Warriors of Light - Soldiers of the Cross (sermon by Ps Eugene, 14 Jan)

Sermon today by Pastor Eugene.
Warriors of Light - Soldiers of the Cross
Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:3-4

-Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer.

Firstly, let's be reminded of our promise for this year! =)

2 Corinthians 2:14
-But thanks be to GOD who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.-

So back to the sermon. What does it take to rise up as a warrior of light? Or what is the call of warrior?

-Place your confidence in God, like Paul did.
2 Timothy 1:12 - That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced he is able to guard what I ave entrusted to him for that day.

-Be prepared to be persecuted.
2 Timothy 3:10-12 -You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings-what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the LORD rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

-Fight the good fight.
2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Three Aspects of the Warrior's Call

It is a Call To Fight - Going deep in prayer

Our basic duty as a soldier of Christ is SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 - For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of GOD, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For GOD did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Ephesians 6:12-13 - 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. 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.

P.U.S.H!
Pray Until Something Happens!

Don't quench the Holy Spirit.

It is a Call To Fight Together - Going deep in purpose and patience

The word 'soldier' gives the idea that he/she is part of a larger and greater army, which is the army of GOD. We need a new level of unity, agreement and discipline.

Matthew 18:19-20 - Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

Psalms 133 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Deuteronomy 32:30 - How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?

2 Timothy 2:23-25 - Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the LORD's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

P.U.L.L!
Pursue Unity - Live Love!

Don't quarrel.

A Call to Fight Together to Win - Going deep in passion

2 Timothy 4:6-8 - For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Endurance is a weapon. With endurance we can win.

Revelations 12:11 - They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Always have the end in mind and be driven by eternity!

Romans 5:15 - Therefore, since we have been justified though faith, we have peace with GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in whch we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of GOD. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perserverance; character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because GOD has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

P.R.E.S.S
Praise, Rejoice, Endure - Salvation is Sure

Don't Quit.




Finally,

2 Timothy 4:1-2, 5. - In the presence of GOD and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

DON'T QUIT! THE LORD KNOWS WHO ARE HIS! =)


nicole :D