A Strong Soldier

2 Timothy 2:3 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (KJV).

Paul used a comparison with soldiers who discipline themselves and who were willing to sacrifice to work toward the goal that God has called a person to do. Like soldiers who have to give up the worldly security and endure severe discipline. Paul, himself knows what it is like to be a soldier of Jesus Christ. Paul knew that as Timothy preached and taught God’s Word, Timothy would face suffering, and Paul encourage Timothy to endure all things for Christ.

The New Living Translation would be better interpreted as Paul stated, “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army” (2Tim.2:3-4). The New Century Version stated, “Share in the troubles we have like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier wants to please the enlisting officer, so no one serving in the army wastes time with everyday matters.”

What would it take for a Deaf Christian believer to be a strong soldier of Jesus Christ? Here are the few selective answers from the QVLAB study notes that impressed me. A strong soldier endures, suffers, and shares hardship with all other soldiers. A strong soldier stands with the other soldiers and suffers the hardships of the struggle with them. A strong soldier sacrifices all that he is and has for Christ.

A strong soldier is loyal and committed to his commander-in-chief, Jesus Christ. A strong soldier focuses upon his commander and his words to carry the message of gospel to those around us. To me, it would take a strong soldier to keep up with the daily study or reading of God’s Word to feed our hungry soul and to share God’s Word with others. Keeping in touch with our Commander, Jesus Christ is the most important thing to do. This song might motivate the Deaf people in the Deaf Church.

Song: Onward Christian Soldier

Chorus:

Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus, Going on before.

1. Onward, Christian Soldiers! Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus, going on before;

Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe;

Forward into battle, See His banners go! (Chorus)

2. Like a mighty army, Moves the church of God;

Brothers, we are treading, Where the saints have trod;

We are not divided, All one body we,

One in hope and doctrine, One in Charity. (Chorus)

 (Lyrics: Sabine Baring-Gould, Sing His Praise)

Let's be a strong soldier for Jesus Christ, our Commander!

Dorothy