Page 23 - September 2023 - Truth & Tidings

at hand; and it is our heart’s desire that others will be called to receive and stand
we might be good soldiers. It’s no won- for the truth (2Ti 2:2). Though Timothy
der Paul begins this chapter and subject may feel or appear to stand alone at times,
with this: “Be strong in the grace that is in he is part of a larger force, which can
Christ Jesus” (2Ti 2:1). With divine pres- strengthen a soldier’s heart. David was
ence and resources, a good soldier of Jesus a man of war, and even he relied on the
Christ need never stand alone. encouragements of the mighty men who
In Ephesians 6, Paul outlines another were drawn to him. The descriptions of
resource and signature characteristic these mighty men found in 1 Chronicles 11
of any soldier: a proper set of armor. and 12 highlight more characteristics to be
David, though a youth, was willing to found in a good soldier. Rarely do we find
face Goliath, but he was not confident the singular word “soldier” in our Bible,
to challenge the giant with Saul’s armor. but more often “soldiers” in the plural.
Though he eventually went with less, Even our Lord, who will return to earth
he went with armaments suited for his in great power and majesty and by Him-
particular skill. David fought a great foe self with a word destroy all the opposing
but faced him on his own terms. He went forces of the kings of the earth, will also
have His armies following from heaven.
with confidence in the name and honor It’s thrilling to imagine that coming day,
of God and with experience gained from and it’s important to remember we stand
previous personal conflicts. No wonder with others who are committed to this
he is described by others as “a mighty same and singular Captain of the host of
valiant man, and a man of war” (1Sa the Lord, the King of kings and Lord of
16:18). We too have armor, which Paul lords. We are not just soldiers, but good
describes to three different assemblies. soldiers reflecting the greatness and glory
He tells the believers in Rome that it is of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“armor of light”; to those in Corinth he While some may understandably feel
calls it “armor of righteousness”; and to inexperienced or unsuited for military
the Ephesian believers it is the “armor of service, each believer has been chosen,
God.” These descriptions suggest where equipped and called up to the honor of
true protection and experience are forged. service for our risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Yet to each group Paul also instructs be- We are not alone, but are among the
lievers to engage the presence and power honored ranks of the Lord of hosts. How
of a divine person, as David did. This is encouraged we would all be if we could
emphasized to the Ephesians before the see the rows of heaven’s forces that serve
well-known list of armor: “Be strong in Christ today. Though we may feel we are
the Lord, and in the power of his might” at times standing outnumbered against
(6:10). And Paul follows the complete list insidious forces, we can be strong in the
of armor with the call to pray, “praying Lord and know that He is standing with
always with all prayer and supplication in us wherever our service or mission leads.
the Spirit” (v18). A singular good soldier God give us the grace and strength to be
is not a complete force but is aware of the able to stand like David, Paul, Timothy
company of reinforcements. and many others, and be able to say, “I
Before Paul encourages Timothy “as a have fought a good fight” (2Ti 4:7). Oh,
good soldier,” he reminds all of us that that we might be found standing!

279
TruthandTidings.com I September 2023 279