God Uses Many Hands For The Battle

MANY HANDS ARE NEEDED FOR THE BATTLE 2-21-04

NKJV (1491 BC)

Exodus 17:8. Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9. And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand." 10 So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

14 Then the LORD said to Moses,"Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." 15 And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; 16 for he said, "Because the LORD has sworn: the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."

(1451 BC- about 40 years after the actual battle)

Deut 25:17 "Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, 18 how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God. 19 Therefore it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.

Theme: God uses many, different kinds of hands for the battle.

Christians have been called to be soldiers, engaged in battle against the forces of Satan.

I. INTRODUCTION.

A. The Amelkites’ Preparation Was Strong.

1. Related to Israelites (Amalek, grandson of Easu, who hated Jacob because of birthright, blessing)

2. Fierce nomadic fighters

3. Knew the terrain

4. Struck the weakest point of the Israeli caravan-

Dt. 25:18 (attacked the rear ranks, the stragglers, feeble) (Satan will strike at our weak point)

B. Israel’s Preparation Had Strengths And Weaknesses

1. Israel was blessed by God

a. delivered from Egypt

b. given manna-(Ex.16:17)

c. given water--(15:25, made sweet, 17:6, struck the rock)

(Battles may come when we think we are at a spiritual high!)

2. Israel was faced with serious problems

a. Complainers

b. Soldiers inexperienced?? - These were the first of the nations that Israel fought

Transition: In the battle, God uses a group that meets the enemy head-on

II. GOD USED THE FIGHTING HANDS OF THE CHOSEN SOLDIERS.

(those “rubbing shoulders” on a daily basis with the unsaved)

A. The Soldiers Were Courageous - (went out in faith, no history of proven battles)

B. The Soldiers Were Persistent -(when the battle went against them-v. 11 Moses hands go up and down several? times (- raised hands show our dependence upon God) -

These soldiers did not give up easily.

C. Every Soldier In God’s Army Should Take Up His sword, Be In Battle

1. Our weapons are not carnal

2 Cor 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

2. Our weapons are the most powerful ones in existence

Eph 6: 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Transition: To the battle , God has set some to be leaders

III. GOD USED THE GUIDING HANDS OF A “MATURE” CAPTAIN, JOSHUA.- (group leaders)