0300. A GOOD SOLDIER.

A GOOD SOLDIER.

2Ti_2:3-4.

The metaphor is very appropriate. Christ is our Captain, and we as soldiers have a real and standing engagement with the forces of evil without and within (Eph_6:11-13). The qualifications of a good soldier of Jesus Christ are here indicated. He must be-

I. Accepted. "Chosen." Not every one is fit for a soldier, bodily defects may hinder; so moral and spiritual defects hinder from being a good soldier of Jesus Christ. It is His to choose. "Chosen of God." He hath chosen the weak things, etc.

II. Separated. "No entangling of himself with other affairs." It is said that when an officer who had been ordered to the Cape asked leave to stay at home, Wellington said, "Sail or sell." Everything that would hinder in the service of God must be forsaken. "Seek first the kingdom."

III. Consecrated. "That he may please Him." One is your Master. Present yourselves unto God (Rom_12:1-2).

IV. Persevering. "Endure hardness." "They persecuted Me, they will also persecute you," says the Captain. But be not discouraged because of the way.

V. Self-emptied. "Put on the armour of God," having no confidence in the flesh. Then victory is certain (1Co_15:57-58). The walls of every Jericho will fall before faith.

Autor: James Smith