Reverence for the Lord leads to Victory
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Text: ,,
Intro: Reverence is the awe and respect of God. The respect of God is to acknowledge the holy power of God. This reverence gives you confidence when you know what God can do. This confidence in action inspires other and encourages others to walk with God. This synergy builds up in momentum toward victories in life. When one knows what God can do and is with someone else the number of witness should increase to four. Here my God calculus. Each one knows one and will tell that one what they have seen therefore the two became a minimum of four. Wait a minute God just gave me an update and let me know that the two become hundreds because they post it on their social media profile and got likes and shares immediately. #Godisgreat #VictoryinChrist.
Reverence is deep respect and high regard for someone or something. There are blessings in reverence for God:
1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways!
- “How joyful are those who fear the Lord - all who follow his ways.”
1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
12 But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off.
- “Not to us, O Lord, Not to us, but to your Name goes the Glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.”
- “Not to us, O Lord, Not to us, but to your Name goes the Glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.”
17 “Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!”
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
7 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. 2 She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table. 3 She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city. 4 “Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says, 5 “Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.” 7 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
Proverbs 9:1-7
1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns.
pro
- “But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know those who fear God will be better off.”
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
Knowledge is based on our fear for the Lord. “Fear of the Lord is the foundation for true knowledge” (Proverbs 9:1:7).
- “Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.”
- “Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.”
What is reverence?
What are benefits of having reverence foe God?
Jonathan has reverence for God and shares this same reverence with his armor bearer.
Jonathan shows us what reverence for God’s power looks like. Reverence for God leads one to know the power of God and how it will lead us to 1) Have the Faith in God to give us that same power in the issues ahead of us. 2) Secondly, reverence for God teaches us how to wait on the Lord. And 3) Thirdly, reverence in God leads us to know victory through the Lord. Jonathan at this time in our text is a direct contrast of his Father the king, Saul, who showed doubt in God by not waiting on Samuel as found in leading to his rejection as king. (NLT) — “How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. Had you kept it, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.”
How does Jonathan show reverence?
Who is Jonathan’s father?
What does Jonathan show his father does not?
Read Text: —
1 One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.” But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing.
6 “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” 7 “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” 8 “All right then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.” 11 When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” 12 Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!” 13 So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. 14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. 15 Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified. 16 Saul’s lookouts in Gibeah of Benjamin saw a strange sight—the vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction.
7 “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” 8 “All right then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.” 11 When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” 12 Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!” 13 So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. 14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. 15 Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified. 16 Saul’s lookouts in Gibeah of Benjamin saw a strange sight—the vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction.
23 So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle continued to rage even beyond Beth-aven.
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So we find Jonathan taking the initiative to go after the enemy and did not tell his father of this.
So we find Jonathan taking the initiative to go after the enemy and did not tell his father of this.
““Come and let us cross over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.” But he did not tell his father” ( NAS95). Notice how the narrator tells us of Jonathan not telling his father, but we do not find the impact Jonathan’s actions until some time later in this fourteenth chapter.
What we do see is Jonathan’s faith in full display. Jonathan believes that God is able to deliver Israel and give her victory. Jonathan trusts God to do so. We also see the armor bearer has trust in Jonathan who has placed his trust in God. “Jonathan’s faithfulness is evident in three parallel statements. First, he says, “It may be that the Lord will work for us; for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few” (v. 6). On the one hand, this is a statement of profound trust in Yahweh, indicating that the outcome of battle does not depend on arms. On the other hand, by prefacing his words with “It may be,” Jonathan is careful not to presume upon the freedom of Yahweh. Second, Jonathan establishes a criterion for knowing if the attack is the will of Yahweh (v. 10). Third, the sign is implemented and Jonathan concludes that the attack is intended by God (v. 12).”
How is Jonathan’s faith demonstrated?
How do you trust God?
Is there a need to worry?
Why do we worry?
Jonathan was no worried. He knew God knows what he needs. His reverence for God leads him to trust God with his life. The Lord will protect, provide, and prepare his servant with all they need. Jonathan was not worried about the number ratio, the climbing of the mountain, or the facing of death. Jonathan’s knowledge of God is based on the evidence of God’s faithfulness to Israel in the past. The truth that God has done it before and will do it again is true to Victory. God is undefeated and keeps on winning. So since Jonathan was not worried he was willing to follow the Lord’s lead in face the difficult task ahead.
Faith Leads you through hard times...
Jonathan’s faith leads him to cross the battlefield to face the Philistines. Saul on the other hand is found resting under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. Saul is also not doing a good job encouraging his troops to trust in the Lord. Their leader is not leading them. Saul’s army’s morale was low and they do not have any weapons.
I would like to also bring to you attention that chapter 13 tells us that only Saul and Jonathan were the only ones with proper weaponry.
22 So on the day of the battle none of the people of Israel had a sword or spear, except for Saul and Jonathan.
23 The pass at Micmash had meanwhile been secured by a contingent of the Philistine army.
Therefore Jonathan sees God has prepared him with what he needs to face his enemies.
“So it came about on the day of battle that neither sword nor spear was found in the hands of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan, but they were found with Saul and his son Jonathan” ( NAS95). Therefore Jonathan sees God has prepared him with what he needs to face his enemies.
Therefore Jonathan sees God has prepared him with what he needs to face his enemies.
Tell your neighbor, “Neighbor God will prepare you!”.
God will give us what we need to face what ever may come. And also know that the Lord will be with you! Part of God being with you and preparing you is positioning you for your victory.
Faith in God puts you in positions to see God work things in your favor.
From the enemies view Jonathan was in a position of disadvantage. Man does not know the plans of God. God however can allow you to know his plans and show you how he will give you victory. That is why Jonathan’s position did not dissuade him. The difficulties seem to be an opportunity for Jonathan to see what God will do for Israel. Israel is surrounded by their enemy and lack weapons to fight back, and are weakened. This bleak condition they are facing again does not stop Jonathan. Jonathan’s Reverence for the Lord leads him to make a difference by having his faith in the power of God’s covenant with Israel.
You too can keep the faith in God who has promised to make us more than conquered. We are victorious in Christ Jesus. Know that God will do what he said he will do.
There will be times in your life that you will be faced to choose to make a difference and not just go with the flow. Jonathan did not move on his own initiative however he moved with faith in God and broke from the flow of defeat. We too need to look to God for the direction toward our victory in our life. Faith in God will lead us in the right direction.
Seek to serve the Lord only and give him glory and honor by what we say and do. Jonathan’s faith in God moves him to believe that God will save his people. Jonathan just believes that God will give Israel victory over the Philistines. Jonathan was not trying to appease God or gain God’s favor but just believed that God is for Israel. Jonathan did not know how but he knew the Lord will make a way. God is always committed, because he is faithful.
While we are here may I ask what is stopping you from moving to where God is sending you? Is it fear? Have you allowed others tell you that you can’t do it? Have you seen others fail and you think that will be you as well? Let me encourage you to be like Jonathan and look to God for direction and guidance and move trusting the Lord will take care of you.
Just have reverence in God and walk by faith! ().
Jonathan moved trusting in God.“for we walk by faith, not by sight —” ( NAS95). Jonathan’s faith is demonstrated for his armor bearer as well:
“Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few.”” ( NAS95)
First, may I point out that Jonathan had the faith to move himself into the position for victory by willing to face his enemies. We must be willing to face our opposition with confidence that we have the victory! Stand with our trust in the Lord. When we put our trust in the Lord, He puts us in position to be used for His glory. We are created for the glory of the Lord. Do not miss your moment. Sometimes people miss out because they just did not move when it was time to move in obedience of the Lord. Or they miss out because of worry, fear and doubt. You do not need to worry or have a reason to fear. God is able! You have to be willing to face difficult times and have those difficult conversations.
Also take note that Jonathan was not moving foolishly. His total movement is based on the power of God. Look at verse 6 with me where Jonathan says,”Perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few” (NASB). Jonathan’s faith moved him to action in trusting in God. Therefore Jonathan would not move unless God tells him to move. Jonathan was open for God’s direction in his life. Our lives need to be open for God’s directions in our life.
WE need to submit to allow the Lord move however he wants move in our life. When he speaks we must just trust and obey. Obedience is what God desires this is what he will not reject.
Lack of faith in God will have you thinking with regrets like, “That could have been me, or only if I...” Let that not be you. Do not miss your victory because of worry, doubt and fear because you did not trust in God. Jonathan was placed in the position that he knew that only God would be responsible for his victory. If God did not deliver them, then there will be no victory. Jonathan knew his victory was only by faith in the Lord God.
Also I would like to Highlight that his armor bearer was willing to follow no questions asked. Remember this truth, that you too are not alone when facing your enemies. You may not have an armor bearer like Jonathan, but you do have an angel watching over you.
Wait let me talk about the armor bearer for a moment. The armor bearer is a follower and totally follows Jonathan. Where ever he goes he goes. “My Buddy and me.” He is willing to face what ever Jonathan is willing to face life or death. To others this speaks volumes for they understand that good leadership has good followers and good followers make good leaders. “His armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire.”” ( NAS95) The armor bearer made it clear I am with you. These are comforting words to hear when someone is willing to follow you and say I am with you.
So back to Jonathan who out of nowhere says, “lets go fight our enemy. Just the two of us to go fight many for I believe that are small number will not hinder our Awesome God for he is able to save with little or much. Jonathan did not hear, “I hear you but we are just two people.” Or “I think we should wait.” No! Jonathan heard do as your heart leads you and I will be with you.
This leads us to observe Jonathan’s next action which is kind of a lack of action because he waits on the Lord.
Have the Faith To Wait ()
“Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men and reveal ourselves to them. “If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you’; then we will stand in our place and not go up to them. “But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hands; and this shall be the sign to us.”” ( NAS95)
This faith to wait means to know that God moves at his time and not out time. They wait for God to show them the sign of when they should move.This is awesome to see that Jonathan is trusting God to show him the right time to move. Jonathan does not move on his own, but waits for the Lord to lead him. We too must trust the Lord to order our steps toward victory. Even when that involves waiting.
“Wait for it…”
Waiting can be defined to stay in place in expectation of someone or something. Another definition is “the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens.” We need to wait until God moves us or tells us it is time to move. God will always guide us to where he wants us to be.
Jonathan will reveal himself but will not move toward the enemy until they receive the sign from God. Jonathan waits for a sign from the Lord and the armor bearer waits for instructions from Jonathan. The armor bearer shows great faith — (NLT): 7 “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”
Have Faith in the Lord! For He will give you Victory!( NLT-SE)
11 When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” 12 Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!” 13 So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. 14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. 15 Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified. 16 Saul’s lookouts in Gibeah of Benjamin saw a strange sight—the vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction.
11 When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” 12 Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!” 13 So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. 14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. 15 Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified. 16 Saul’s lookouts in Gibeah of Benjamin saw a strange sight—the vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction. 17 “Call the roll and find out who’s missing,” Saul ordered. And when they checked, they found that Jonathan and his armor bearer were gone.
“When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the LORD will help us defeat them!”
“When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the LORD will help us defeat them!”
So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre.
Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified.
Saul’s lookouts in Gibeah of Benjamin saw a strange sight—the vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction. “Call the roll and find out who’s missing,” Saul ordered. And when they checked, they found that Jonathan and his armor bearer were gone.” ( NLT-SE)
How do you have victory in the Lord?
Why does reverence for the Lord give victory?
We have victory through Jesus Christ.
As we come to the crux of this story lets look at the actions taking place in verses 11-17 of the 14th chapter of First Samuel.
Jonathan orders his armor bearer to be right behind him, “For the Lord will help us defeat them!” And as they walked the Philistines fell before Jonathan and Jonathan’s armor bearer killed some who fell.
Then a panic broke out in the camp of the Philistines in the area. Then surly the presence of God was felt when an earthquake struck and the enemy was terrified. This great commotion causes Saul to look to see who is causes this commotion and checks his camp to find out that his son is missing. Then he pauses to see should he go out and join them. But as the cries of confusion from the enemy camp became louder that moves Saul to stop and go and attack.
From this there was a great victory over the Philistines.
23 So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle continued to rage even beyond Beth-aven.
Conclusion:
Jonathan’s faith in God lead him to step out and face the enemy of Israel. This awesome demonstration of faith by Jonathan brings to mind another act in the bible. Jonathan means “Yahweh gave” and yes God did give his only begotten Son. Jesus to come out before us and lead us before our enemies. Jesus boldly came and defeated all of our enemies as we follow him.
God was with them leading Jonathan and his armor bearer. Jonathan was follow the Lord and the armor bearer was following Jonathan. Just as God the Father sent Jesus to lead us to follow after him as his disciple submitting to his holy will.
Because of this we now can face our enemies knowing God will give us victory. God will continue make our enemies stumble and fall. That no one is able to stand against our God who is looking to defend his people. Will you trust him?