A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

(Acts 20:22-24, 21:12-14, Timothy 2:1-4) 

<Last Words>

Have you ever heard someone's last words before they passed away? Have you written your will? What would you want to say to your loved ones before saying goodbye? Today, we have the privilege of hearing Paul's last words in the books of Acts, 2 Timothy, and Ephesians. Through Paul's final words, may God inspire us to consider our own parting words.

Paul couldn't stay in Ephesus during his second missionary journey as the Holy Spirit led him to Macedonia. He revisited Ephesus in his third journey, where he encountered Apollos and some Ephesians who hadn't yet known the Holy Spirit. He spent two years there, teaching and building up the church. During his journeys, he made disciples and prepared them to share the good news wherever they went. Following his visit to Ephesus, Paul continued his journey

through Macedonia, Greece, Troas, and Miletus. As he prepared to go to Jerusalem, he knew that persecution and danger awaited him. Despite this, he was determined to proceed. While in captivity in Rome, Paul was eventually arrested and wrote the books of Ephesians and 2 Timothy. Paul and Timothy shared a special spiritual bond, akin to a father and son relationship. In his final letter to Timothy, 2 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul left him with his last words.

“You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier aims to please the enlisting officer.”

Paul focused on making disciples in his last missionary journey, and he urged Timothy to be a good soldier of Christ Jesus. We can find three qualifications for a good soldier of Christ in Paul’s last words to Timothy and us.

<Grace, Grace, and Grace>

The first qualification of a good soldier of Christ Jesus is the reliance on God's grace. In 2 Timothy 2:1 “You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus;” Paul encouraged Timothy to draw strength from God's grace, not relying solely on human nature. Throughout Paul's journeys, he constantly emphasized the importance of God's grace. He preached the good news of God's grace and had believers who had experienced it. Even in his final letters, Paul commended believers to God and His message of grace.

As we have seen Paul’s journey started from God’s grace and finished by God’s grace (Acts 14:26 “From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had completed.”) Paul talked about God’s grace all the times. He preached the good news of God’s grace(Acts 20:24), he had believers who through grace (Acts 18:27) and he commended to God and to the message of his grace. (Acts 20:32)

When Paul faced his own weaknesses and pleaded with the Lord about a thorn in the flesh, he received the reply:  “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness,” So Paul boasted all the more gladly of his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in him. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)

This lesson allowed Paul to boast gladly about his weaknesses, recognizing that God's power shines through in our vulnerabilities. We can be strong in God's grace and find strength in our weaknesses. Embracing God's grace empowers us to be good soldiers of Christ Jesus.

I recently faced a moment of discouragement when Satan's accusations weighed heavily on my heart regarding our children's ministry. I heard a voice saying, "Take care of your own children before ministering to others." This internal struggle made me confront my own family's weaknesses, sapping my confidence to serve other children.

However, amid this spiritual battle, God reminded me of a vital truth: "I am the only one who is perfect" (Psalm 18:29, 19:7, Hebrews 12:2). I realized that my disappointment, frustration, and even anger stemmed from my relentless pursuit of perfection. I was attempting to be the ideal parent, but I was only human.

In my conversation with a friend, a missionary in Malawi, I gained a new perspective. I saw how God's grace was at work not only in the USA but also in Malawi. Our church may not offer an array of youth programs like other churches, and I cannot guarantee that every child will attend every Sunday or engage fully in church gatherings. Yet, I cannot deny that God's

grace is actively working within our church.

God's grace is sufficient for all of us, for me. It's in our weakness that His power is perfected (2 Corinthians 12:9). The more I comprehend the depth of God's grace, the stronger I become. We can find our strength in God's grace, becoming good soldiers of Christ Jesus.

<Join in Suffering>

Another essential qualification for being a good soldier of Christ Jesus is the willingness to join in His suffering (2 Timothy 2:3). By God's grace, we gain the strength to endure hardship for the sake of Christ. Paul understood that he would face persecution, and even death, in Jerusalem. Yet, he boldly declared, "I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 21:13) Paul exemplified the qualities of a good soldier, ready to face imprisonment, persecution, and even death for the cause of Christ.

As we prepare for journeys or new challenges, we often experience excitement. Just as my family was enthusiastic about our trip to Korea, Paul faced his own journey with unique emotions. Although his circumstances were vastly different from a family vacation, Paul's perspective on suffering and his unwavering faith were remarkable. Pasto Kwan Lee said, "I talk to the Spirit of Jesus every day, every moment. Now I understand what many people say about crossing the river. I am ready to die. I am so excited about going to heaven." Are we ready to meet our Lord in heaven? None of us know when our time will come. Do we possess the faith and courage to confess our readiness to die for Jesus, just as Paul did?

After receiving my thyroid cancer diagnosis, I was initially unsure about how to navigate this challenging journey. Many well-meaning people advised me to slow down and take care of my health. I wrestled with questions about how to strike a balance, where I should make adjustments, and what attitude I should adopt. For instance, should I proceed with the "Together Tuesday" ministry given my health condition? I remained uncertain about God's plan. While I agreed with those who recommended wisdom and balance in my life, my reading of Paul's confession brought clarity.

Paul's unwavering faith inspired me to embrace suffering as part of my new journey. Many, including Paul, recognized that suffering was inevitable. However, Paul didn't fear suffering, and he encouraged those who mourned and broke his heart to say, "The Lord's will be done." Paul exemplified what it means to be a good soldier of Christ, instilling faith in his followers.

Upon commencing this new ministry, God provided five to six helpers, contributions from various sources, and children, including newcomers and those who hadn't attended church in a long time. This is a cause for praise, and I kindly request your prayers for the success of this children's ministry, which serves all three churches. We still require abundant prayers and assistance to make this ministry thrive.

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<Aim to Please God>

The third qualification for being a good soldier of Christ is the determination to fulfill one's mission and please God. In 2 Timothy 2:4, it is written, "No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." A dedicated soldier of Christ lives with a clear purpose, channeling their energy, resources, time, treasure, and talents to please the God who has called them to be a soldier.

Paul's own life serves as a powerful example of this dedication. In Acts 20:22-24, he states, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." For Paul, death was not the ultimate destination; it was merely a stop along the way in his race to please God.

Just as athletes need to study the course before a race, we must understand the path we are on and where the finish line lies. Without this knowledge, running fast will not lead to success. Paul emphasized in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, "So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as if beating the air, but I punish my body and enslave it." Paul willingly submitted himself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:22) and surrendered to serve Christ as a good soldier.

It is essential to ask ourselves: Are we running the right course? Do we know where the finish line is? If our goal is to please God, we need not fear death; it is just a temporary stop on our journey. Additionally, let us consider if there is someone we know who is running aimlessly or boxing the air in their spiritual journey. As good soldiers of Christ, we can serve as role models, guiding them onto the right path, and together, complete this life's journey as we share the good news of God's grace. Amen.