Bible Verse:
“When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. The officers will continue to address the army and say,
‘Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers won’t lose heart as he did.’ '
Deuteronomy 20:1,8 CSB
INTRODUCTION:
Deuteronomy Chapter 20 is God’s instructions to Israel about the principles of warfare and how to overcome fear. Today, in facing our spiritual battle, let us discover how we can be fearless and brave like a true soldier of God.
Surrounded by Invading powerful army, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine rejected the U.S. offer of escape. Like him, we can boldy say: “I need ammunitions, I don’t need a ride”
I- THE GROUNDS THAT DEFINE OUR VICTORY FOR THE BATTLE
'“When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. ' Deuteronomy 20:1
1. The battle is not about machinery (horse, chariots)
2. The battle is not about Numbers (Army larger than yours)
3. The battle is about who is with you (The Lord your God is with you)
…the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt…Deuteronomy 20:1
In facing the overwhelming challenges of our present situation, God is reminding us about the past testimonies of God’s miracle in our lives. The God who delivered us from the impossible situations in the past, is also able to save us from our present problems today.
II- THE PROPHETIC ROLE OF THE CHURCH BEFORE CLAIMING THE ACTUAL VICTORY
'When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. He is to say to them, ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’ ' Deuteronomy 20:2-4
“..the priest is to come forward and address the army…”
Any government or people that seeks to separate and ignore the help of God forfeits the most reliable source of victory – The mighty hands of God.
“…He is to say to them, ‘Listen, Israel:..”
The most profitable source of inspiration that gives us courage to overcome fear is the promises of the Word of God – Read your bible and meditate it by heart
There is power on the word proclaimed by the man of God. Claim it and say Amen! Be it unto me according to your Word!
The word of God does not only assure us of victory, it also produce peace and confidence to face even the shadows of death and boldly proclaim that I am no longer afraid because I have Jesus with me!
Love and respect your pastors and leaders, they are the shower head of God’s many blessings. The channel of God’s power and anointing for your own victory for the battle.
III – THE REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE JOINING THE BATTLEFIELD
1. HOUSE DEDICATION
'“The officers are to address the army, ‘Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man dedicate it. ' Deuteronomy 20:5
House dedication is the spiritual foundation of the house. A house that is built on Jesus the Rock will never be afraid to endure all the hurricane challenges of life
Unless the armies of God build the strong foundation of faith in Jesus by his word, they can never have the confidence and courage to face the enemies on the battle ground
The house that is fully dedicated to God will produce a fearless warrior ready to destroy the enemies camp and bring the victory for the glory of God
Before marching to the battle ground, go home and check your foundation. Go home and dedicate your house.
' “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. '
Matthew 7:24-25 NLT
2. FRUITS SATISFACTION
'Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit. ' Deuteronomy 20:6
What is the connection of a vineyard to the courage and cowardice of the soldier of God?
'“I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless. ' John 15:5 TPT
If you belong to God’s army and you are not sure of your connection with Christ, Go home and invite Jesus into your heart. Apart from Christ you are powerless.
3. MATRIMONIAL OBLIGATION
'Has any man become engaged to a woman and not married her? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man marry her.’ ' Deuteronomy 20:7
Woman in the bible is also a symbol of the Church and the Church is the bride of Christ. Being engage to the woman may also means our belonging to a church. God does not want us to face the battle without the support of our spiritual family - the Church
Nehemiah understood the power of the family while rebuilding the wall. “He stationed the people by families, and they had their swords, spears, and bows”. Nehemiah 4:13
Nehemiah encourage the builder by saying “Fight for your families, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses!” ' Nehemiah 4:14
The army of God is invincible when fighting together with the family of God – the Church.
4. FEAR DOMINATION
'The officers will continue to address the army and say, ‘Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers won’t lose heart as he did.’ ' Deuteronomy 20:8
Fear is contagion. The ten fearful spies made the whole nation of Israel to fear their enemies and forget the power of God
Before you contaminate others by your unbelief and fear, go home and quarantine your self. Spend time with God through prayer and the Word until fear fades away by the power of God’s presence.
ONLY THE BRAVE!
‘Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers won’t lose heart as he did.’
Deuteronomy 20:8 CSB
