2 Tim 2:3-4, 4:7-8
• If a believer does not understand that he needs to be a solider, he will not do what he needs to do for God in an acceptable manner.
• If a believer does not understand that he needs to be a solider, he has forgotten that we have an enemy that fights against us.
1 Cor 16:9
• If there is an opposition, you require more force to go in the direction you need to go.
• Christians who don’t understand that we have an adversary who always opposes God’s will and purposes for their lives may die prematurely and not fulfill God’s purpose.
• The advancement of God’s kingdom means war.
• satan is a rebel.
• For anything that God says you can have, satan will put up a fight.
• Even when God is promising you an inheritance, that inheritance is in the hand of an enemy and you have to fight.
• You cannot inherit anything in the kingdom of God without power.
Phile 1:2
• Most battles become intense when there is prophecy over you.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS
1. He is a follower
• It implies:
a. Relationship (Mat 8:9, Jhn 3:3)
• There is a relationship between this soldier and the one under whose command he is.
• There is no independent soldier in the army.

b. Rank (Mat 6:24, Joel 2:1-11, Jms 4:17
• There is always someone higher than you in the military.
• You are under obligation to obey rules from your seniors.

2. A soldier is loyal
• This is reflected in:
a. Patience (2 Tim 2:3)
b. His priorities (1 Cor 10:31)
c. His practice (Phili 1:27, 1 Thes 2:11-12)

3. A soldier is familiar
a. He is familiar with the sound of HIS commander’s voice
b. He is familiar with the skill of using his own weapons (Eph 6:10-18)
c. He is familiar with the strategy of his enemy (Eph 6:10, 1 Cor 11:14, 1 Pet 5:8)
d. He is familiar with his circle of friends