Daily Devotions

2 Timothy

2 Timothy 
Day 
Day 22

"No one engaged in warfare entangles himself..."

Text: 2 Timothy 2:4

BASIC CRITERIA

The strength of an army depends on many factors. Of course there must be highly trained military leaders. Without skilled military leaders an army cannot be described as a strong army. But any army must have good soldiers. They are the backbone of every army. The following are basic criteria:-

1. Healthy and strong

2. Courageous and disciplined

3. Loyal and true-hearted

 

AN ADDITIONAL OBSERVATION

The apostle Paul added an important criterion in the following text.

“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs
of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
2 Timothy 2:4

1. “No one engaged in warfare”

a) War demands much from the solider.
b) The solider must be fully committed to his cause.
c) He must understand and be prepared to be totally engaged in warfare.

 

2. “Entangles himself with the affairs of this life”

a) The solider must give full concentration to his duties.
b) He cannot afford to be distracted.
c) If his heart and mind were entangled in the affairs of life he would be adversely compromised.
d) He would not be able to give the focus and concentration expected of him.

 

3. “That he may please him who enlisted him as a solider”

a) The soldier must have a deep sense of loyalty to his commander.
b) The commander represents the country.
c) The good soldier is prepared to do anything for his commander:-
i) He is prepared to make any sacrifice.
ii) He is even willing to give his life for his country.
iii) He proves himself to be a true patriot.
d) His sole focus is to fight for his Lord.
e) He seeks only to please his liege Lord who has enlisted him.