A Third Option

Introduction:

“Without this we cannot please God. What allows believers to live freely in a bound world? Every victory in the Christian life is experienced because of this fruit of the Spirit. By contrast, every defeat in the Christian life is experienced because of the work of the flesh~Doubt.”

Matthew 26:47–56

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

FIGHT:

Matthew 26:51 “And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.”

John 18:11 “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Galatians 5:15 “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”

FLIGHT :

Matthew 26:56 “But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”

Mark 14:50 “And they all forsook him, and fled.”

As individuals / people we have a third option.

Faith :

“faith as “a personal measurement of the level of confidence in what Christ has done and will do in, through, and for us.”

Matthew 26:39 “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Matthew 26:42 “He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”

Matthew 26:44 “And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.”

Jesus goes on to say in John 18:11.

John 18:11 “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

2 Corinthians 5:7 “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”

Practical Application

The lost:

When confronted with the Gospel message, which they initially deem as a spiritual stressful or threatening situation, they have three avenues to travel:

#1 Fight

#2 Flight

#3 Faith

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The Christian:

When confronted with a stressful or a threatening situation like difficulties or trials or offenses against us we have three options as the disciples did.

#1 Fight

John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword...

#2 Flight

#3 Faith

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

1 Peter 4:19 “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

We can depend on God to fight out battles.

Lam 3:23 “..great is thy faithfulness.”

Hebrews 13:6 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

Conclusion:

Psalms 119:28 “My soul melteth (weeps) for heaviness (sorrow): strengthen thou me according unto thy word..”

Pro 26:20 “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”

By faith give it to God and let Him handle it.

We don't fight a spiritual battle with physical weapons - it makes no sense.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Do you find yourself fighting or fleeing?

Remember we have a 3rd option - FAITH

Listen to the advice of Jesus.

Mark 11:22 “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.”

How is your faith doing today?

May our prayer today echo that of the apostles when they said unto Jesus:

Luke 17:5 “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.”

Blanks:

#1 FIGHT

#2 FLIGHT

#3 FAITH

#4 LOST

#5 CHRISTIAN