“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them” – 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NLT)
Some countries enlist their citizens of 18 years and above for mandatory military/national service. In doing this, they can effectively support the nation’s military and governmental functions, thereby sustaining peace and prosperity.
Through our faith in the finished works of Jesus Christ, we have been granted citizenship into the kingdom of God and are now members of the body of Christ with Jesus as the head of the Body (Ephesians 2:18-19, Colossians 1:12-13; 1 John 3:1-2; Romans 8:14-17; 1 Corinthians 12:27).
However, with all the privileges accruing to a believer, it is important to note we have been enlisted into the service of God’s purpose. He rescued you and called you His own so that you can play a part in rescuing and reconciling others to His fold through your redemption. This was Jesus’ express charge in Matthew 28:18-20 otherwise known as ‘The Great Commission.’ Now you must see Jesus as a Commanding Officer who has instructed his troops, including you, to go out to the world and win souls.
Over the past weeks, we have been discussing the church as a body and the individual components of the church – the leaders and members. This week we will examine our roles as members of the body, specifically in the area of service.
The life of a believer is a life of service; service to God and man. It is a sacrificial yet responsible life whereby you no longer live for yourselves but for the Lord who has paid the price for your salvation (2 Corinthians 5:15, Galatians 3:13-15). In examining the signs of a good church, we learnt that you can tell a grounded church from its emphasis on the gospel, the charismatic, its mission etc. These signs are tied to the great commission as tools for evangelism and soul-winning, meaning as a church member, you must participate fully to achieve this purpose.
The major reason for your committed service is because languishing souls depend on it. It is likely impossible that you got saved and believed the Gospel from the womb. Someone must have preached to or shown you the way to salvation. This gift that you freely received is something others are yearning for. They can only receive it through your active participation.
Another reason for service is that as soldiers, you are not ignorant of the presence of an enemy. We have an enemy; one who seeks to kill, steal, destroy and devour (John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, we must stand firm against the devil and defend the faith.
For this purpose, you have been equipped with the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-17), blessed with ministry gifts (Ephesians 4:11-13) and armed with mighty weapons with which you wage war against the enemy (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Dear believer, you have been enlisted, embrace it and get to work. You are in the Lord’s army.
Bible Reading Plan: Acts 9