Entangled or Enlisted?

2 Timothy 2:1-7

INTRODUCTION: The Bible continually and in various ways reminds us that we cannot serve God and self or God and the world. At some point a conscious choice has to be made as to who our God or god is going to be. To ride the fence on the matter is a choice and it is the wrong one. God is looking for people more concerned about His worship and service than the entanglements of life. If you think our country has a problem with a weakening military, you should take a good look at the declining number of soldiers willing to get into the spiritual battle that has far greater consequences than any physical battle.

I. THE CHOICE INTRODUCED (2 Timothy 2:4)

A. The Definitiveness of the Choice

1. No man that warreth entangleth himself.
2. Perhaps one of the things our flesh likes so little about the Bible is its narrowmindedness. The Bible emphatically says a man cannot war and be entangled at the same time.

B. The Options for Choosing

1. Warring
2. Entanglement

II. THE EFFECT OF ENTANGLEMENT (2 Timothy 2:4)

A. The Definition of Entanglement

1. Israel was thought to be entangled in the land, or “shut…in” (Exodus 14:3).
2. When the Pharisees sought to entangle Christ in His talk (Matthew 22:15), they were attempting to catch Him (Mark 12:13).
3. The Galatians were encouraged not to entangle themselves “with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).
4. Peter warned that some people might escape the pollutions of the world only to be entangled again or “overcome” (2 Peter 2:20).

B. The Harm of Entanglement

1. The inflictor of harm – “man”
2. The recipient of harm – “himself”

III. THE NATURE OF AFFAIRS (2 Timothy 2:4)

A. A Historical Testimony (Deuteronomy 20:1-9)

1. The new homeowner (Deuteronomy 20:5)
2. The new husbandman (Deuteronomy 20:6)
3. The newly betrothed (Deuteronomy 20:7)

B. The Identifying Statement – “of this life”

1. When we think of the word affairs we think of something evil or sinful.
2. However, the biblical use of the word affairs is quite different. In fact, it matches the historical definition which is defined as “what one has to do.”
a. The Bible speaks of the “affairs of the king” (1 Chronicles 26:32).
b. The Bible suggests a good man will “guide his affairs with discretion” (Psalm 112:5).
c. The Bible speaks of the “affairs of” a “province of Babylon” (Daniel 2:49; Daniel 3:12).
d. Paul wanted the saints to hear of his affairs (Ephesians 6:21-22) and he wanted to hear of their affairs (Philippians 1:27).
3. In other words, the affairs of this life are things merely pertaining to life. Could it be something sinful? Yes. However, it more so appears to be everyday life. It is possible, in fact quite possible, that it includes godly responsibilities.

IV. THE AVOIDANCE OF ENTANGLEMENT (2 Timothy 2:4)

A. Not for Self

1. While it is true that entanglement harms the individual who allows it
2. The highest and proper motive to refuse entanglement is not self

B. But for the Saviour

1. To please Him
2. Who hath chosen Him to be a soldier
a. He called me to a war.
b. He called me to become unentangled from the affairs of this life.

CONCLUSION: The Lord has called you into the ranks. Will you war or will you allow the affairs of this life to entangle you so that you become ineffective as a soldier?