Page 22 - September 2023 - Truth & Tidings

hen a young Timothy person- something of conflict. Opposition and
ally responded by faith to the obstacles to Christian living vary greatly
Wtruth of Christ that he had among believers, but all are engaged in
learned from his mother and grand- the conflict. It only takes an honest reply
mother, did he realize then that his name or observation based on scriptural truth
was added to the ranks of a large and for tension to rise in a conversation and
decorated force? Surely by the time Timo- metaphorical battle lines to be drawn.
thy received his last known letter from Others face actual persecution because
Paul he was well aware of the parallels of of their commitment and stand for Jesus
Paul’s metaphor we find today in chapter Christ. Sometimes it is challenge enough
2: “Thou therefore endure hardness [or just to stand, especially against “the wiles
share in suffering], as a good soldier of [or schemes] of the devil” (Eph 6:11). Yet
Jesus Christ” (2Ti 2:3). Among other Paul reveals that there are great unseen
1
roles and responsibilities, Timothy and forces opposing believers when he writes
Paul were also soldiers. The same is true of our wrestling “against principalities,
for all who have trusted Christ, enlisted against powers, against the rulers of the
from around the globe, found on different darkness of this world, against spiritual
fronts and facing varied challenges: we are wickedness in high places” (v12). There
soldiers. While our mental picture created is also the daily personal fight against the
by the metaphor may be different than flesh and the incessant skirmishes from
what Timothy “saw,” there are certainly insurgent forces found as close as our own
consistent characteristics found in soldiers hearts. How a person endures and stands
of every age. And these are not found just in the face of opposition reveals, among
in any soldier but in “a good soldier of other things, the type of soldier they are.
Jesus Christ.” A “good soldier” will endure and stand. A
Along with this short word picture, we “good soldier” will not be entangled with
are given insights that are helpful in rising things that hinder their stand or service.
to the call and challenge of such a duty. A “good soldier” is conscious that their
Paul mentions a soldier in the context actions and efforts are for the approval of
of the hardness or suffering experienced the One who has called them into service.
for Christ and truth. One close look at The eye of faith fixed on our Commander
Paul and anyone would realize he knew and His commendation can strengthen
¹ Bible quotations in this article are from the the resolve, dedication, feet and hands of
KJV. each soldier to the service and challenges

278 TRUTH kTidings September 2023