The Defense of Strongholds

“The Defense of Strongholds”

David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. I Samuel 23:14

Prayer: Heavenly Father,

So great is Thy faithfulness, O God,

Our Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. All that we’ve needed Thy hand hath provided.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto us!

Lord, we come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Lord we are aware that there are many forms of opposition-many strongholds that can keep our souls enslaved and captive and which prevent us from being strong in the Lord and in His mighty power in this evil day-but we pray that by Your grace and in the power of the Holy Spirit we would be strong in the day of battle and abide in Christ, who is our Shield and Buckler, Our defence and our defender-and in whose name we pray,

Amen.

I. INTRODUCTION

The Definition of Stronghold in Scripture, stronghold and fortress are often interchangeable terms.

A stronghold or fortress is simply a place of hiding.

Strongholds are known as instruments of warfare.

Follow good counsel and you will succeed; don’t go into battle without a plan.

When you go to war you need wise guidance, there is safety in getting advice from many counselors.

In any major decision we make concerning college, marriage, career, children, etc., it is not a sign of weakness to ask for advice. Instead, it is foolish not to ask for it. Find good advisers before making any big decision. They can help you expand your alternatives and evaluate your choices.

Big Idea:Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. Proverbs 20:18.

1. Strongholds were used for the defense of God’s people. David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. I Samuel 23:14

2. Old Testament strongholds often referred to God. Old Testament strongholds were used as a means of protection from the enemy. David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. I Samuel 23:14 The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hikilah, south of Jeshimon?I Samuel 23:19

1. Strongholds were used for the defense of God’s people.

2. Old Testament strongholds often referred to God. Old Testament strongholds were used as a means of protection from the enemy.

3.Strongholds were often physical structures. Strongholds were sometimes located in mountains and caves. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge even in the face of total destruction. He is not merely a temporary retreat; he is our eternal refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance.

1. Strongholds were used for the defense of God’s people.

2. Old Testament strongholds often referred to God. Old Testament strongholds were used as a means of protection from the enemy.

3.Strongholds were often physical structures. Strongholds were sometimes located in mountains and caves.

4.God is often referred to as our fortress & stronghold.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:2

God is a shelter, a refuge when we are afraid. This should be a picture of our trust-trading all our fears for faith in him, no matter how intense our fears. To do this we must “dwell” and “rest” with him(91:1). By entrusting ourselves to his protection and pledging our daily devotion to him, we will be kept safe.

Conclusion

1. Strongholds were used for the defense of God’s people.

2. Old Testament strongholds often referred to God. Old Testament strongholds were used as a means of protection from the enemy.

3.Strongholds were often physical structures. Strongholds were sometimes located in mountains and caves.

4.God is often referred to as our fortress & stronghold.

DEREK Redmond was a runner on the British sprint team. He was running the four-by-four hundred relay with his teammates. At the onset of the race, his team was moving nicely along the track. Then came the baton handoff to Derek. His job was to bring it home. His last leg of the race should have brought his team and good ol’ England a gold medal. But as he turned the corner, he pulled an Achilles tendon and fell flat on his face. He lay there on the ground, in desperate pain. He didn’t want to be there, but he was in too much pain to get up.

He began to crawl along the track. You could hear a pin drop, as all eyes focused on him trying to scratch his way forward. It was in the midst of this unfolding drama that a man came down from the stands, went over to the track, and picked up Derek Redmond.

One of the judges said, “I am sorry sir, you must leave the track.”

The older gentleman waved his hand and said, “Leave me alone, this is my boy.”

Derek Redmond’s father left the stands from on high and came down where Derek Redmond had fallen down to the dust, the dirt of defeat. He picked him up and put him on over his shoulder. He put his arms around his son’s waist and helped him cross the finish line.

The crowd stood up in applause. Derek Redmond and his father got more applause than the runners who didn’t fall at all. The people who never fell didn’t need help from their daddy. The people who never fell never needed help. They were sufficient to make it on their own.

Today, there is someone in the stands who sits up high, who is willing to come down, pick you up, and let you put your arm around His shoulder. He’ll put His arm around your waist, and He’ll drag you across the finish line. You can still come across the line, a winner, for the glory of God, by relying on Him to carry you through.