The term "enlisted" in a biblical context often refers to the concept of being called or chosen for a specific purpose or mission, particularly in the service of God. While the exact term "enlisted" is not commonly used in most English translations of the Bible, the idea is prevalent throughout Scripture, especially in the New Testament, where believers are often depicted as soldiers in a spiritual battle.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God: The Apostle Paul frequently uses military metaphors to describe the Christian life. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God" so that they may stand firm against the schemes of the devil. This passage implies that Christians are enlisted in a spiritual army, equipped by God to fight against spiritual forces of evil. The imagery of armor suggests preparation, commitment, and active engagement in spiritual warfare.

2. Endurance and Suffering: In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." Here, the concept of being enlisted is tied to the idea of enduring hardship and maintaining focus on one's divine mission. The soldier's primary aim is to please Christ, the commanding officer, indicating a life of dedication and sacrifice.

3. Chosen and Called: The notion of being enlisted can also be seen in the broader theme of being chosen or called by God. In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are described as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession," indicating that they have been set apart for God's purposes. This calling involves a commitment to live according to God's will and to proclaim His excellencies.

4. Discipleship and Commitment: Jesus Himself speaks of the cost of discipleship in terms that resonate with military enlistment. In Luke 9:62, He states, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." This underscores the total commitment required of those who follow Him, akin to the dedication expected of a soldier.

5. The Great Commission: The enlistment of believers is also evident in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This mission involves spreading the Gospel and teaching others to obey Christ's commands, reflecting the active duty of those enlisted in God's service.

Theological Implications

The concept of being enlisted in the service of God carries significant theological implications. It emphasizes the believer's identity as part of a larger spiritual community engaged in a divine mission. This enlistment is not merely a personal calling but a collective endeavor that requires unity, discipline, and perseverance.

Furthermore, being enlisted implies a transformation of priorities. Believers are called to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and to live lives that reflect their allegiance to Christ. This involves a willingness to endure trials, resist temptation, and remain steadfast in faith.

Practical Application

For Christians today, understanding themselves as enlisted in God's service can inspire a sense of purpose and urgency. It encourages believers to actively participate in the life of the church, engage in evangelism, and cultivate spiritual disciplines that strengthen their faith. Recognizing the spiritual battle at hand, Christians are called to support one another, remain vigilant in prayer, and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.

In summary, while the term "enlisted" may not appear explicitly in Scripture, the concept is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, calling believers to a life of commitment, service, and spiritual warfare in the pursuit of God's kingdom.(imp. & p. p.) of Enlist.4758. stratologeo -- to enlist soldiers
... Word Origin from the same as strateuo and lego (in the sense of pick up or choose)
Definition to enlist soldiers NASB Word Usage enlisted...as a soldier (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4758.htm - 6k

The First Crusade (Ad 1095-1099)
... broke in on him with shouts of "God wills it!""words which from that time became
the cry of the Crusaders; and when he had done, thousands enlisted for the ...
/.../chapter ix the first crusade.htm

The Twelve and the Seventy.
... But the most signal and decisive proof of the power of His ministry is presented
in the fact that, during the three years of its duration, He enlisted and sent ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the twelve and.htm

The Church and the Young Man.
... This mass of manly strength, energy, independence, intelligence and enterprise must,
if set on fire with Christian ardor and enlisted on her behalf, greatly ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the church and the young.htm

What Carey did for Literature and for Humanity
... Self-interest soon enlisted the haughtiest Brahmans in the work of producing school
and reading books, till now the Bengali language is to India what the ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xi what carey did.htm

Introductory Letter.
... Our feelings were enlisted, our hearts were warmed, and our thoughts were
absorbed by the great topic of the world's conversion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dibble/thoughts on missions/introductory letter.htm

The Christian's Warfare.
... twenty years. But enlisting is one thing, and participating in a battle
another. Young converts are like those just enlisted. It is ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm

Introduction
... in obscurity bare daily bread. He came to London, and then enlisted as
a private in the 15th Light Dragoons. After four months he ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/introduction.htm

The Two Masters, Self and Truth
... In every soul the battle is waged, and as a soldier cannot engage at once in two
opposing armies, so every heart is enlisted either in the ranks of self or of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/the two masters self and.htm

To Sir Roundell Palmer, QC , MP ,
... The Critics, almost to a man, avow themselves of the same opinion. Popular Prejudice
has been for a long time past warmly enlisted on the same side. ...
/.../to sir roundell palmer q c.htm

The Flag of the World
... belong to it. He has fought for the flag, and often won heroic victories for
the flag long before he has ever enlisted. To put shortly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/v the flag of the.htm

Enlisted (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Enlist. Multi-Version Concordance
Enlisted (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy 2:4 Every one who serves ...
/e/enlisted.htm - 6k

Enlist (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (vi) To enroll and bind one's self for military or naval service; as, he
enlisted in the regular army; the men enlisted for the war. ...
/e/enlist.htm - 7k

Keeps (154 Occurrences)
... Timothy 2:4 Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled
in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him ...
/k/keeps.htm - 33k

World's (21 Occurrences)
... Timothy 2:4 Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled
in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him ...
/w/world's.htm - 12k

Everyday (3 Occurrences)
... Timothy 2:4 Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled
in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him ...
/e/everyday.htm - 7k

Enmishpat (1 Occurrence)

/e/enmishpat.htm - 6k

Entangled (11 Occurrences)
... Timothy 2:4 Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled
in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him ...
/e/entangled.htm - 9k

Satisfy (32 Occurrences)
... Timothy 2:4 Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled
in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him ...
/s/satisfy.htm - 16k

Sacraments
... which was forfeited by the loser and appropriated to sacred uses; (2) as a military
term to designate the oath of obedience taken by newly enlisted soldiers. ...
/s/sacraments.htm - 19k

Serves (14 Occurrences)
... Timothy 2:4 Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled
in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him ...
/s/serves.htm - 10k

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