The Life of a soldier | Daily Bread Missions

The Life of a Soldier

The Life of a Soldier:

The Life of a Soldier: Complied by Brother Anthony Daly

1/ The Philistine Challenge

“I defy the armies of Israel this day, give me a man that we may fight together”.. 1 Sam 17 v 10

God always has a man. Who will go for me? Isaiah 6 v 8.

An Abraham full of faith and willing to sacrifice. Gen 22 v 10

A Moses to lead Gods people out of Egypt. Ex 3 v 11

A Joshua to fight and possess the land. Joshua 1 v 5

A Gidion to throw over the alter of Ba’al. Judges 6 v 25

A Samson to kill a thousand Philistines. Judges 13 v 5

A Nathan who challenges the king with his sin, Thou art the man. 2 Sam 12 v 7

A David with five smooth stones. 1 Sam 17 v 49

A Solomon to rule with wisdom! Chron 29 v 25

An Elijah to call the fire down. 1 Kings 18 v 39

An Elisha who has a double portion. 2 Kings 2 v 9

A Job to suffer and be tested. Job 13 v 15

A John the Baptist to proclaim the Lamb of God. John 1 v 29

A Peter who walks on the water. Math 14 v 29

A Paul who preaches around the world. Acts 19 v 1

A Stephen to be stoned to death Acts 7 v 59

A Phillip to run to the Ethiopian. Acts 8 v 29

An Ananias to go to anoint Saul of Tarsus. Acts 9 v 17

A Luther, A Calvin, A Whitefield, A Wesley, A Spurgeon,, A Billy Bray, A Smith Wiggleworth, A Gypsy Smith, a Billy Graham. God uses a weak, earthen vessel. 1 Cor 1 v 27

“And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gidion, of Ba’rak, and of Samson, and of Jeph’tha’e, of David also and of Samuel, and of the prophets. Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, and stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received the dead raised to life, and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection”. Hebrews 11 v 32/39

Isaiah said, “Here am I send me”, Isaiah 6 v 8

Pilot said Behold the man. John 19 v 5

God who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things and, by whom he made the worlds. Hebrews 1 v 1.

“This is my beloved Son hear him” Mark 9 v 7

The battle

The concept of battle is everywhere in the bible both physically and spiritually, with conflicts, disputes victories and defeats.

So we ask the question, “What are the lessons we are to learn”? 2 Tim 3 v 16

Enmity between serpents seed and the woman’s seed.. Gen 3 v 15/ Rev 12 v 17

The Lord Jesus Christ comes to Battle. Last battle won by fire of God. Rev 19 v 11/Rev 20 v 9

If the trumpet shall sound an uncertain sound who shall prepare for battle? 1 Cor 14 v 8.

The battle is not yours/ Stand still and see the Salvation of God. 2 Chron 20 v 15/22

Are new recruits conscripts or volunteers?

Arminianism.

Whosoever will may come/Human choice

For God so loved the world that he gave us his only begotten son that whosoever should believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3 v 16

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10 v 13

Come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matt 11 v 28

To as many as received him, to them he gave powder to become the sons of God, even as many as believe on his name. John 1 v 12

Calvinism. Election/ Predestination

For the children not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purposes of God according to election, might stand not of works, but of him that calleth. Romans 9 v 7 to 18

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to his good the good pleasure of his will. Ephesians 1 v 4

Great danger of wrong attitude. Because the Lord has chosen us /predestinated us before the foundation of the world that we can sit back and say, Well its all in the Lords hands and then we do nothing” Many have fallen into this trap. I heard one pastor say, “That I was casting my pearl before swine”. Because I preached Christ in the streets. How very sad.

How shall they hear without a preacher? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10 v 17

We still have the obligation to proclaim the good news and tell the people of Gods Salvation. Many are called, yes, but few are chosen. We must warn the righteous and the unrighteous Ezekial 3 v 11

Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Endure Hardship

What hardships the prophets endured. “And what shall I more say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise, God having provided some better thing for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect”

Hebrew 11 v 32/40.

Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin, which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Hebrews 12 v 1/2

Joseph was in the pit before the palace. Gen 37 v 24

Daniel was cast into the lions den. Daniel 6 v 16

Sha’drack Me’shack A-bed-ni-go were cast into the fiery furnace. Daniel 3 v 23

Paul and Si’las cast into prison and sang praises to God at midnight. Acts 16 v 25

Christ faced the cross in the garden.

Paul an example

2 Cor 11 v 23. 2 Cor 4 v 8

The prophets an example

Take my brethren the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience. James 5 v 10

The Lord Jesus an example

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22 v 44

For even hereunto you were called: because Christ suffered for us leaving an example, that ye should follow his steps. 1 Peter 2 v 21

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared. Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things that he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him. Hebrews 5 v 8.

The Spirit testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and the glory to follow. 1 Peter 1 v 11

Christ Disciples

Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ sufferings, that when his glory shall ye may be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4 v 12

Read. 1 Peter3 v 17/1 Peter 4 v 1/ v 11/ 1 Peter 5 v 1

Soldiers Posting

A newly trained soldier is posted to his first operational duties

Go into the village meet a man carrying a water jar. Mark 14 v 13

Go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9 v 6

Go into the village and ye shall find a colt. Math 21 v 2

Not a prominent position. Not a famous preacher but perhaps Cookhouse/ Toilet cleaning/ Feet washing. Alf Shakeshaft in Brighton, being despised and rejected carrying his banner

Gordon Harding at the age of 91, still faithfully witnessing in Sidmouth, Devon.

Carrying water jars is not so hard. Giving out a few tracts is not so hard.

Preaching in India to thousands is easier than preaching to a few apathetic folks in the UK.

Whatever he saith unto you do it. John 2 v 5

Phillip ran Acts 8 v 29

The Sentry Post.

A lonely station, a dark night, the soldier is tired. Yet it is so important to keep awake to be ready to sound alarm when the enemy comes. The enemy will strike at an hour when we are tired. Also the Captain of the guard comes secretly, to test if we are awake. Could you not watch with me one hour? Math 26 v 40.

A chain breaks at its weakest link. Where is the enemy going to attack?

A Christian who neglects his prayer life will be vulnerable.

A mark on those who sigh for sins of nation Ezekial 9 v 4

I sought for a man to stand in the gap. Ezekial 22 v 3

Special troops

Every Army consist of Divisions, Battalions, Regiments, Companies, Platoons and patrols. It also has its crack S.A.S. troops for special assignments. Phillip ran to the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8 v 4

An-a-ni’as. Arise and go to the street called Straight. Acts 9 v 11

In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood earth, and some to honour and some to dishonour. 2 Tim 2 v 20

As the Old Testament had nations, tribes, priest, singers Read Numbers 1. The New Testament has apostle, prophets pastors, teachers, evangelist for the edifying of the body. Not Pentecostal, Baptist, Brethren, Free church ,or C of E.

The church is, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

The church in Hailsham, the church in Seaford, or Corinth or Ephesus. Ephes 4 v 11. 1 Cor 12 v 4. 1 Cor 12 v 28.

We are all fellow workers together with God. 1 Cor 12 v 28

The hand cannot say to the eye, I have no need of thee. 1 Cor 12 v 16

The Enemy

For we wrestle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly place Ephes 6:12

For when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side: without were fighting’s, within were fears. 2 Cor 7:5

De’mas has forsaken me having loved this present world. 2 Tim 4 v 10

Alexandra the coppersmith did, me much evil, the Lord reward him according to his works 2 Tim 4 v 14

It was not mine enemy that reproached me but my friend Psalm 41 v 9

The disciple’s forsook him and fled in fear. Mark 14 v 51

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Luke 22 v 48

Fighting’s within.

Own goal. If any man draw back, my soul shall have pleasure in him. Hebrews 10 v 38b

Shoot yourself in foot. All that Job feared happened! Job 3 v 25

David’s sins. Lust. 2 Sam 11 v 2

Pride in numbering people. I have sinned greatly. 2 Samuel 24 v 10

Murder Uriah. 2 Samuel 11 v 15

Deception. 2 Samuel 2 v 8

Fear. And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of A’chish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them and feigned himself mad in their hands and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. 1 Sam 21 v 13. 2 Tim 1 v 7/ 1 John 4 v 18

Fear of Saul, “And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul, there is nothing better for me than that I should escape speedily into the land of the Philistines”. 1 Sam 27 v 1

Absolom tragedy. 2 Sam 13 v 21. King David was angry at the rape of Tamar but did nothing to rebuke him Then later when Absolom had conspired to murder Am-mon he again did nothing to punish him rather mourned for his as a favourite son. V 36. Not rebuking sin had serious consequences as later Absolom rebelled against his fathers rule ands lost his life in the battle

Fighting’s without.

The devil goes about seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5 v 8

The world

If any man love the world or the things in the world the love of the father is not in him. I John 2 v 15

Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. Math 6 v 24

Friendship with the world is enmity with God. James 4 v 4

The flesh

Walk in the spirit we shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal 5 v 16

The works of the flesh are these fornication all unclearness or covetousness Ephes 5 v 4

Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit. 2 Cor 7 v 1

The devil

Wherefore we would have come to you but Satan hindered us. 1 Thess 2 v 18

Angel resisted by the Prince of the kingdom of Persia. Dan 10 v 3

Resist the devil and he shall flee from you. James 4 v 7

Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. 1 John 4 v 4

Is this the man that has deceived the whole world? Isaiah 14 v 16

The wounded

Paul. I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Gal 6 v 17

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 2 Cor 11 v 24

He was wounded for my transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.. Isaiah 53 v 5

His visage was marred more than any man’s was. Isaiah 52 v 14

Spiritual wounds are stepping stones to glory.

The fifth column

It was not an enemy that reproached me Psalm 55 v 12

Many walk of whom I have told you often… Phil 3 v 18

Beware the root of bitterness. Heb 12 v 15

For all seek their own not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. Phil 2 v 21

Tactics

King David enquired of the Lord. 1 Chron 14 v10

After a victory he enquires again. 1Chrom 14 v 14

Jesus said Go show yourself to the priest. Luke 5 v 14.

Then stretch forth your hand. Mark 3 v 5

To Moses stretch forth thy rod/ Speak to the rock To Joshua encircle Jerico seven times.

Specific instructions each time

In every battle there are deaths

Paul said, I die daily.1 Cor 15 v 31

I beseech you brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice Rom 12 v 1

Abraham offered Isaac believing that God would raise him from the dead.

Gen 22 v 2. Heb 11 v 19

Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer with many others were burned at the stake for their testimony

Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone, but if it die it bringeth forth much fruit. John 12 v 24

They stoned Stephen as he was calling upon the God,

Lord, receive my spirit. Acts 7 v 59

For me to live is Christ to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

For scarcely fore a righteous man will one die, yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die, But while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5 v 7

All these died in faith. Hebrews 11 v 39

The Victory

Thanks be to God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor 2 v 4

They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony,

And they loved not their lives unto death. Rev 12 v 11

Ye are of God little children and have overcome them. I John 4 v 4/

And this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith. 1 John 5 v 4

It is finished. John 19 v 30

Roll call of honour. Rev 22 v12

He that honours me him will I honour… 1 Samuel 2:30.

Mentioned in dispatches

Well done thou good and faithful servant. Math 25v 21

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the righteous judge shall give me at that day and not for me only but unto all them that love his appearing. 2 Tim 4 v 7/8

Promises to the overcomers

To eat of the tree of life. Rev 2 v 7

Not to be hurt of the second death. Rev 2 v 11

To eat of the hidden manna. White stones / a new name. Rev 2 v 17

According to your works/Power over nations. Rev 2 v 23

The morning star. Rev 2 v 28

Clothed in white raiment/ Walk with me in white. Rev 3 v 5

I will not blot out his name/ But confess him. Rev 3 v 5

Will make him to be a pillar in my Temple. Rev 3 v 12

To sit on my throne. Rev 3 v 21

Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do. Luke 17:10

Faithful servants in charge of five cities.

Luke 19 v 19

The War

The first war took place in the heart in Paradise

The first physical war

The Kings make war . Abraham’s brother Lot was taken captive. Abraham takes his small army to rescue him. Genesis 14:9.

Jehovah hath sworn:

I will have war with Amalek from generation to generation

Exodus 17:16

And Moses sent them, a thousand of every tribe, to the war, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the alarm in his hand.

Numbers 31:6

So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war. Numbers 31:5

When a man taketh a new wife, he shall not go out in the host, neither shall he be charged with any business: he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he hath taken Deuteronomy 24:5

And ye shall compass the city, all the men of war, going about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. Joshua 6:3

Men of Valour

And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour; and Solomon saw the young man that he was industrious, and he gave him charge over all the labour of the house of Joseph. 1 Kings 11:28

And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him, and said unto him, Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Judges 6:12

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him Jehovah had given victory unto Syria: he was also a mighty man of valour, but he was a leper. 2 Kings 5:1

Commander in Chief

Behold I send an angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him and obey his voice. Exodus 23 v 20

To Joshua. As captain of the host am I now come ( The Lord) Joshua 5 v 13/14

And I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse and he that sat upon him was called faithful and true. And in Righteousness doth he judge and make war. Rev 19 v 11

Behold I have given him for a witness to the people and a leader and commander to the people Isaiah 55 v 4

Separation.

Be ye separate touch not the unclean thing. 2 Cor 6 v 17

Abraham left his home in Ur of Chaldee’s Gen 12 v 1

Hindus/ disowned / lose inheritance/ ostracised and rejected/ threatened/ beaten

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers. 2 Cor 6 v 14

Ye are not your own ye are bought with a price. 1 Cor 6 v 20

Whether we live/or die we are the Lord’s. Romans 14 v 8

Basic training

A raw recruit needs to be trained in prayer, faith obedience to orders, knowledge of his duties, preparation for warfare. Some first tests are, ”Go home to your friends and tell them what great things, God has done for thee. Mark 5 .19. Go into the village/ City. Fill the water pots. All simple tasks

Soldiers uniform. Under Satan was filthy rags

Now in Jesus Christ we wear garments of praise. Isaiah 61 v 3

Robes of righteousness. Isaiah 59 v 17

Washed in the blood. 1 Cor 6 v 11

Soldier has The whole armour. Ephes 6 v 13

Weapons of warfare. 2 Cor 10 v 4

And a sword. Heb 4 v 12

And greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4 v 4