Get Behind God in Evangelism

05/05/2019 13:20

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Date: 30 April, 2019
Text: 2 Samuel 5
 
Introduction:
God is blessing David....
1.) v.1 - Israel has finally recognized David as King.
exp. He had been annointed at least 22 years previously around the age of 15.
He had been ruling over Judah for the last 7 years - a rule he began at 30 years of age.
2.) v.7 - David has conquered Jerusalem - the city of David.
3.) Hiram, King of Tyre, sent cedar trees, carpenters and mason to build David a great house
4.) David knew the blessing of God.
12  And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.
5.) David has many wives and concubines and many sons and daughters are born unto him.
 
The enemy of Israel hears of David's leadership of God's people and decides to come fight against Israel.
17  But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.
18  The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
 
David, the man of God, looks to God for victory and God goes out before Him to victory!
19  And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
20  And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.
21  And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
22  And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
23  And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
24  And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
25  And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
 exp. God went before David and David was victorious.
 question: What do you think would have happened if David hadn't followed God into battle? I believe that David would have failed.
 
You'll notice 5 ways David got himself behind God going into battle.
1.) He prayed about the battle. (each time before attacking)
2.) He got a promise from God regarding victory.
"I will doubltess deliver them into thy hand."
3.) He let God lead Him into battle. 
"Fetch a compass behind them...."
4.) He stirred himself to action when God's Spirit moved. 
"Then thou shalt bestir thyself."
5.) He destroyed all that pertained to the enemy.
"They left their images and David and his men burned them.
 
My message this morning - GET BEHIND GOD TO GET THE VICTORY. You have an enemy actively seeking to destroy you! Are you behind God?
 
 ill. War planning - strategic - watching a video of the B-29 bombers used in WW2. The map room had planes and strings showing flights paths etc. They would go through all the scenarious they could think of to make sure they won the battle.
 
As we work on how to GET BEHIND GOD IN BATTLE, I'm going to put some battles in front of us.
 
In each battle we are going to apply David's 5 ways to get behind God.
 
I. Follow Him into the battle of evangelism.
Mat 4:19  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
exp. Our commander has told us to get behind him and follow him to victory in evangelism.
 ill. Mic - door to door is tough, right up until I get out and do it. If I miss it, I feel convicted. It is expecially tough when people know you and knew you before conversion. He'd rather street preach than knock on doors.
note: (Mic by the way is a product of street evangelism - he heard a street preacher and got convicted.) No wonder he is burdened about the battle of evangelism.
question: How keen are you to enter into this battle for the Lord?
Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
 exp. 
It's commanded. - do you want to please Jesus?
Those who believe get saved. - Do you want to save men?
Those who reject perish. - Do you care for those who are perishing?
ill. Easter Uprising - put down and the Irish soldiers were taken to prison.
"From the station we marched to the barracks. On the way we were booed and pelted by men, women and children, mostly women. Outside the barracks we were heavily stoned by a group of young men. An English soldier - Staff-Seargent Shaw, who was a military policeman - turned on the young Englishmen and said "You blackguards (dishonourable men)! These men have fought for their country. It's about time you got into uniform and did something for your country."
app. It's about time many Christians got into uniform and did something for their country. Throwing insults at a shackled enemy (mocking their views on abortion, marriage, islam, irreligion, evolution, humanism....) is cowardly. You ought to put on the uniform of Jesus and get in the battle of evangelism.
1.) Pray about the battle.
 exp. Two weeks ago we heard the Lord's command to the early church "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high."
ill. They continued in prayer and then Pentecost came - but the battle of evangelism was tough as persecution ensued. THEY PRAYED
 ill. Acts 4:29  And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30  By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
App. Do you need boldness for the battle? Have you prayed about it?
Jas 4:2  ....yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
 question: Why are you losing the battle of evangelism instead of praying about it?
2.) Get a promise from God.
 exp. David was promised victory by God. "I will doubtless deliver them into thy hand." 
question - How confidently did he go into battle?
ill. Mac - dentist office - be good and you will get to chose a sweetie. Mac has no problem going to the dentist when he has a promise like that.
 exp. It is easy to trust God when you have a promise. So, get a promise.
Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
app. "I will make you fishers of men"  "Ye shall be witnesses" - God has given promises to help you to victory - but you need to put your faith in them! - Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
3.) Let God lead in the battle.
exp. David allowed God to direct the battle plan and bring him up by the mulberry trees. GOD HAD A PLAN FOR VICTORY.
note: We need to know how God wants us to evangelize our area. He has a plan. 
 ill. Paul was a great soldier evangelist. He wanted God's battle plan for his evangelism.
a. Paul wanted God's plan in how to present the Gospel.
Gal 2:2  And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
note: Paul wasn't cowardly - he was wise.
Mat 10:16  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
 ill. Pastor Steve Love, "Are you able to give the Gospel in a conversational way?" Personable, kind but forthright.
 app. We need God's leading in how to share Christ. Literature, method (door to door), street evangelism.... How does God want you to share Jesus? (We know He does....)
b. Paul wanted God's plan on where to present the Gospel.
Acts 16:6  Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7  After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
8  And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
9  And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
10  And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
 ill. God led us to Loanhead - prayer answered on first survey trip - Miner's Community Centre - prayer answered on final mission trip. 
app. Are you ready to get God's plan for your participation in evangelism?
4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.
ill. Back to the post pentecost prayer meeting - Acts 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
exp. When they were stirred by God's Spirit they bestirred themselves to speak for the Lord.
 ill. Thursday of camp - prayed for a divine appointment - God brought an unsaved man to camp to do the archery - I was reminded of that prayer after speaking to this man about the Lord.
app. If you will pray for God's plan, God's Spirit will remind you when the opportunity is given. But, you have to be ready to participate.
5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.
exp. When David fought the Battle - he didn't leave the enemies idols  - he destroyed them.
1. Things can keep you from evangelism. (too busy)
2. Feelings can keep you from evangelism. (too tired, emotionally drained)
3. Fears can keep you from evangelism. 
ill. Mic - once I go - I am fine. It's getting myself out there.
exp. For you - it may be the whole time you are out there.
app. Are you going to let the enemies idols remain or will you smash them? Mic faithfully assists his pastor in evangelims.
final app: Are you victorious in the battle of evangelism? Are you following God into battle?
 
II. Follow Him into the battle for righteousness.
Psa 23:3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
exp. God wants to lead you into this battle for victory.
 ill. Have you noticed that the standards and morality of the world is changing.
A. Evolution and Creation used to be equal theories.
B. Nobody in the past would ever have thought that mankind would seek to redifine marriage and the family.
1.) Gender questions
2.) Leadership questions
3.) Conception questions - surrogates
4.) Cohabitation/ "partners" questions - instead of husband and wife.
C. Protecting the most vulnerable is the battle cry of our world - but babies are killed.
question: If the world is changing so greatly, what about THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD'S PEOPLE?
1.) Social drinking questions
2.) Entertainment questions
3.) Language questions (believers taking God's name in vain.)
4.) Church attendance and service cancelation questions.
5.) Modesty questions.
ill. Speaking to a man about baptism - God's Word is easy to understand unless you disagree with it.
 ill. If you have a problem with God's desire for a righteous people - you will naturally say that you can't understand it - EVEN THOUGH GOD SAYS.....
Lev 20:7  Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
exp. But preacher - that is OT.
1Pe 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
note: You can't worship God as He intends if you refuse to be righteous.
Jas 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
 note: Note you are defeated in the battle if you are unrighteous.
Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
ill. Robert Murray McCheynne "The greatest need of my people is my personal holiness."
 exp. To use the wise logic of this pastor/preacher - your families greatest need is your personal holiness. Your greatest need is your personal holiness.
question: How are you doing in the battle for righteousness? Are you behind God going out into battle.
1.) Pray about the battle.
 ill. When revival came to the Isle of Lewis - there is a special prayer recorded by Duncan Campbell
young deacon - looking down at the minister and the other office bearers, he said this - maybe crude words, but perhaps not so crude in our Gaelic language - he said, "It seems to me to be so much humbug to be praying as we are praying, to be waiting as we are waiting, if we ourselves are not rightly related to God." And then he lifted his two hands - and I'm telling you just as the minister told me it happened - he lifted his two hands and prayed, "God, are my hands clean? Is my heart pure?" But he got no further. That young man fell to his knees and then fell into a trance.
question: Have you prayed about your righteousness?
 ill. David prayed about righteousness because he wanted to be right with God.
Psalm 139:23  Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2.) Get a promise from God.
Isa 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Pro 28:13  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
ill. Abraham received righteousness from God when He believed God for righteousness.
Gen 15:6  And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
 app. If you have been saved, you've experienced the wonderful reality of believing on a promise from God. Rom 10:10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
3.) Let God lead in the battle.
 exp. "let us reason together" "confesseth and forsaketh" "If we confess..." Deal with sin!
question? What is sin?
1Jn 3:4  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
a. God said to do it and you refuse to obey.
 Omission - salvation, baptism, evangelism, prayer and devotion, tithing, church attendance.
b. God said to not do it and you refuse to repent and forsake.
Commission - lust, covetousness, lying, taking God's name in vain, anger, blasphemy, murder, adultery, disobeying parents....
 note: God is willing to go before you to deal with this sin. He's got a plan. He's always had a plan.
Isa 53:5  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.
Isaiah 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
7  And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.
exp. Though Israel was in great sin - nobody stirred themselves up as God pointed out their iniquity. They were content to stay in unrighteousness.
ill. Man saved 6 years - refusing yet to be baptized.
1.) Disobedient to the clear example in God's Word of believer's baptism.
2.) Refusing to identify with the Lord Jesus.
3.) Refusing to do what is commanded in the name of the Trinity.
note: What could possible happen if he would get right in this one area of his life?
1.) Other areas of his life would change.
2.) Unsaved family friends and neighbors would have a clear witness.
3.) The church would be encouraged.
THAT IS ONE MAN GETTING RIGHT IN ONE AREA OF HIS LIFE. The fact that he has thougth so much about this proves to me that God's Spirit has told him to do it and that He has resisted the command of God.
question: Has God spoken to your heart? What are you going to do?
5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.
  ill. Early church revival - Act 19:19  Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
exp. God's plan is righteousness NO MATTER WHAT THE COST.
a. Cast down what has cast you down.
2Co 10:5  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;
exp. A lot of people would say - it doesn't matter what I think. What matters is what I do. God says - deal with your thinking!
 app. SINCE God wants you to cast down EVEN thoughts - what about things? internet, tele, friendships, gambling, music, movies, mobiles, etc. 
b. Come out from them and separate.
 exp. There are some Christians who act as if God is ok with their sinful lifestyle. But, God says COME OUT AND SEPARATE FROM SIN.
2 Corinthians 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
 ill. Duchess - been sneaking up at night and getting toys to chew up. I was getting frustrated by her disobedience. Then I remembered something I read in the dog manual - get something she likes to chew on - only give it to her at night or when we are absent.
exp. Are you frustrated by sin? What have you done about it? You can act like there is nothing you can do or you can get back to the manual of God's Word.
 app. God will go to the battle of righteousness before those who destroy all that pertains to the enemy.
 
III. Follow Him into the battle of parenting.
exp. God wants to lead you into this battle for victory.
Isa 40:11  He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
 ill. There is a huge attack today on the family. Speaking with Alec - 83 year old - about the strap - "You got it once and you didn't want to get it again."
1.) Pray about the battle.
2.) Get a promise from God.
3.) Let God lead in the battle.
4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.
5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.
 
IV. Follow Him into the battle of ministry.
exp. God wants to lead you into this battle for victory.
Joh 21:22  Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
1.) Pray about the battle.
2.) Get a promise from God.
3.) Let God lead in the battle.
4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.
5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.
 
V. Follow Him into the battle of intercession.
exp. God wants to lead you into this battle for victory.
 ill. Revival in India - children praying....
1.) Pray about the battle.
question: Pray about prayer? The disciples did.
Luk 11:1  And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2.) Get a promise from God.
3.) Let God lead in the battle.
4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.
5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.
 
 conclusion:
David was victorious because God went before Him. Are you losing battles because you aren't following God into battle.
1.) Are you praying about the battle.
2.) Have you found a promise?
3.) Are you following God's plan?
4.) Are you stirring yourself up when God's Spirit stirs?

 

5.) Have you destroyed all that pertains to the enemy?

Date: 30 April, 2019

Text: 2 Samuel 5

 

Introduction:

God is blessing David....

1.) v.1 - Israel has finally recognized David as King.

exp. He had been annointed at least 22 years previously around the age of 15.

He had been ruling over Judah for the last 7 years - a rule he began at 30 years of age.

2.) v.7 - David has conquered Jerusalem - the city of David.

3.) Hiram, King of Tyre, sent cedar trees, carpenters and mason to build David a great house

4.) David knew the blessing of God.

12  And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.

5.) David has many wives and concubines and many sons and daughters are born unto him.

 

The enemy of Israel hears of David's leadership of God's people and decides to come fight against Israel.

17  But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.

18  The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

 

David, the man of God, looks to God for victory and God goes out before Him to victory!

19  And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

20  And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.

21  And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

22  And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

23  And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

24  And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

25  And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

 exp. God went before David and David was victorious.

 question: What do you think would have happened if David hadn't followed God into battle? I believe that David would have failed.

 

You'll notice 5 ways David got himself behind God going into battle.

1.) He prayed about the battle. (each time before attacking)

2.) He got a promise from God regarding victory.

"I will doubltess deliver them into thy hand."

3.) He let God lead Him into battle. 

"Fetch a compass behind them...."

4.) He stirred himself to action when God's Spirit moved. 

"Then thou shalt bestir thyself."

5.) He destroyed all that pertained to the enemy.

"They left their images and David and his men burned them.

 

My message this morning - GET BEHIND GOD TO GET THE VICTORY. You have an enemy actively seeking to destroy you! Are you behind God?

 

 ill. War planning - strategic - watching a video of the B-29 bombers used in WW2. The map room had planes and strings showing flights paths etc. They would go through all the scenarious they could think of to make sure they won the battle.

 

As we work on how to GET BEHIND GOD IN BATTLE, I'm going to put some battles in front of us.

 

In each battle we are going to apply David's 5 ways to get behind God.

 

I. Follow Him into the battle of evangelism.

Mat 4:19  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

exp. Our commander has told us to get behind him and follow him to victory in evangelism.

 ill. Mic - door to door is tough, right up until I get out and do it. If I miss it, I feel convicted. It is expecially tough when people know you and knew you before conversion. He'd rather street preach than knock on doors.

note: (Mic by the way is a product of street evangelism - he heard a street preacher and got convicted.) No wonder he is burdened about the battle of evangelism.

question: How keen are you to enter into this battle for the Lord?

Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 exp. 

It's commanded. - do you want to please Jesus?

Those who believe get saved. - Do you want to save men?

Those who reject perish. - Do you care for those who are perishing?

ill. Easter Uprising - put down and the Irish soldiers were taken to prison.

"From the station we marched to the barracks. On the way we were booed and pelted by men, women and children, mostly women. Outside the barracks we were heavily stoned by a group of young men. An English soldier - Staff-Seargent Shaw, who was a military policeman - turned on the young Englishmen and said "You blackguards (dishonourable men)! These men have fought for their country. It's about time you got into uniform and did something for your country."

app. It's about time many Christians got into uniform and did something for their country. Throwing insults at a shackled enemy (mocking their views on abortion, marriage, islam, irreligion, evolution, humanism....) is cowardly. You ought to put on the uniform of Jesus and get in the battle of evangelism.

1.) Pray about the battle.

 exp. Two weeks ago we heard the Lord's command to the early church "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high."

ill. They continued in prayer and then Pentecost came - but the battle of evangelism was tough as persecution ensued. THEY PRAYED

 ill. Acts 4:29  And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30  By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

App. Do you need boldness for the battle? Have you prayed about it?

Jas 4:2  ....yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

 question: Why are you losing the battle of evangelism instead of praying about it?

2.) Get a promise from God.

 exp. David was promised victory by God. "I will doubtless deliver them into thy hand." 

question - How confidently did he go into battle?

ill. Mac - dentist office - be good and you will get to chose a sweetie. Mac has no problem going to the dentist when he has a promise like that.

 exp. It is easy to trust God when you have a promise. So, get a promise.

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

app. "I will make you fishers of men"  "Ye shall be witnesses" - God has given promises to help you to victory - but you need to put your faith in them! - Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

3.) Let God lead in the battle.

exp. David allowed God to direct the battle plan and bring him up by the mulberry trees. GOD HAD A PLAN FOR VICTORY.

note: We need to know how God wants us to evangelize our area. He has a plan. 

 ill. Paul was a great soldier evangelist. He wanted God's battle plan for his evangelism.

a. Paul wanted God's plan in how to present the Gospel.

Gal 2:2  And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

note: Paul wasn't cowardly - he was wise.

Mat 10:16  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

 ill. Pastor Steve Love, "Are you able to give the Gospel in a conversational way?" Personable, kind but forthright.

 app. We need God's leading in how to share Christ. Literature, method (door to door), street evangelism.... How does God want you to share Jesus? (We know He does....)

b. Paul wanted God's plan on where to present the Gospel.

Acts 16:6  Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7  After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

8  And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

9  And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

10  And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

 ill. God led us to Loanhead - prayer answered on first survey trip - Miner's Community Centre - prayer answered on final mission trip. 

app. Are you ready to get God's plan for your participation in evangelism?

4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.

ill. Back to the post pentecost prayer meeting - Acts 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

exp. When they were stirred by God's Spirit they bestirred themselves to speak for the Lord.

 ill. Thursday of camp - prayed for a divine appointment - God brought an unsaved man to camp to do the archery - I was reminded of that prayer after speaking to this man about the Lord.

app. If you will pray for God's plan, God's Spirit will remind you when the opportunity is given. But, you have to be ready to participate.

5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.

exp. When David fought the Battle - he didn't leave the enemies idols  - he destroyed them.

1. Things can keep you from evangelism. (too busy)

2. Feelings can keep you from evangelism. (too tired, emotionally drained)

3. Fears can keep you from evangelism. 

ill. Mic - once I go - I am fine. It's getting myself out there.

exp. For you - it may be the whole time you are out there.

app. Are you going to let the enemies idols remain or will you smash them? Mic faithfully assists his pastor in evangelims.

final app: Are you victorious in the battle of evangelism? Are you following God into battle?

 

II. Follow Him into the battle for righteousness.

Psa 23:3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

exp. God wants to lead you into this battle for victory.

 ill. Have you noticed that the standards and morality of the world is changing.

A. Evolution and Creation used to be equal theories.

B. Nobody in the past would ever have thought that mankind would seek to redifine marriage and the family.

1.) Gender questions

2.) Leadership questions

3.) Conception questions - surrogates

4.) Cohabitation/ "partners" questions - instead of husband and wife.

C. Protecting the most vulnerable is the battle cry of our world - but babies are killed.

question: If the world is changing so greatly, what about THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD'S PEOPLE?

1.) Social drinking questions

2.) Entertainment questions

3.) Language questions (believers taking God's name in vain.)

4.) Church attendance and service cancelation questions.

5.) Modesty questions.

ill. Speaking to a man about baptism - God's Word is easy to understand unless you disagree with it.

 ill. If you have a problem with God's desire for a righteous people - you will naturally say that you can't understand it - EVEN THOUGH GOD SAYS.....

Lev 20:7  Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

exp. But preacher - that is OT.

1Pe 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

note: You can't worship God as He intends if you refuse to be righteous.

Jas 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

 note: Note you are defeated in the battle if you are unrighteous.

Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

ill. Robert Murray McCheynne "The greatest need of my people is my personal holiness."

 exp. To use the wise logic of this pastor/preacher - your families greatest need is your personal holiness. Your greatest need is your personal holiness.

question: How are you doing in the battle for righteousness? Are you behind God going out into battle.

1.) Pray about the battle.

 ill. When revival came to the Isle of Lewis - there is a special prayer recorded by Duncan Campbell

young deacon - looking down at the minister and the other office bearers, he said this - maybe crude words, but perhaps not so crude in our Gaelic language - he said, "It seems to me to be so much humbug to be praying as we are praying, to be waiting as we are waiting, if we ourselves are not rightly related to God." And then he lifted his two hands - and I'm telling you just as the minister told me it happened - he lifted his two hands and prayed, "God, are my hands clean? Is my heart pure?" But he got no further. That young man fell to his knees and then fell into a trance.

question: Have you prayed about your righteousness?

 ill. David prayed about righteousness because he wanted to be right with God.

Psalm 139:23  Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

2.) Get a promise from God.

Isa 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Pro 28:13  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

ill. Abraham received righteousness from God when He believed God for righteousness.

Gen 15:6  And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

 app. If you have been saved, you've experienced the wonderful reality of believing on a promise from God. Rom 10:10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

3.) Let God lead in the battle.

 exp. "let us reason together" "confesseth and forsaketh" "If we confess..." Deal with sin!

question? What is sin?

1Jn 3:4  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

a. God said to do it and you refuse to obey.

 Omission - salvation, baptism, evangelism, prayer and devotion, tithing, church attendance.

b. God said to not do it and you refuse to repent and forsake.

Commission - lust, covetousness, lying, taking God's name in vain, anger, blasphemy, murder, adultery, disobeying parents....

 note: God is willing to go before you to deal with this sin. He's got a plan. He's always had a plan.

Isa 53:5  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.

Isaiah 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

7  And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

exp. Though Israel was in great sin - nobody stirred themselves up as God pointed out their iniquity. They were content to stay in unrighteousness.

ill. Man saved 6 years - refusing yet to be baptized.

1.) Disobedient to the clear example in God's Word of believer's baptism.

2.) Refusing to identify with the Lord Jesus.

3.) Refusing to do what is commanded in the name of the Trinity.

note: What could possible happen if he would get right in this one area of his life?

1.) Other areas of his life would change.

2.) Unsaved family friends and neighbors would have a clear witness.

3.) The church would be encouraged.

THAT IS ONE MAN GETTING RIGHT IN ONE AREA OF HIS LIFE. The fact that he has thougth so much about this proves to me that God's Spirit has told him to do it and that He has resisted the command of God.

question: Has God spoken to your heart? What are you going to do?

5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.

  ill. Early church revival - Act 19:19  Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

exp. God's plan is righteousness NO MATTER WHAT THE COST.

a. Cast down what has cast you down.

2Co 10:5  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;

exp. A lot of people would say - it doesn't matter what I think. What matters is what I do. God says - deal with your thinking!

 app. SINCE God wants you to cast down EVEN thoughts - what about things? internet, tele, friendships, gambling, music, movies, mobiles, etc. 

b. Come out from them and separate.

 exp. There are some Christians who act as if God is ok with their sinful lifestyle. But, God says COME OUT AND SEPARATE FROM SIN.

2 Corinthians 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

 ill. Duchess - been sneaking up at night and getting toys to chew up. I was getting frustrated by her disobedience. Then I remembered something I read in the dog manual - get something she likes to chew on - only give it to her at night or when we are absent.

exp. Are you frustrated by sin? What have you done about it? You can act like there is nothing you can do or you can get back to the manual of God's Word.

 app. God will go to the battle of righteousness before those who destroy all that pertains to the enemy.

 

III. Follow Him into the battle of parenting.

exp. God wants to lead you into this battle for victory.

Isa 40:11  He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

 ill. There is a huge attack today on the family. Speaking with Alec - 83 year old - about the strap - "You got it once and you didn't want to get it again."

1.) Pray about the battle.

2.) Get a promise from God.

3.) Let God lead in the battle.

4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.

5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.

 

IV. Follow Him into the battle of ministry.

exp. God wants to lead you into this battle for victory.

Joh 21:22  Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

1.) Pray about the battle.

2.) Get a promise from God.

3.) Let God lead in the battle.

4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.

5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.

 

V. Follow Him into the battle of intercession.

exp. God wants to lead you into this battle for victory.

 ill. Revival in India - children praying....

1.) Pray about the battle.

question: Pray about prayer? The disciples did.

Luk 11:1  And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2.) Get a promise from God.

3.) Let God lead in the battle.

4.) Stir yourself up when God's Spirit moves.

5.) Destroy all that pertains to the enemy.

 

 conclusion:

David was victorious because God went before Him. Are you losing battles because you aren't following God into battle.

1.) Are you praying about the battle.

2.) Have you found a promise?

3.) Are you following God's plan?

4.) Are you stirring yourself up when God's Spirit stirs?

 

5.) Have you destroyed all that pertains to the enemy?

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