The Lord of the Little Flocks

26 The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this time at Aphek. 27 Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside! 28 Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

INTRODUCTION:

A- Background

B- Life Lesson from this passage:

1- When things seem bleak, trust in the Lord.

I- TAKE YOUR DIRECTIONS FROM GOD'S WORD. (1 Kings 20:1-21)

A- Resist the temptation to give-in to the enemy. (1 Kings 20:1-12)

1 Kings 20:1–12 NLT

1 About that time King Ben-hadad of Aram mobilized his army, supported by the chariots and horses of thirty-two allied kings. They went to besiege Samaria, the capital of Israel, and launched attacks against it. 2 Ben-hadad sent messengers into the city to relay this message to King Ahab of Israel: “This is what Ben-hadad says: 3 ‘Your silver and gold are mine, and so are your wives and the best of your children!’ ” 4 “All right, my lord the king,” Israel’s king replied. “All that I have is yours!” 5 Soon Ben-hadad’s messengers returned again and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I have already demanded that you give me your silver, gold, wives, and children. 6 But about this time tomorrow I will send my officials to search your palace and the homes of your officials. They will take away everything you consider valuable!’ ” 7 Then Ahab summoned all the elders of the land and said to them, “Look how this man is stirring up trouble! I already agreed with his demand that I give him my wives and children and silver and gold.” 8 “Don’t give in to any more demands,” all the elders and the people advised. 9 So Ahab told the messengers from Ben-hadad, “Say this to my lord the king: ‘I will give you everything you asked for the first time, but I cannot accept this last demand of yours.’ ” So the messengers returned to Ben-hadad with that response. 10 Then Ben-hadad sent this message to Ahab: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if there remains enough dust from Samaria to provide even a handful for each of my soldiers.” 11 The king of Israel sent back this answer: “A warrior putting on his sword for battle should not boast like a warrior who has already won.” 12 Ahab’s reply reached Ben-hadad and the other kings as they were drinking in their tents. “Prepare to attack!” Ben-hadad commanded his officers. So they prepared to attack the city.

1- Why do we give in to the enemy?

a- Fear

(1) Fear of those who oppose us.

(2) Fear of personal failure or inadequacy.

b- Unbelief

(1) we don't believe that God is able to give the victory.

(a) ignoring the evidence.

(2) We don't believe that he will give us the power we need.

(Acts 1:8)

Acts 1:8 NLT

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

2- Seek out godly counsel That is in harmony with scripture. (1 Kings 20:7-8)

a- Council that inspires faith in God.

(Psalm 23:4)

Psalm 23:4 NLT

4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

b- Council that encourages resistance to the adversary.

(James 4:7)

James 4:7 NLT

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

B- Listen to the assurance that comes from God word. (1 Kings 20:13)

1 Kings 20:13 NLT

13 Then a certain prophet came to see King Ahab of Israel and told him, “This is what the Lord says: Do you see all these enemy forces? Today I will hand them all over to you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

1- Stop and listen for God to speak. (1 Kings 20:13a)

1 Kings 20:13a NLT

2- God's word will do two things: (1 Kings 20:13b)

1 Kings 20:13b NLT

· It will provide assurance and encouragement.

(Psalm 35:8)

Psalm 35:8 NLT

8 So let sudden ruin come upon them! Let them be caught in the trap they set for me! Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me.

· It will convict us of his lordship.

(John 15:26)

John 15:26 NLT

26 “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.

(John 16:8)

John 16:8 NLT

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

C- Follow the directives God gives. (1 Kings 20:14-21)

1 Kings 20:14–21 NLT

14 Ahab asked, “How will he do it?” And the prophet replied, “This is what the Lord says: The troops of the provincial commanders will do it.” “Should we attack first?” Ahab asked. “Yes,” the prophet answered. 15 So Ahab mustered the troops of the 232 provincial commanders. Then he called out the rest of the army of Israel, some 7,000 men. 16 About noontime, as Ben-hadad and the thirty-two allied kings were still in their tents drinking themselves into a stupor, 17 the troops of the provincial commanders marched out of the city as the first contingent. As they approached, Ben-hadad’s scouts reported to him, “Some troops are coming from Samaria.” 18 “Take them alive,” Ben-hadad commanded, “whether they have come for peace or for war.” 19 But Ahab’s provincial commanders and the entire army had now come out to fight. 20 Each Israelite soldier killed his Aramean opponent, and suddenly the entire Aramean army panicked and fled. The Israelites chased them, but King Ben-hadad and a few of his charioteers escaped on horses. 21 However, the king of Israel destroyed the other horses and chariots and slaughtered the Arameans.

1- To find out the specifics.

2- Follow them completely.

II- REMEMBER THAT ONE BATTLE DOES NOT WIN THE WAR. (1 KINGS 20:22-26)

1 Kings 20:22–26 NLT

22 Afterward the prophet said to King Ahab, “Get ready for another attack. Begin making plans now, for the king of Aram will come back next spring.” 23 After their defeat, Ben-hadad’s officers said to him, “The Israelite gods are gods of the hills; that is why they won. But we can beat them easily on the plains. 24 Only this time replace the kings with field commanders! 25 Recruit another army like the one you lost. Give us the same number of horses, chariots, and men, and we will fight against them on the plains. There’s no doubt that we will beat them.” So King Ben-hadad did as they suggested. 26 The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this time at Aphek.

A- Prepare for future battles by strengthening yourself. (1 KINGS 20:22 a)

1 Kings 20:22 NLT

22 Afterward the prophet said to King Ahab, “Get ready for another attack. Begin making plans now, for the king of Aram will come back next spring.”

1- Prepare by spending time with God.

· In the word of God.

· In prayer.

· In obedience.

B- Prepare for future battles by guarding your testimony and conduct. (1 Kings 20:22b)

1 Kings 20:22b NLT

22 Afterward the prophet said to King Ahab, “Get ready for another attack. Begin making plans now, for the king of Aram will come back next spring.”

1- Take a serious look at your actions and attitudes.

· Are they in harmony with scripture?

· Would Jesus do the same?

C- Prepare for future battles different avenues of attack by the enemy. (1 Kings 20:22c-26)

1 Kings 20:22c–26 NLT

23 After their defeat, Ben-hadad’s officers said to him, “The Israelite gods are gods of the hills; that is why they won. But we can beat them easily on the plains. 24 Only this time replace the kings with field commanders! 25 Recruit another army like the one you lost. Give us the same number of horses, chariots, and men, and we will fight against them on the plains. There’s no doubt that we will beat them.” So King Ben-hadad did as they suggested. 26 The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this time at Aphek.

1- Different, but have the same objective.

· Note the scriptural warning about possible avenues of attack.

o (1 John 2:16)

1 John 2:16 NLT

16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

· Note the scriptural warning about the purpose of the attacks.

o (John 10:10)

John 10:10 NLT

10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

o (1 Peter 5:8)

1 Peter 5:8 NLT

8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

III- TRUST THAT GOD IS THE LORD OF THE MOUNTAIN TOPS AND IN THE VALLEYS. (1 KINGS 20:27-30)

1 Kings 20:27–30 NLT

27 Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside! 28 Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” 29 The two armies camped opposite each other for seven days, and on the seventh day the battle began. The Israelites killed 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers in one day. 30 The rest fled into the town of Aphek, but the wall fell on them and killed another 27,000. Ben-hadad fled into the town and hid in a secret room.

A- Small in number does not Indicate weakness. (1 Kings 20:27)

1 Kings 20:27 NLT

1- many times God has made to prevail.

· Gideon and the 300 men. (Judges 7: 7-12 )

Judges 7:7–12 NLT

7 The Lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.” 8 So Gideon collected the provisions and rams’ horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him. The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon. 9 That night the Lord said, “Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them! 10 But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. 11 Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” So Gideon took Purah and went down to the edge of the enemy camp. 12 The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count!

· Elisha and his servant (2 Kings 6:15-23)

2 Kings 6:15–23 NLT

15 When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. 16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 18 As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, “O Lord, please make them blind.” So the Lord struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked. 19 Then Elisha went out and told them, “You have come the wrong way! This isn’t the right city! Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to the city of Samaria. 20 As soon as they had entered Samaria, Elisha prayed, “O Lord, now open their eyes and let them see.” So the Lord opened their eyes, and they discovered that they were in the middle of Samaria. 21 When the king of Israel saw them, he shouted to Elisha, “My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?” 22 “Of course not!” Elisha replied. “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.” 23 So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel.

· The small band of believers on Pentecost. (Acts 1-2)

B- God is the Lord of the mountain tops and of the valleys. (1 Kings 20:28)

1 Kings 20:28 NLT

28 Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

1- It is not hard to see that the Lord is God.

· We readily see God's hand in times of revival.

· We readily see God's hand in other times of spiritual highs.

2- It is sometimes hard to know that God is Lord During the valley experiences.

· Daniel in the lions den.

· Joseph in Pharaoh's prison.

C- God will not stop short of victory if we follow him. (1 Kings 20:29-30)

1 Kings 20:29–30 NLT

29 The two armies camped opposite each other for seven days, and on the seventh day the battle began. The Israelites killed 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers in one day. 30 The rest fled into the town of Aphek, but the wall fell on them and killed another 27,000. Ben-hadad fled into the town and hid in a secret room.

1- The key to victory is always obedience and surrender to God.

· Let God win the victory through you (Colossians 1: 27)

Colossians 1:27 NLT

27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

IV- DO NOT STOP SHORT OF TOTAL VICTORY BY COMPROMISE. (1 KINGS 20:31-34)

1 Kings 20:31–34 NLT

31 Ben-hadad’s officers said to him, “Sir, we have heard that the kings of Israel are merciful. So let’s humble ourselves by wearing burlap around our waists and putting ropes on our heads, and surrender to the king of Israel. Then perhaps he will let you live.” 32 So they put on burlap and ropes, and they went to the king of Israel and begged, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please let me live!’ ” The king of Israel responded, “Is he still alive? He is my brother!” 33 The men took this as a good sign and quickly picked up on his words. “Yes,” they said, “your brother Ben-hadad!” “Go and get him,” the king of Israel told them. And when Ben-hadad arrived, Ahab invited him up into his chariot. 34 Ben-hadad told him, “I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will release you under these conditions.” So they made a new treaty, and Ben-hadad was set free.

A- Don't make friends with enemies of God. (1 Kings 20:31-33)

1 Kings 20:31–33 NLT

1- There is to be no relationship established with enemies of God.

(Matthew 6: 32)

Matthew 6:32 NLT

32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

(John 8: 44)

John 8:44 NLT

44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

2- Friendship with the world puts us at enmity with Christ.

(James 4: 4)

James 4:4 NLT

4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

B- Don't compromise God's principles for the sake of peace. (1 Kings 20:34-43)

1 Kings 20:34–43 NLT

34 Ben-hadad told him, “I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will release you under these conditions.” So they made a new treaty, and Ben-hadad was set free. 35 Meanwhile, the Lord instructed one of the group of prophets to say to another man, “Hit me!” But the man refused to hit the prophet. 36 Then the prophet told him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, a lion will kill you as soon as you leave me.” And when he had gone, a lion did attack and kill him. 37 Then the prophet turned to another man and said, “Hit me!” So he struck the prophet and wounded him. 38 The prophet placed a bandage over his eyes to disguise himself and then waited beside the road for the king. 39 As the king passed by, the prophet called out to him, “Sir, I was in the thick of battle, and suddenly a man brought me a prisoner. He said, ‘Guard this man; if for any reason he gets away, you will either die or pay a fine of seventy-five pounds of silver!’ 40 But while I was busy doing something else, the prisoner disappeared!” “Well, it’s your own fault,” the king replied. “You have brought the judgment on yourself.” 41 Then the prophet quickly pulled the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. 42 The prophet said to him, “This is what the Lord says: Because you have spared the man I said must be destroyed, now you must die in his place, and your people will die instead of his people.” 43 So the king of Israel went home to Samaria angry and sullen.

1- Any compromise with the enemy will backfire.

· Israel had problems with Syria repeatedly because of this compromise.

(1 Kings 22:31, 2 Kings 6:8; 2 Kings 8; 2 Kings 12, 13, 16)

· There is no way to peacefully coexist and compromise. The enemy will dominate in the end. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

2 Corinthians 6:17 NLT

17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.