MEMORY VERSE: “ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye whích are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 2:5-8.
INTRODUCTION
A soldier is a person who serves in a military organisation of a nation such as the Army, Navy or Air force. Christians are soldiers of Christ who have pledged loyal allegiance to the Kingdom of the God, called out from the darkness of the world to fight for the faith we profess in Jesus. No wonder Apostle Paul says …endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ 2 Timothy 2:3. However, the Christian soldier may be wounded during this fight. This may be due to the enemy’s attack, sin, carelessness, backsliding, loss, betrayal, hurt, being aggrieved, backstabbing, etc. This injury must be treated and the wounded soldirer restored so that the person is not completely lost.
OUTLINES
- DISCIPLINE AND COMPASSION
- RESTORATION
- DISCIPLINE AND COMPASSION
The Christian soldier who sustains an injury due to sin, misbehaviour, carelessness, avoidable mistakes, etc. should be disciplined in love and according to God’s word so that the person may learn and serve as an example to others 1 Timothy 5:20. The time of discipline must be appropriately defined commensurate to the offence with the aim of providing a time of reflection and restoration at the end of it. The offender must know why the discipline is being enforced. Correction may seem grievous to the offender, but it is the son that the father loves,that he chastises Proverbs 15:10; Hebrews 12:7-8. 11.
If the injured soldier of Christ suffers personal or ministerial losses, they must be shown enough compassion until they are fully re-established back to the faith in full Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:1. Those who suffer from unjust treatment, backstabbing, hurt, neglect etc. must be attended to by those who know the truth to correct the injustice they have suffered as much as possible Acts 6:1-3; Romans 12:17-21.
2. RESTORATION
Restoring the wounded soldier is a process which would require the following:
- LOVE: Genuine love must play an active role in the restoration process. God disciplined David when he committed adultery, but he did not dethrone or kill him 2 Samuel 12:12-14; Romans 12:9-10.
- BUILD A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM: A good network of faithful believers must provide the necessary succour and a good support for the wounded soldier in their time of difficulty or vulnerability Galatians 6:1-2.
- NEVER LEAVE THE WOUNDED SOLDIER ALONE: We must not allow the wounded soldier to be all alone; this may worsen the person’s state rather than heal it. Acts 20:35; Romans 15:1.
- CARE AND VISIT: Our visitation must be deliberate and purposeful. We must take time to comfort with words from the scriptures and using good practical examples. We must also take time to pray for and with the wounded soldier Romans 12:5; 15:4.
- NEVER HOLD A GRUDGE: The wounded soldier who has gone through a season disciplined or hurt does not need to be constantly criticised for their past misdemeanours before others because ‘being down does not mean being out’ Proverbs 12:18; Matthew 7:1-2; Romans 14:4.
- THEY ARE NOT A PLAGUE: We must never treat the wounded soldier as someone with a contagious sickness who needs to be avoided rather, we must seek after the well-being of the wounded soldier so that the person does not go down into depression or another sin 1 Corinthians 12:25-26.
- DO NOT BELITTLE THEM: We must consciously lift this wounded soldier up and never crush such a person through any negative attitude 1 Peter 2:17; Matthew 7:12.
- BE OPEN TO CORRECTION: The wounded soldier must also be open to correction and comfort of the Holy Ghost Proverbs 12:1;
2 Samuel 12:13 to be fully restored into the fold Philemon 1:10-12.
CONCLUSION
The wounded soldier must be recovered and fully restored. God desires that many would come to repentance and be saved from damnation.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Acts 6:1-3.
Mon: Matthew 7:1-2
Tues: Proverbs 12:1.
Wed: Corinthians 12:25-26.
Thurs: Galatians 6:1-2.
Fri: 1 Timothy 5:20.
Sat: Philemon 1:10-12.