In 2 Timothy 2, we read that Paul is writing to Timothy, a young man he has mentored, discipled and sent out to lead in ministry, and challenges him live life as a good soldier (he also uses word pictures like athlete and farmer). I recently heard Mark Driscoll, of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, talk for a few moments of this passage and the importance of what it means to the pastor/ church planter.
He first talked about - "THE MAN"...the role of pastor.
-Leadership and quality determine failure or success...personally, relationally, church, etc...
-I am to (and need to) fight for sound doctrine and moral purity in my life and in our church.
-I am also to fight for families, truth, and the well-being of those in my own family and in our church.
The bottom line is I (and any pastor/ church planter) need to be pro-active...attack issues that threaten to tear apart my family, don't sit back and let anything happen that is against what God has for our church, and realize that lies need to be exposed and truth lifted up as worthy of being followed and lived out. We need to realize that part of success as leader, father, husband, pastor is that we as men will need to fight to protect, defend, and defeat what is attacking our lives, families, and churches.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Brother Jeremy, I am so very excited about what God is doing in your life, and I am amazed at how willing you are to follow His commands. Your short story "A Good Soldier - Part 1" spoke to my heart, especially when you placed my favorite bible verse, Ephesians 6:10-20 "The Armor of God". I have been prayerfully reading your story posts of partnering, location, where, news, plant thoughts, vision 1-3, worship, and now a good soldier. I am on board and I will lift this all up in prayer, giving all the glory to God. Amen!
Posted by: Mike Chalk | October 02, 2008 at 08:24 AM