In 2 Timothy 2, Paul describes a child of God by using six different terms. The first term whereby we are known is “soldier.” The idea of spiritual warfare for Christians is developed a few times in the scriptures. For instance, Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Even though victory is secure, it has to be won through battle.
To protect ourselves in this “battle,” we need to know how to use the armor that Paul spoke of in Ephesians 6:13-17. The call to “put on” God’s armor recalls a similar appeal in 1 Thessalonians 5:8. This equipment is provided by God and modeled on what he wears himself (Isaiah 11:5; 59:17). The soldier must be protected from head to foot, and his armor is made up of all the various pieces, both defensive and offensive.
Now Paul is not advocating physical warfare like some religions believe is necessary today. This spiritual warfare takes preparation, study and most importantly, practice. God’s workers are combatants (Philippians 2:25; Philemon 2). No one “that warreth” gets entangled in the affairs of this life. When we are enrolled us as full-time soldiers in His army, we should seek to please Him by giving ourselves to His service without distraction.
Kyle Campbell
