SERMON NO 8: ENDURING HARDNESS AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST

2Timothy 2.4-5

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

[4] 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.

[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

WAYS TO ENDURE HARDNESS AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST

Enduring hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ is a crucial part of the Christian life. The Bible offers many examples and passages that can help guide us in this journey. Here are some practical tips, along with relevant Bible passages and contemporary illustrations:

• Stay Focused on the Mission: As soldiers of Jesus Christ, we are called to serve Him and spread His message of love and salvation. We must remain focused on this mission, even when facing difficult times.

Bible Passage: “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5, NIV).

Contemporary Illustration: A soldier who is deployed to a foreign country must stay focused on their mission, even when facing challenging circumstances like extreme weather conditions or unexpected attacks.

• Develop a Strong Prayer Life: Prayer is the key to staying connected to God and receiving the strength and guidance we need to endure hardships.

Bible Passage: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6, NIV).

Contemporary Illustration: Just as a soldier in battle relies on their communication with their commanding officer to receive guidance and support, Christians must rely on prayer to stay connected to God and receive His guidance.

• Stay Grounded in the Word of God: Reading and studying the Bible regularly will help us stay grounded in God’s truth and wisdom, which will give us the strength and resilience we need to face challenges.

Bible Passage: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV).

Contemporary Illustration: Just as a soldier in training must study and learn the tactics and strategies of warfare, Christians must study and learn the teachings and principles of the Bible to be equipped for every challenge.

• Surround Yourself with Other Believers: Fellowship with other believers can provide us with the encouragement and support we need to stay strong and persevere through difficult times.

Bible Passage: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25, NIV).

Contemporary Illustration: Just as soldiers rely on their comrades for support and encouragement, Christians must surround themselves with other believers who can offer support, encouragement, and accountability.

• Trust in God’s Promises: Remember that God has promised to be with us always, and to never leave or forsake us. We must trust in His promises and know that He is faithful to keep them.

Bible Passage: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV).

Contemporary Illustration: Just as soldiers trust in their equipment and weapons to protect them, Christians must trust in God’s promises to protect and guide them through difficult times.

• Maintain a Positive Attitude: Choosing to focus on the positive aspects of our situation and looking for opportunities to grow and learn through adversity can make all the difference in how we perceive and handle difficult situations.

Bible Passage: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3, NIV).

Contemporary Illustration: Just as soldiers must maintain a positive attitude to overcome obstacles

situations.

• Embrace the challenge: Rather than seeing hardships as obstacles to be avoided, view them as opportunities for growth and spiritual development. Embrace the challenge, and trust that God is using it to shape you into the person He wants you to be.

Remember, enduring hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ is not always easy, but it is worth it. Keep these tips in mind, and trust in God’s strength and guidance to help you persevere through even the toughest of times.