The Battle Cry

Battle Cry - 2 Chr 18:1-13 , Psalms 108:1-7

Exegetical Question: Are you only saying What God is Saying?

Title: "The Danger of Aligning with the World: Lessons from 2 Chronicles 18" Gen 3:1 1 Tim 2:11

Introduction:

Introduce the context: King Jehoshaphat, a godly king of Judah, allies himself with King Ahab of Israel through marriage (2 Chronicles 18:1). Despite being a righteous man, Jehoshaphat finds himself entangled in a dangerous alliance with an ungodly king. This chapter serves as a warning for believers about the importance of discerning God's will and the danger of aligning ourselves with the world.

I. Compromise with The World Is Ungodly -

Major Point 1: Be Cautious of Unholy Alliances

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:1-3

Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab, and together they planned to go to war against Ramoth Gilead.Lesson: Although Jehoshaphat was a man of God, he compromised by forming an alliance with an ungodly king. This teaches us that we must be careful about the relationships we form and the alliances we make, as they can lead us away from God’s purposes. The Bible warns against being "unequally yoked" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Application: Evaluate your relationships, partnerships, and alliances. Are they pulling you closer to God or away from Him? Surround yourself with people who will encourage your walk with Christ.

II. Worldly Council Which Defies God is Ungodly

Major Point 2: Seek God’s Counsel, Not Just Human Advice

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:4-6

Jehoshaphat wisely asks Ahab to seek the counsel of the Lord before going to battle. Ahab gathers 400 prophets who all prophesy victory, but they were not true prophets of God. Jehoshaphat recognizes something is wrong and asks for a true prophet of the Lord, leading to the summoning of Micaiah.Lesson: Not all advice, even from seemingly spiritual sources, is God’s counsel. True discernment requires seeking the voice of God, even when it contradicts the majority opinion. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding.

Application: Before making decisions, especially significant ones, take the time to seek God’s guidance through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel from godly leaders. Don’t rush to follow the crowd or what seems popular.

III. Not Being Committed to Truth Is Ungodly -

Major Point 3: Stand Firm in the Truth, Even When It’s Unpopular

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:7-13

Micaiah, the true prophet of God, stands alone in proclaiming the truth that Ahab will be defeated and killed in battle. Despite pressure from Ahab and his officials to conform to the majority, Micaiah remains steadfast in delivering God’s message.Lesson: There will be times when standing for the truth will put us at odds with the world. We must be willing to speak the truth in love, even when it’s unpopular, just as Micaiah did. Ephesians 6:14 urges us to "stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist."

Application: Are you willing to stand firm in your convictions, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular? Seek strength from God to be a bold witness for the truth.

IV. We Will Suffer Consequences for Ungodliness -

Major Point 4: The Consequences of Ignoring God’s Warning

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:28-34

Ahab disguises himself in battle, but God’s word through Micaiah is fulfilled, and Ahab is killed by a random arrow. Jehoshaphat narrowly escapes with his life. Ahab’s refusal to heed God’s warning ultimately leads to his downfall.Lesson: Ignoring God’s warnings and choosing to follow our own desires can have severe consequences. Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Ahab’s fate is a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God.

Application: Reflect on areas of your life where you might be ignoring God’s warnings. What changes do you need to make to align yourself with His will? Repent and seek His guidance to avoid the consequences of disobedience.

Conclusion:

Summary: 2 Chronicles 18 teaches us to be cautious about the alliances we form, to seek God’s counsel above all else, to stand firm in the truth, and to heed God’s warnings. Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab almost cost him his life, but through God’s grace, he was spared.

Call to Action: Evaluate your alliances, seek God’s counsel in all decisions, stand firm in the truth, and take heed of God’s warnings in your life. God desires to guide us, protect us, and lead us in paths of righteousness. Trust Him in all things.

Closing Prayer: Ask for wisdom to discern God’s will, courage to stand firm in the truth, and a heart that is quick to obey God’s warnings.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with God's will and avoiding the influence of the world. It calls for careful reflection on relationships, decision-making, and obedience to God.

The Conquest for the Land - Numbers 14

I. Don’t listen to the majority, March with the Minority

II. There are walls which Must come Down, there is a Rahab in the Land Jos 2-3

III. When you are battling, there is an AI in the way - Hidden sins affect everyone when taking the Land - Jos 7-8

IV. The Kings will always come for you-Watch for the unity of the World against you - Jos 11

V. The Strategy - Defeat the Strongest - Jos 12

1. Drop the Strong Man

2. Each Tribe deal and take your Territory

VI. Watch for errors you will make in the Conquest - Dan 3

1. Don’t leave Pockets of the Enem