ. The most amazing and peaceful truth is that as long as Christ is God, your eternity is secure in Him. Notice also Paul’s concern for the Christian’s enlistment! As soldiers we are committed to Him as His servants now. We are to obey His “Constitution” The Bible, and His orders as long as we are alive here. So we are to consider ourselves career soldiers. As such we should be diligent in our service and work as hard as we can for advancement and promotions to the highest rank possible. Next is:
- THE SOLDIER’S DRESS. 2 Tim. 3:14-17. When Paul tells Timothy to be “thoroughly equipped or furnished” he is telling him to be properly outfitted. So what is the Christian soldier’s dress? We are all clothed in Christ’s righteousness; however, we are to dress for battle every day. Read Eph. 6:12-18. Finally notice
- THE SOLDIER’S DECLARATION. 2 Tim. 4:6-8. Paul declares his allegiance to Christ and His Gospel through to fight for the message of Christ! Paul never let the threat of physical consequences keep him from his call as an ambassador for Christ. Paul also declared that to finish in ministry for Christ. May it be every true Christian’s delight to receive the reward which is the crown of righteousness laid up for them to be awarded with the words “well done thou good and faithful soldier of the Cross!”
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