You May have to Face it but you don't have to Fight it

Vision 2017: Let

You may have to Face it, but you don’t have to Fight it

2 Chronicles 20:1

Introduction:

I. The Enemy will come

A. No one among us is exempt from life’s battles

a. Challenges change with age and maturity but each will help grow and strengthen you.

b. James 1:2

1. James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials NKJV

2. James 1:2Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. NLT

3. James 1:2Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. Message Bible

B. Jehoshaphat was traveling his nation encouraging the people & leaders to do what is right in the sight of the LORD. You should know the tactic of the enemy is to attempt to stop you from promoting what is good and right.

a. He wants to cause fear and doubt.

b. Let God arise – Let faith emerge – Let praise announce – Let _____

2 Chronicles 20:2-3, 15 (BIBLE)

II. Not Your Battle

Remember the application: Letting God win.

A. Trust

a. Jehoshaphat didn't allow fear to overcome and defeat him. Though he had a reason to panic and fear his response was right. He prayed and asked his nation to pray. [Myotonic (Fainting) Goat Video]

b. The CJB says, "he determined to seek Adonai. " Amplified Bible "determinedly, as his vital need"

1. He gave, set himself as face to face with God to seek, ask, to consult.

2. ***God is saying, the time for self-sufficiency is over.

B. Seek

a. God has His plan in place for you, humble prayer mobilizes that action. Prayer is not changing the mind of God, it positions you to hear and receive from Him.

b. When Jehoshaphat sought the LORD this was an act of worship, surrender stating he had more faith and trust in Yahweh than in his military.

c. "Prayer and fasting draw us closer to the heart of God, and they put us more in line with His power. Fasting is a powerful expression of our total dependence on Him." -David Guzik

C. Action

a. Response to prayer. 2 Chronicles 20:15 says, "The battle is not yours, but God's."

Some might say, "Well, since God has got this I don't have to do nothing." Or "I just need to stay here and pray."

b. The instructions include taking part because God wants your participation; "Tomorrow, march out against them." It is a significant step of faith to align yourself with the Word of God.

D. Adoration

a. As Jehoshaphat began in humility he continues. His prayer is filled with adoration and as the LORD answers his response is worship. The next day marching towards the battle line praisers are appointed.

1. Here is the song they sang, “Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!”

2. ***Praise is evidence of faith.

b. Why would they worship? They were not delivered, their enemy was still alive, still marching towards them but "their devotion rose from trustful and grateful hearts." -Charles Spurgeon They knew what God had said!

c. They acted on their faith the next morning by getting up & marching towards the army they knew God had already defeated. It wasn't just that they had been in an exciting church service but they actually believed what God said. "To believe God's Word is to believe God Himself."

III. Victory is already Present – Let God Win

A. The armies of Ammon, Moab & Mt. Seir had no clue why they were fighting & killing each other. Yahweh, the LORD of Heaven's Armies turned them against the other.

a. As Israel approached the battle zone singing and praising – 2 Chronicles 20:24ball they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. NLT

b. Israel was expecting to view the vastness of three great armies - the LORD had already fought the battle before they ever got there. Just as the LORD has already defeated Satan, even before time began.

c. After three days of collecting the plunder how do they conclude but with a praise and worship service.

B. The reason we can do this is because of the resurrection of Christ.

- He asks us to:

* Repent

* Live by Faith

* Be Baptized

* Be Filled with His Spirit

Conclusion: PRESENT THE GOSPEL FOR SALVATION – EVERY WEEK – AND THE NEED TO COME FORWARD IN PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF CHRIST