OLD SOLDIER

  Mon May 13, 2024  

Memorise:
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.Philippians 3:13

 

Read:   Philippians 3:12-15

 

Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 25-28

 

Hymn:
Onward Christian Soldiers

 

Key Point:
In the body of Christ, old soldiers are fallen soldiers. Don't be one.


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Message

Many people dwell on their past achievements in the kingdom of God. They talk about the days they were on fire for God, how they used to pray for long hours, and how they used to win souls for God. Currently, however, you cannot see any sign of that same zeal they talk about in them. These are the kind of people we call 'old soldier' where I come from in Nigeria.

An old soldier in this context is someone who used to be very active in the army but who, after a while, became old, unfit and irrelevant. Old soldiers, in this sense, are Christians who used to be very vibrant, win souls for God, heal the sick, and perform many wonders in Jesus' name. However, somehow, they started to lose their zeal and became unfit, so that now, when people are talking about zealous Christians, they hardly mention them. Such Christians have moved from hot to cold in the things of God. If this describes you, then you need to retrace your steps and return to your first love.

You need to go back to the days when you put God's will above your comfort and convenience; the days when the things of this world were not enticing to you and all you cared about was doing the will of God. You need to go back to those days because being an old soldier in the body of Christ is a very dangerous thing. Jesus Christ said in Luke 9:62 that if anyone places his hand on the plough and looks back, he is not fit for the kingdom of God. To God, past glory is gone; what is more relevant to Him is your current spiritual state. In Ezekiel 18:24, He said that if someone has been righteous all his life but turns around and starts sinning, if that fellow dies in sin, he or she will be condemned. As far as God is concerned, the path of the righteous will shine brighter every day until the perfect day-which is the day he sees Jesus in glory.

Like Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:13, forget those old days of glory and begin to seek God afresh. Make your Bible your best friend more than ever before. Intentionally set out quality time to pray daily. Look for a vibrant fellowship of believers that you can associate with regularly and ensure that your zeal for God's kingdom keeps growing.


King James Version

Philippians 3:12-15

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. [13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
RCCG Hymn

Onward, Christian soldiers!

  1. Onward, Christian soldiers!
    Marching as to war.
    Looking unto Jesus,
    Who is gone before;
    Christ, the Royal Master,
    Leads against the foe;
    Forward into battle.
    See His banners go.

    2. Onvoard, Christian soldiers!
    Marching as to war,
    Looking unto Jesus,
    Who is gone before.


  2. At the name of Jesus
    Satan's host doth flee;
    On then. Christian soldiers
    On to victory!
    Hell's foundations quiver
    At the shout of praise:
    Brothers, lift your voices.
    Loud your anthems raise.
  3. Like a mighty army
    Moves the Church of God:
    Brothers, we are treading
    Whore the saints have trod.
    We are not divided.
    All one body we
    One in hope and doctrine.
    One in charity.
  4. Crowns and thrones may perish.
    Kingdoms rise and wane;
    Hut the Church of Jesus
    Constant will remain:
    Gales of hell c an never
    'Gainst that church prevail;
    We have Christ's own promise-
    And that cannot fail.
  5. Onward then, ye people,
    loin our happy throng;
    Blend with ours your voices
    In the triumph song:
    "Glory, praise and honour.
    Unto Christ the King",-
    This, through countless ages.
    Men and angels sing.

 


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