Looking Back, Looking Forward

INTRO

2023 was a very full year!

PRAYER

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MESSAGE

There is a war before us.

Recognize Our Enemy

Deuteronomy 20:1 (ESV)

‌1 “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own...

Israel’s Enemies

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Rely On His Strength

Deuteronomy 20:1 (ESV)

1 … you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you…

Ephesians 6:10 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Remember Your Victory / Rejoice In This Encouragement

Deuteronomy 20:1 (ESV)

1 … for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

Joshua 1:5 ESV

5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.

Matthew 28:20 ESV

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 ESV

8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Are you battle ready?

I can tell you who is not !!

Those whose dedication is incomplete.

Deuteronomy 20:5 ESV

5 Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Is there any man who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it.

Those who have born no fruit.

Deuteronomy 20:6 ESV

6 And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit.

Those with unfulfilled obligations.

Deuteronomy 20:7 ESV

7 And is there any man who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man take her.’

Those who are fainthearted.

Deuteronomy 20:8 ESV

8 And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.’

CLOSE

Deuteronomy 20:2–4 (ESV)

2 And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O CHURCH, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4 for the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’

GROUP QUESTIONS

What is your favorite action movie? What makes it your favorite? Tell us about the hero and the villain of the story.

What if anything stood out to you from this weeks message?

As you read over Deut 20:1-20 why do you think God gives Moses these rules for war?

What do you think about the rules specifically found in Deut 20.5-8?

what about the ones found in Deut 20.16-18? How would you explain this section to an unbeliever?

For most big events in your life do you tend to think of yourself as ready when you are not, or not ready even when you are? How might this thinking effect your life?

Why was it so important for Israel to constantly be reminded that THIS God brought them out of Egypt? What would you consider your “Egypt reminder” and why?