Courage and the Will of God

I. How did they misunderstand so badly?

History with the Ammonites

Descendants of Lot Gen 19:38

Israelites forbidden to take their land Deut 2:19

Deuteronomy 2:19 NKJV

And when you come near the people of Ammon, do not harass them or meddle with them, for I will not give you any of the land of the people of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the descendants of Lot as a possession.’ ”

Eglon the Moabite King forged an alliance between him and the Ammonites to take Jericho Judges 3:12-13

Judges 3:12–13 NKJV

And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord. So the Lord strengthened Eglon king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord. Then he gathered to himself the people of Ammon and Amalek, went and defeated Israel, and took possession of the City of Palms.

Jephthah defeated the Ammonites who oppressed the Trans-Jordanian Israelites Judges 11

Nahath the Ammonite besieged Jabesh-gilead 1 Sam 11

David’s intent - Chesed and its countercultural concept. Review previous sermon.

The shame

David’s reaction - to the buildup of troops, not to the shame.

The presence of misunderstanding and Christian persecution. 1 Cor 2:8; 2 Cor 4:3

1 Corinthians 2:8 NKJV

which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

2 Corinthians 4:3 NKJV

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

II. Fog of War . . .

Battle 1 - Stalemate at Rabbah of Ammon 2 Sam 10:6-14

Battle 2 - Victory against the Syrians at Helam 2 Sam 10:15-19 = Battle 2 Sam 8:3-6.

Battle 3 - Siege of Rabbah 2 Sam 11:1; 12:26

III. Be of Good Courage.

May the Lord do what is good - The place of Divine Sovereignty in courage. It admits risk, while placing confidence in God.

The need of courage for physical danger

Military

Law Enforcement

Health problems

Other places where courage is needed

To risk financially

Going into the unknown Matt 6:31ff

Matthew 6:31ff NKJV

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Starting a business Eccl 11:4

Ecclesiastes 11:4 NKJV

He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not reap.

To risk relationally Isaiah 51:7

Isaiah 51:7 NKJV

“Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults.

By sharing the Gospel Acts 4:29-31

Acts 4:29–31 NKJV

Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

by confronting someone for their sin James 5:19-20

James 5:19–20 NKJV

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

By asking forgiveness for yours James 5:16

James 5:16 NKJV

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

To admit your feelings Romans 12:15

Romans 12:15 NKJV

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.