Sunday, October 14-2018

"Show-up, God Has Won Your Battle" (2 Chronicles 20:14-17;24-26a)

Sermon Text Scripture:

(2 Chronicles 20:14-17 NIV) Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.  (15)  He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.  (16)  Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.  (17)  You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"  2 Chronicles 20:24-26 NIV  When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped.  (25)  So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it.  (26)  On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the LORD. 

Sermon Outline:

I. The King and People are encouraged by Jahaziel's Prayer (vv.14-15)

II. Jahaziel Encouraged Them to Face Their Fears and the Enemy (v.16)

III. Jahaziel Gave Them Wonderful News (v.17)
IV. Israel Claimed God's Victory Over Their Enemy (vv. 24-26a)

Responsive Reading:

(2 Samuel 5:22-25 NIV)  Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim;  (23)  so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the mulberry trees.  (24)  As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army."  (25)  So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

Messenger and presenter: Pastor James A. Donald