Good Soldiers…2 Timothy 2:3-4…“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.“

From a kingdom perspective, a good soldier has several responsibilities.

Initially, we can expect challenges, wherein we might

Suffer trouble as an evil doer

2 Timothy 2:9

And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.

Endure afflictions

2 Timothy 4:5

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

Be afflicted

James 5:13

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.

Ultimately, a soldier has one purpose, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Galatians 1:10

Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.

Soldiers are called out of the normal life of a nation and dedicated to executing the will of the King.

Thus, from a spiritual perspective

Romans 8:8

That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

The source of that friendship is a focus on walking by the flesh, which has no good thing in it and cannot please God.

We are to “war a good warfare”

1 Timothy 1:18

Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord's battles.

and to “fight the good fight of faith”

1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.

……Our war is not against flesh and blood,

Ephesians 6:12…For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Fighting God’s battles with God’s armour insures the ultimate victory promised by our King, Creator, and “captain of the host of the LORD”

Joshua 5:14… "Neither one," he replied. "I am the commander of the Lord's army." At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. "I am at your command," Joshua said. "What do you want your servant to do?"…Isaiah 25:8…He will swallow up death forever! (Greek version reads Death is swallowed up in victory. Compare 1 Cor 15:54 )The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken!