Breakthrough Principles You Can Put Into Action Series

When a person who has smoked for years finally lays down the cigarettes for the last time…that’s a breakthrough.

When a person who has struggled with alcoholism gets sober and gains control over their impulses…that’s a breakthrough.

When a person addicted to pornography turns off the T.V. or computer refusing to watch that filth ever again…That’s a breakthrough.

When a husband and wife who have been having marriage problems discover a new way to communicate with each other and express their love…That’s a breakthrough.

Anytime a person goes from one level to a new and better level in their life, that’s called a breakthrough.

Like riding an elevator that takes you up one floor at a time, a breakthrough takes you up one level at a time…helping you reach new heights in your life.

For the past 2 weeks we’ve been talking about how to get a breakthrough in your life.

Perhaps you are here today and you are in need of a breakthrough.

You may be facing one of the situations I mentioned a minute ago, or you might be facing something totally different.

Today I want to share with you some… BREAKTHROUGH PRINCIPLES YOU CAN PUT INTO ACTION.

If you are here today and you missed the past two Sundays, you can order this series of talks after the service today back at the sound board back there.

Just let John know how many you need and he will be glad to help you.

In 1 Chronicles 14:8-17, God shares with us powerful principles that we can use to help get our personal breakthrough.

Maybe your breakthrough is as simple as how to stop being so irritable.

You want to go from irritable to lovable, God can help you do that.

Maybe your breakthrough is how to rekindle the flame in your marriage again. God can help you do that.

Maybe your breakthrough is a financial breakthrough. God can do miracles with money.

Whatever your need, God has the breakthrough to fit that situation.

Would you follow along with me as I read 1 Chronicles 14:8-17?

READ TEXT.

BREAKTHROUH PRINCIPLES YOU CAN PUT INTO ACTION

1. Did You Know That Private Breakthroughs Precede Public Breakthroughs?

I want you to notice that David had two different kinds of breakthroughs in this passage.

First he had public breakthroughs. Highly visible, very public breakthroughs.

His first public breakthrough comes in verses 11-12.

“So they went up to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there…David gave a commandment, and they (idols) were burned.”

The Philistine army opposes David and David defeats them in front of the watching world.

Even though there was no cable news back then, no doubt the surrounding countries heard about what David did that day.

David’s breakthrough became a spectacle when he lit their wooden idols on fire.

Just like Moses saw the burning bush and turned in to watch it burn, people must have seen the fire and come running to see what the commotion was all about.

David’s second public breakthrough comes in verses 16-17.

“So David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the army of the Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezar. Then the fame of David went out into all the lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.”

After this war, David’s name became a household name.

David’s face was plastered on billboards along the highways of the country.

David’s job approval rating skyrocketed to 99%.

It is even reported that King David launched his very own clothing line that became popular with the younger generation.

Okay, I don’t have proof for that one. But you get the picture.

David’s breakthroughs were public affairs. Everyone knew about them and saw them and it elevated David in the eyes of many people.

I want you to see that David’s breakthroughs became public. But I also want to stress that before David’s breakthroughs became public, David had some breakthroughs in private.

We see in verse 11 that David publicly defeated the Philistines in battle.

But what comes before verse 11 shows us his private breakthrough.

Verse 10 reads… “And David inquired of God, saying, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?’

God responds in verse 10 by saying… “The Lord said to him, ‘Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand’.”

Before David assumes his position on the battle field he goes to God privately and asks Him whether or not he should go out and fight.

One private breakthrough David experienced was the elimination of his pride.

You see, to come to God in prayer and ask Him for permission to go and fight another country takes humility.

Before David could be exalted in war, David was humbled in prayer.