2 Timothy 2:1-7 (ESV)
We can stand with other churches based on two things. Do they teach:
Every believer is called to be part of one local body of believers.
Paul is telling Timothy to share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Here is one of the key differences between a soldier and a civilian: the soldier’s power of choice has been surrendered.
The soldier in the Kingdom of God lives first and foremost to please Jesus.
In the passage that follows:
The key difference between an earthly soldier and a kingdom soldier is in how we conquer:
Matthew 13:33 (ESV)
Jesus is picturing the young church in the world. By the truth of our lives, we are to be transforming the world. This is an issue of the leaven in us working through us.
Jesus gives us a picture of and a promise about the church.
Matthew 16:17–18 (ESV)
Today if you will be the soldier of Christ, leavened by His Word and Spirit, you will bear fruit.
The church leavened by the Word and Spirit will march on.
The church is an army of love and grace.