“Onward Christian Soldiers”

1. Read: 2 Timothy 2:3-4

2. About the Text:

1) The soldier is a figure that is familiar to every culture.

2) Soldiers have certain qualities that are necessary for them to do their jobs.

a. Steadfastness

b. Patience

c. Endurance

d. Obedience

3) This makes them an ideal example of these qualities.

4) Paul told Timothy to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

3. The song “Onward Christian Soldiers”

1) Written in 1865 by Sabine Baring-Gould in Yorkshire, England.

2) The song was originally written for school children marching from one town to another.

3) It became popular in the United States after the Civil War.

4. Let us consider this great song, and the scriptures that support its sentiments.

5. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. “Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war with the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ the royal master leads against the foe; forward into battle see His banners go.”

2. Living the life of a Christian is a spiritual fight.

1) “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

2) “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

3. This fight is not ours to fight alone.

1) “For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:4).

2) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

4. Christ has led the fight and continues to lead us today.

1) Jesus fought the same battles you and I fought.

2) He struggled with the same problems and temptations.

3) “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

4) He overcame them all.

5) “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name” (Phil.2:5-9).

6) “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil.4:13).

1. “At the sign of triumph 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.”

2. Christ has won the victory over sin and death.

1) “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14).

2) “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him” (Romans 6:9).

3) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

4) “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

3. We will overcome through Him if we are faithful.

1) “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

2) “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

3) “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21).

4. We have victory in Christ.

1. “Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song. Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King, This through countless ages men and angels sing.”

2. Everyone wants to be on the winning side of any contest.

1) The Bible teaches that Christ wins.

2) Why wouldn’t you want to be on Christ’s side?

3. How can I know that I am on Christ’s side?

1) We must have faith in Him – “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

2) We must invite Christ into our lives – “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:20-21).

3) We must obey Him – “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” (Hebrews 5:8-9).

4) We must do the Father’s will – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

4. Why not become a Christian today?

1. “Onward Christian Soldiers”

1) Christ has led us, and leads us in the fight.

2) Christ has won and gives us the victory.

3) Enlist in the army of Christ today!

2. Invitation