Every Christian a rifleman

2 Timothy 1:8-11 {8} Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, {9} who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, {10} but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, {11} for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.

The United States Marines Corps presents an integration of job education and instruction which is a great illustration for the modern church. A major doctrine of their battle readiness is the tenet, “Every Marine is a rifleman.” All enlisted Marines, regardless of their specialization receive infantry training as riflemen. In conjunction with that all officers, regardless of their specialization, receive training as infantry platoon commanders. The value of this mindset has been proven on more than one occasion.

The surprise attack on the American military outpost on Wake Island just a few hours after Pearl Harbor saw the destruction of the majority of Marine Aircraft. The first attempted land invasion failed, even though Japan had a force far larger than the embattled Americans. A major reason was that Marine Pilots who no longer had planes to fly formed platoons of clerks and cooks who repelled the attack. Every Marine, no matter what their actual job was, took an individual responsibility to serve in an infantry position. Such a culture forms a strong bond of camaraderie which is forged even stronger in the crucible of battle.

Verses 8-11 are all one sentence. Verses 9-10 can stand alone as a description of our incomparable salvation. A subject we will approach tomorrow. But the entire sentence is a statement of the equality of purpose and responsibility of every Christian. The task of guarding the Gospel is not for a select few. Guarding the Gospel is a responsibility for us all.

Paul and Timothy are to become partners in suffering.
{8} Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
There is no doubt that Paul is of higher rank that Timothy. Timothy would view him as mentor, teacher, leader, and apostle. Paul would view Timothy as student, understudy, and disciple. Regardless of the different ranks they hold, there can be no shame between them and they are both to suffer for the Gospel. Every Christian shares equality of purpose and responsibility.

Paul and Timothy share the common bond of a miraculous salvation.
{9} who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, {10} but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
There are many bonds which could be mentioned in the relationship shared by Paul and Timothy but there is no greater bond that the salvation they share. The Gospel they are called to guard is beyond the scope of human imagination. It is a Gospel that looked beyond their sins. It is a Gospel so massive in nature that it existed before the time frame of their existence and promises to hold them in its grip beyond the realms of eternity. To share such a faith and to understand its commonality among Christians joins us with deep bonds. Every Christian shares equality of purpose and responsibility.

Paul and Timothy are both appointed to office by the God who saved them.
{11} for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.
Paul mentions three offices which he himself held. Two of the three offices were also held by Timothy. The word translated “appointed” is the simple word for “put” or “place.” Used in a passive voice it gives the idea of God picking them up and physically putting them into a particular job or place of service. Although their jobs might not be identical in nature they have the same supernatural employer.

No Christian is exempt from the call to guard the Gospel. We do not all have the same abilities or even have the same positions in the church. But we are all responsible to fulfill the role God has chosen for us. Every Christian a rifleman.

PRAYER
Lord, help me and all of my brothers and sisters in Christ to realize the common bonds we share. Help us all embrace the same purpose with a great passion. Raise us up as a mighty army to build your kingdom.