Enduring Together: Living as Soldiers for Christ

Today, we gathered to lift our eyes to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and to remember that every breath is a gift from God. Life is fleeting, and each day is an opportunity to steward our time and purpose wisely. We are not here by accident; God has positioned us in this moment for a reason. As we continue to explore what it means to put on the full armor of God, we are reminded that our calling goes beyond simply living as civilians—we are called to be soldiers for Christ, set apart for His purposes.

Drawing from Paul’s words to Timothy, we see that being a good soldier of Christ means enduring suffering together, not getting entangled in the distractions and temporary pursuits of this world. The culture of Ephesus, filled with idols and distractions, mirrors much of what we face today—whether it’s the idolization of government, technology, or our own comfort. Paul’s exhortation is clear: our focus must remain on pleasing the One who enlisted us, not on the fleeting approval of people or the empty promises of worldly pursuits.

True unity in the body of Christ is forged not through motivational words, but through shared suffering, mutual support, and a commitment to carry each other’s burdens. Just as soldiers form deep bonds through hardship, we are called to do life together, to be a family that endures, rejoices, and grows together. This unity is a powerful testimony to the resurrection power of Jesus, who calls us to love one another deeply, even when it’s difficult.

Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, is essential in this journey. It’s not just about resisting obvious temptations, but about pausing before we react, surrendering our impulses, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our responses. We are challenged to be more Christlike in every moment, knowing that God sees our hearts even when no one else does. Our lives are not our own; we are vessels called to carry the presence of God into a world desperate for hope.

As we took communion together, we recommitted ourselves to unity, humility, and the pursuit of Christlikeness. The unity of the church is the message of resurrection power—through Him, we are able to love, forgive, and endure together. Let us continue to stand firm, to carry each other’s burdens, and to live as soldiers for Christ, undistracted by civilian affairs, and wholly devoted to the One who called us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Enduring Together as Soldiers of Christ Paul’s call to Timothy is an invitation to endure suffering not in isolation, but in community. True spiritual strength is forged when we walk through hardship together, supporting one another as a unified body. This shared endurance is what sets the church apart from the world and reflects the heart of Christ, who suffered for and with us. [12:38]
• 2. Disentangling from Civilian Distractions The world offers countless distractions—idols of government, technology, and self—that can easily entangle our hearts and minds. To please the One who enlisted us, we must intentionally disentangle ourselves from these temporary pursuits and fix our eyes on Jesus. This requires a daily choice to prioritize eternal values over fleeting comforts. [21:05]
• 3. Practicing Self-Control in the Small Moments Self-control is not just about resisting major temptations, but about surrendering our reactions, words, and attitudes in everyday situations. Even when no one is watching, God sees our hearts and desires that we reflect Christ in all things. Pausing to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our responses is a mark of spiritual maturity and a witness to those around us. [19:27]
• 4. Unity as the Message of Resurrection Power The unity of the church is not a superficial agreement, but a deep, Spirit-empowered bond that testifies to the resurrection of Jesus. Our differences become a strength when we choose to love, forgive, and lean into one another, even in disagreement. This unity is both the fruit and the evidence of Christ’s work among us, drawing others to the hope we have in Him. [36:55]
• 5. Living for God’s Approval, Not Man’s Pleasing people can never be our goal if we are to be true servants of Christ. Our identity and purpose are rooted in God’s call, not in the shifting opinions of others. Freedom is found in surrendering our need for human approval and living boldly for the audience of One, trusting that His affirmation is all that truly matters. [35:14]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:27] - Centering Our Hearts on Jesus
• [01:21] - Embracing Each Day with Thanksgiving
• [01:53] - Living with Purpose and Calling
• [02:35] - Recap: The Armor of God Series
• [04:01] - Ephesians 6: Standing Firm
• [05:29] - Sinking Into God’s Armor
• [06:18] - 2 Timothy 2: The Good Soldier
• [08:14] - Paul’s Context: Ephesus and Idolatry
• [09:49] - Modern Idols and Distractions
• [12:38] - Enduring Suffering Together
• [15:44] - Unity Through Shared Hardship
• [17:06] - Pursuing Christlikeness in Daily Life
• [21:05] - Freedom in Christ vs. Bondage to the World
• [24:45] - Rising as a Remnant in the Last Days
• [27:37] - The Challenge of Self-Control
• [33:26] - Church vs. Kingdom: True Unity
• [35:14] - Living for God’s Approval
• [36:55] - Communion: Unity and Resurrection Power
• [43:09] - Closing Blessing

Bible Reading

Ephesians 6:10-17 (ESV) — > Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

2 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV) — > You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Galatians 1:10 (ESV) — > For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Observation Questions

1. In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, what does Paul say is the main focus of a soldier of Christ, and what are they supposed to avoid?
2. According to Ephesians 6:10-17, what are the different pieces of the armor of God, and what is their purpose?
3. In the sermon, what are some modern-day “civilian distractions” or idols that were mentioned as things that can entangle us? ([09:49])
4. What does Galatians 1:10 say about whose approval we should seek as followers of Jesus?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul uses the metaphor of a soldier to describe the Christian life? What does this say about the kind of challenges believers should expect? ([06:18])
2. The sermon talked about enduring suffering together as a church family. Why is shared suffering important for unity in the body of Christ? ([15:44])
3. What does it look like in practical terms to “not get entangled in civilian pursuits” today? How might this look different for each person? ([13:17])
4. The sermon highlighted self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, especially in small, everyday moments. Why is self-control so important for our witness and unity? ([27:37])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to identify distractions or idols that pull our focus away from Jesus. What is one specific “civilian affair” or distraction in your life that you sense God is asking you to disentangle from? What step could you take this week to do that? ([09:49])
2. Think about a recent situation where you reacted out of impulse rather than pausing to let the Holy Spirit guide your response. What could you do differently next time to practice self-control? ([19:27])
3. The message emphasized enduring suffering and hardship together as a church family. Is there someone in our group or church who is carrying a heavy burden right now? How can you come alongside them in a practical way this week? ([15:44])
4. The sermon said that true unity is forged through shared hardship, not just motivational words. Can you share a time when you experienced deeper unity with someone because you went through something hard together? How did that change your relationship? ([15:44])
5. Galatians 1:10 reminds us to live for God’s approval, not people’s. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to seek the approval of others over God? What would it look like to shift your focus to pleasing God in that area? ([35:14])
6. The pastor shared about being more Christlike even when no one is watching. Is there a “small moment” in your daily life where you want to invite the Holy Spirit to help you respond more like Jesus? ([19:27])
7. During communion, the church recommitted to unity and humility. What is one practical way you can help build unity in our group or church this month? ([36:55])