"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2Tim.2:3
There are times when I come home from church and I dive in to study for myself what I just heard preached. Tonight was one of those times.
What are the hardships of being a good soldier? Here is what I found.
1. They must carry a heavy load of gear. Physically demanding.
2. They often are in harsh or extreme climates unlike home.
3. They go through high intensity training.
4. The physical demands of combat. Going from rest to high alert or attack.
5. Sleep deprivation. Little or no sleep while under stress.
6. Nutritional needs unmet. Survival, but not nutritional.
7. Injury rehab. Injuries happen. You get wounded or hurt.
Soldiers are trained to maintain high physical fitness and resilience. There is a comradery among fellow soldiers. There is a sense of duty that motivates you. To be a good soldier you must endure these and many other hardships.
Paul uses the term "endure hardness" which is the Greek word kakopatheo. This word is only used twice in the New Testament, both in second Timothy. Here is the other place.
"But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry" 2Tim.4:5
Both endure hardness and endure affliction are one Greek word. It is a word that implies suffering, enduring, and implies something hard or evil.
To survive in the ministry you must learn to endure when things get hard. Discipleship is the training ground for ministry. You want an easy life, do not become a pastor.
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