Sermon Central
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Lifting Up A Standard
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 15, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: A standard is a banner, a rallying point, or a divine intervention that counters the attacks and schemes of the enemy. It represents God's action in defence of His people and His covenant.
LIFTING UP A STANDARD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Isaiah 59:19
"So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him."
Supporting Texts: Psalm 60:4, Isaiah 11:10–12, Numbers 2:2, John 12:32, 2 Thessalonians 2:7
INTRODUCTION:
In times of spiritual warfare, moral decline, and increasing pressure from the kingdom of darkness, God responds not with retreat but by raising a standard. A standard is a banner, a rallying point, or a divine intervention that counters the attacks and schemes of the enemy. It represents God's action in defence of His people and His covenant.
Throughout scripture, whenever God’s people were surrounded or oppressed, He responded by lifting a standard—sometimes in the form of deliverance, revival, or anointed individuals. Today, believers are both the recipients and the agents of that divine standard. God empowers us to be His visible response to the flood of evil in the world.
This message explores what it means for God to lift up a standard, how He does it, and what our role is in standing as His standard-bearers in our generation.
1. GOD LIFTS A STANDARD WHEN THE ENEMY COMES IN LIKE A FLOOD
God always responds to satanic aggression with divine opposition.
a) God never leaves His people defenceless.
He intervenes when the enemy rises up (Exodus 14:13–14).
b) The “flood” signifies overwhelming attacks.
When evil becomes intense, God manifests powerfully (Psalm 124:2–5).
c) The Spirit is God’s response weapon.
The Spirit of the Lord is the force behind divine standards (Zechariah 4:6).
d) God’s timing is perfect.
He lifts the standard at the right moment to confound the enemy (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Biblical Example: When Pharaoh pursued Israel at the Red Sea, God raised a standard through Moses and parted the waters (Exodus 14:21–28).
2. THE STANDARD REPRESENTS GOD’S AUTHORITY AND PRESENCE
God's standard is His emblem of dominion and holiness.
a) The standard is a symbol of divine ownership.
It marks where God rules and reigns (Psalm 60:4).
b) The presence of God confuses the enemy.
Demons flee where God is enthroned (Psalm 68:1).
c) The standard is lifted through worship and righteousness.
Holy living invites divine reinforcement (Psalm 24:3–7).
d) God's Word is a standard of truth.
It stands against lies and deception (John 17:17).
Biblical Example: The Ark of the Covenant led Israel in battle as God’s standard (Joshua 6:6–20).
3. GOD USES PEOPLE AS HIS STANDARD-BEARERS
He raises individuals to represent His righteousness and power.
a) God calls His people to shine as lights.
Believers are set apart to reflect His glory (Matthew 5:14–16).
b) God empowers leaders to set moral and spiritual examples.
Spiritual leadership is a raised standard (Hebrews 13:7).
c) We are His ambassadors on earth.
We speak and act as representatives of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:20).
d) The church is the pillar and ground of truth.
It upholds God’s values in a fallen world (1 Timothy 3:15).
Biblical Example: Daniel was a righteous standard in Babylon, resisting compromise and influencing a pagan king (Daniel 6:1–28).
4. RAISING A STANDARD REQUIRES SPIRITUAL READINESS
God partners with prepared vessels to lift His banner.
a) Spiritual sensitivity is key.
Only those tuned to the Spirit can sense when to act (Isaiah 50:4).
b) Consecration positions you for divine use.
A pure heart and life attract God’s hand (2 Timothy 2:21).
c) Boldness and faith are essential.
Raising a standard often means confronting evil (Proverbs 28:1).
d) Discipline and consistency uphold the standard.
Spiritual maturity is necessary for longevity (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Biblical Example: Elijah stood as God’s standard against idolatry in Israel, calling fire from heaven on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36–39).
5. JESUS CHRIST IS GOD’S ULTIMATE STANDARD
Christ is the highest example of divine intervention and salvation.
a) He was lifted up to draw all men.
The cross became the standard of redemption (John 12:32).
b) He lived the perfect life we must emulate.
He is the model of righteousness and obedience (1 Peter 2:21).
c) Through Him, we overcome the enemy.
Victory is already won in Christ (1 John 4:4).
d) Believers are called to lift Him up to the world.
Evangelism is the act of raising God’s standard (Mark 16:15).
Biblical Example: The bronze serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness foreshadowed Christ, who became our standard for healing and salvation (Numbers 21:8–9, John 3:14–15).
CONCLUSION:
God is still lifting up standards in this generation—through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. No matter how dark the world becomes, God’s response is always light. He does not panic; He prepares and positions His own as banners of hope, power, and righteousness.
You are not just called to witness the lifting of divine standards; you are chosen to be one. Stand tall, shine brightly, and let the Spirit of the Lord use you to silence every flood of evil in your generation.
