Attributes of Good Soldiers

• Experience warriors (1 Chron. 12:2)
  • Practical insight and exposure to warfare
• Expert with shields & spears (12:8)
  • Expert with the shield of Faith & the spear of Prayer
• Fierce as lions (12:8)
  • Powerful, aggressive, violent, forceful, and not wimpy
• Swift as deer on the mountains (12:8)
  • Quick to listen, instantaneous in action, rapid response
• The weakest could lead 100 regular troops (12:14)
  • Superb leader perhaps a captain
• The strongest could lead 1000 regular troops (12:14)
  • Great leader perhaps a general
• Others were fully armed and prepared for battle and completely loyal to David (12:33)
  • State of readiness, faithful, true, and devoted
• The spirit came upon the leader of the 30 (12:18)
  • Filled with the Holy Spirit
• They were all brave and able warriors who became commanders in his army (12:21)
  • Lionhearted, courageous, and valiant
• They were all eager to see David become king (12:30)
  • Enthusiastic 
• Came with a single purpose of making David the king over all Israel
  • Focused
• All prepared for battle armed with shields and spears (12:35, 37)
  • In a state of readiness with faith and prayer
• Each was highly respected in his one clan
  • Admired and honored
• Some understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take (12:32)
  • Wisdom and discernment

What can God Do with Ordinary Men?

 

Ordinary Life

What can the military do with Ordinary Young men?

How many of you knew everything you needed to know about the military before you enlisted?

What did you learn about the military?

What were some of the things that you had to do before you could graduate and become a warrior?

After you became a warrior were you ready for service?

What else did you have to do before you were able to be a bonafid true warrior?

Think of what the military was able to do with you in a short amount of time, and then for those who made a career out of it the true warriors understand that it is the process of becoming.

So what can God do with an ordinary man?

Examples:

A child born of slaves, murderer and given to fits of rage (Moses)

A person who lacked confidence in his ability to rule (King Saul)

A runt (David)

A dreamer (Joseph)

The servant and follower of Moses (Joshua)

The impulsive one (Peter)

The mean and overzealous one (Paul)

So what can God do with you?

What gifts has He given you?

What is your purpose?

What training has He put you through?

Did you graduate?

Are you really ready for the role of warrior?

What have you learned about your role as warrior?

How’s your weapons?

Do you have a full complement of arms to deal with your adversary?

Are you skill in using the provided weapons that you have?

How are you at close order combat?

Do you really know how to use your shield

Are you skilled at using your sword

How well verse are you in using the spear

Those shoes of the gospel, have you led someone to Christ, or told someone about the good news of Jesus?

The Breastplate is it intact and ready for an attack of the enemy

How’s your belt, is it too tight or just right?

Wait, are you saved and know what that means? Do you even have the helmet on?

Are you anointed and fill with the gift of the Holy Spirit?

Do you see the evidence of His work in your life?  Ordinary to extraordinary!  In other words able to accomplish God’s tasks with Gods help.