A. VICTORY OVER ENEMIES
1. Israel’s battle was not just for military conquest. The nation fought for:
a. The Lord God.
b. Their freedom of worship.
c. Their way of life.
d. Their survival.
2. Victory was from God Himself. “For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’” (Deuteronomy 20:4, NLT).
3. While Israel prepared for battle, God gave them victory. “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord” (Proverbs 21:31, NLT).
4. While God gave victory, He used His human followers. “Jonathan has won this great victory for Israel” (1 Samuel 14:45). “Have you forgotten he (David) risk his life … the Lord bought a great victory to all of Israel” (1 Samuel 19:5, NLT).
5. Israel confessed their powerlessness and danger. “They have come to throw us out of Your land which You gave us … we are powerless ... we do not know what to do” (2 Chronicles 20:11-12, NLT).
6. Israel prayed optimistically for victory. “May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers” (Psalm 20:5, NLT).
7. Israel did not trust in military superiority. “Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory – for all its strength, it cannot save you” (Psalm 33:17, NLT).
8. God used the talent, skill, and strength of His servant. “He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the Lord gave him a great victory that day. The rest of the army did not return until it was time to collect the plunder!” (2 Samuel 23:10, NLT). “ But Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So, the Lord brought about a great victory” (2 Samuel 23:12, NLT).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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