4-29-21 THOUGHTS

In the passages below, we view the Christian life in harsh terms, prisoner, worker, fellow soldier.  Fighting is the verb used, and we are in a cosmic war of good and evil.    Paul talks of our STRUGGLE in Eph 6:12.  STAND FIRM is the instruction.  
Phm 1:1-7   Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, 2  and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4  I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,  5  because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; 6  and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. 7  For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Col 4:17 Say to Archippus [Paul’s fellow soldier above], take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."
It seems Paul meant to encourage him, and to excite him to increased fervency and zeal in the work of the Lord.
Php 2:25   But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;
2Tim 2:3-4   Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  4  No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
1Tim 1:18   This command I entrust to you, Timothy, [my] son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight,
1Tim 6:12   Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Eph 6:12-13    For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the  heavenly places.  13  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
2Tim 4:7   I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;

My Prayer:
O Father, harden us up for your ministry.  May we serve with gladness and ever remember our purpose as the called out.  Help us to see the spiritual war and engage in the battle, may we not be entangled in the things of this world.  Help us to abide in you O God.  
In the name of Jesus our savior          Amen