2nd Timothy 2:3-4, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
Most believers today fail to realize that we are at spiritual war with the
forces of darkness. Someone has got to be on the frontlines for God—exposing
evils, preaching the truth, contending for the Christian faith, upholding sound
Biblical doctrine, soul-winning, and rightly dividing the Word of truth.
The Bible says in 2nd Timothy 2:4 that no soldier entangles himself with the affairs of this life. The Greek word for “entangleth” is emplekoo and means “to entwine, i.e., involve with.” The word “affairs” in the Greek is pragmateia and means “transaction, i.e., negotiation.” God is telling the believer not to become yoked together with the enemy (the world) through sinful compromise. So many people are selling out to the Devil these days, selling their souls for some money, fame and worldly success.
God tells us not to negotiate with the Devil; but rather, endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. We are at war! The word “hardness” in 2nd Timothy 2:3 is the Greek word kakopatheo and means “undergo hardship.” Moses turned away from the pleasures and splendors of living in Egypt, defending his own Israelite kinsman, “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25). Katy Perry may live in her $2,700,000 New York Penthouse now, but the pleasures of sin will only last for a season. The leaves are changing color and are falling from the trees, the chilling breath of death and winter are all around us, this season will soon be over. Life 'twill soon be over my friend, and then THE JUDGMENT (Hebrews 9:27).
There is a war on for your soul. Satan wants you to go to Hell with him. But if Satan cannot get your soul, then he'll try to discourage you and prevent you from leading others to Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins and salvation. When God removed the “hedge” (Job 1:10) that He had placed around Job, Satan immediately rushed in and took away Job's wealth, his servants, his crops, his livestock, and his health. Satan did everything possible within his limited power to ruin and destroy Job; but God's grace sustained Job and he didn't curse God. Job didn't quit. Job endured hardness!
If you watch closely, whether it be on TV or in internet video clips of the news and interviews, you'll see influential people flashing Satan signs to show their allegiance to the Devil. They're like dogs begging Satan to use them. Here is a classic example: Sarah Palin begging Satan to give her power and more prestige in this wicked world (with not one, but two “I love Satan” hands signs)...
And here is arrogant President Bush Jr., who jokes about the missing WMD's that never existed in the first place (which is why he jokes about it). Notice the “I love Satan” hand sign that Bush is flashing. Serving the Devil pays well in this wicked world, for Satan is its god (2nd Corinthians 4:4); but Jesus Christ is the God of the earth (1st Corinthians 10:26) and the universe (Psalms 89:11). Bush worships Satan...
