Kindred spirit:
The kindred
spirit of Paul and Timothy is not limited only to them. The defining mark was
that they sought after the interests of Christ (contra 2:21). This mark is a
grace of God given to every Christian at conversion so that we serve with a new
aim in life (1:21; 2 Cor. 5:14-15).[1]
Therefore, our spirits are sealed together through our knowledge of Jesus
Christ (2:2-4; Col. 2:2-3). As a result, we weep and rejoice with those who do
the same (Rom. 12:15; Heb. 13:3). To the point, when we see the need of the
moment we do not hesitate to edify (1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:29). We build up their
faith as if it were our own (Matt. 22:39; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:14; James 2:8).
Fellow Soldier (v.25):
Historically, the church has been referred to as those who already entered
glory (church triumphant) and those who remain on earth (church militant).[2]
Soldier and war references pepper the Bible[3]
underscoring the Christian's battle. Christians affirm Christ's victory through
our fruits of righteousness (1:11; Eph. 5:9; Heb. 12:11). The sight of war can
make a soldier less resilient; likewise hope can be deferred in a Christian
absorbed by cares of the world. Yet, with confidence of triumph over the
horizon the soldier charges ahead, surging with strength, linking arms with the
weak because victory belongs to the Lord.[4]
Thus, we join in the forward march of the gospel[5]
knowing that in Him we overcome (Rev. 12:11; 21:7).
[1] It is also sustained through our fellowship with the Spirit (2:1; 2
Cor. 13:14).
[2] Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, 4:301 uses the two phrases.
There is a vast difference in meaning from modern concepts of religious
militants. The church militant was a metaphorical picture of spiritual warfare
regarding the internal battle towards victory in righteousness with Christ as
our Chief. Modern militants engage in literal warfare regarding external
violence and ideological aggression towards others.
[3] Phil. 2:25; 2 Cor. 10:3; 2 Tim. 2:4; James 4:1; 1 Pet. 2:11.
[4] John 16:33; Rom. 8:37; 1
Cor. 15:57; 1 John 5:4
[5] Phil. 1:29; 2:22; 3:17