“Warrior For Christ”

2 Timothy 2:4-13

Warrior is defined as a person engaged or experienced in warfare; soldier; fighter; battler.

Our identity as believers should be so evident and strong that it forever brands us warriors for Christ. As followers of Christ, our resemblance to Jesus should be an eternal reminder of who we are as God’s children. We should carry these five traits as a warrior: (1) Understanding our identity - we know who we are as children of God. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that in Christ we have “the righteousness of God.” That means our Heavenly Father sees us as having the same righteousness as Jesus has. (2) Exhibit love - we should be full of God’s compassion and mercy. Remember the story in Luke 9:51-56 where James and John wanted to call down fire from Heaven on those who didn’t respond to Jesus right away? The Lord rebuked them and said, “The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Jesus was a person of love, and His followers should be as well. (3) Hope Against All Hope - Contrary to any evidence they might see with their natural eyes, warriors are able to maintain their hope in the Lord. Paul describes in Romans 4:18 how faith and hope were a central part of Abraham’s mindset. There was no natural reason Abraham could expect to have a child. But he hoped against hope. Because of his intimate personal relationship with God, he was able to line up his beliefs and actions with what he knew God could do. (4) Be Single-Minded - Remember Caleb? Throughout his life, he was single-minded and full of faith for God’s promises to be fulfilled. He knew that God had promised him an inheritance, and after 40 years of wandering in the desert, he was focused on getting that inheritance. No one could shake his faith. (5) Speak Words of Faith -Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Because faith is always tied to our words, Jesus needed the man to express his need.

I come by this morning to let you know many of God’s children think they’re exempt from hardship; but this is the life of a soldier, a warrior. We must raise up and conquer. Be bless and I love you!!! JE