Hello, friend. Welcome back to Authorized Sword Ministries.

We're so glad you're here again.

Where We've Been

In Lesson One, we learned that courage comes from God's presence. In Lesson Two, we put on the whole armour of God. In Lesson Three, we found refuge under His wings.

Today is Lesson Four, the last lesson in this course. It's called "Faith Under Authority." We'll meet two military men in the Bible, both Roman centurions, and see what their faith teaches anyone who serves.

Our Key Verses

A centurion was an officer in the Roman army, in charge of about a hundred men. One of them came to Jesus because his servant was very sick. Jesus offered to come to his house. Here is how the centurion answered:

"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." — Matthew 8:8-10 (KJV)

A Man Under Authority

Look at how this officer thought. "I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me."

He understood the chain of command. He took orders from above, and he gave orders to those below. When he gave an order, it was carried out. He didn't need to stand over his men to make sure.

And he saw that Jesus had that same kind of authority, only greater. Over sickness. Over everything. So he said, "Speak the word only." Just say it, Lord, and it will be done.

Jesus "marvelled." The Bible only tells us twice that Jesus marvelled. Once at people's unbelief, and once here, at a soldier's great faith. And the servant was healed that same hour.

Friend, your training has taught you what it means to respect authority. That's a good thing. God wants you to bring that same respect to Him, the highest authority of all.

Serving with Honor

The Bible teaches that earthly authority has its place under God:

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." — Romans 13:1 (KJV)

So doing your job well, following lawful orders, and showing respect up and down the chain is part of serving God.

But the Bible also says to serve with your whole heart, as if the Lord Himself were your commander:

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" — Colossians 3:23 (KJV)

That means doing the job right when no one is watching. Standing watch faithfully. Taking care of your people. Telling the truth even when it costs you.

"The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them." — Proverbs 11:3 (KJV)

Integrity will guide you. Shortcuts and lies will eventually bring you down.

Cornelius: A Devout Soldier

Now let's meet the second centurion. His name was Cornelius, and he served in the city of Caesarea, in what the Bible calls the Italian band. The Bible describes him this way:

"A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." — Acts 10:2 (KJV)

Here was a military officer who prayed, who gave to people in need, and who led his household to fear God. But Cornelius still needed to hear the gospel. So God sent the apostle Peter to his house. And Peter told him about Jesus, who died and rose again. Then Peter said:

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." — Acts 10:43 (KJV)

And while Peter was still speaking, Cornelius and those with him believed and received the Holy Ghost. God didn't wait for this soldier to leave the army. He met him right where he was serving.

Faith Far from Home

Maybe you're a long way from your home church right now. Maybe there's no church nearby at all. Here are a few simple ways to keep your faith strong.

First, stay in the Word. Even a few verses a day will feed your soul. Keep a pocket Bible with you, or read it on your phone.

Second, keep the line open. Pray on watch, on the move, and before you sleep.

Third, find other believers. Jesus said:

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." — Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

You don't need a building to have fellowship. Two or three believers reading the Bible and praying together is enough. Your chaplain can also help you find a service or a Bible study.

And fourth, remember God's promise from Lesson One. "The LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Will You Believe?

Friend, the centurion believed Jesus could speak the word. Cornelius heard that "whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." That word "whosoever" includes you.

All of us have sinned. But Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. If you've never trusted Him, you can do it right now, wherever you are serving. Turn from your sin and put your faith in Jesus Christ alone. He will save you, and He will never leave you.

Where to Go from Here

This is the end of Strength for Those Who Serve. Thank you for your service, and for spending this time with us. If you'd like to learn more about how to be saved, our course The Way of Salvation walks through it step by step. And if you've trusted Christ, our course Growing in Grace will help you keep growing, wherever you're stationed.

A Prayer

Before we go, let's pray together.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this friend who is listening right now, and for their service.

Give them faith like the centurion, who trusted You to speak the word. Make them devout like Cornelius, faithful in prayer and generous to others.

Help them to serve with honor and integrity, as unto You. Keep them close to You when they are far from home, and bring them home safely to the people they love, if it be Your will.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Thank you for walking through this course with us.

From all of us at Authorized Sword Ministries, God bless you.