God: Our Warrior in Times of Struggle
Summary
In today's message, we explored the concept of God as the "Lord of the Fight," emphasizing His role as a divine warrior who fights on behalf of His people. We began by discussing the importance of rest and reflection, especially during the fast-paced holiday season. This time of rest allows us to connect with God and our families, fostering a deeper spiritual relationship. We then delved into a personal vision where Jesus appeared not as a gentle figure but as a commanding presence, challenging our preconceived notions of His nature. This vision served as a reminder that Jesus embodies both a servant's humility and a warrior's spirit.
We examined biblical instances where Jesus displayed His warring nature, such as when He cleansed the temple with righteous anger. This duality in Jesus' character is crucial for understanding His mission on Earth—not only to serve but also to confront evil and injustice. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and His ability to fight our battles, especially when we face societal and personal challenges. We were reminded that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in the struggles of His people.
The message also touched on the current state of the world, drawing parallels between biblical events and modern-day issues. It emphasized the need for believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting that God will bring justice and righteousness. We were encouraged to maintain a spirit of gratitude and worship, as these attitudes invite God's presence and intervention in our lives. Ultimately, the message called us to align ourselves with God's purposes, recognizing that He is the undefeated champion who fights for truth and justice.
Key Takeaways:
1. Rest and Reflection: In our fast-paced world, taking time to rest and connect with God is essential. This rest allows us to recharge spiritually and strengthens our relationship with God and our families. By prioritizing rest, we create space for God to work in our lives and reveal His plans. [02:49]
2. Jesus as a Warrior: Jesus embodies both humility and a warrior spirit. His actions in the temple demonstrate His commitment to justice and righteousness. Understanding this duality helps us appreciate the full scope of His mission and challenges us to confront injustice in our own lives. [03:56]
3. God's Sovereignty: God is actively involved in our battles, both personal and societal. He is not a passive observer but a powerful force fighting for truth and justice. Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that He is on our side. [05:55]
4. Gratitude and Worship: Maintaining a spirit of gratitude and worship invites God's presence into our lives. These attitudes align us with His purposes and open the door for His intervention. By focusing on gratitude, we shift our perspective from problems to possibilities. [09:42]
5. Standing Firm in Faith: In times of uncertainty, standing firm in our faith is crucial. By aligning ourselves with God's truth and justice, we become part of His divine plan. This steadfastness ensures that we remain on the right side of His fight, experiencing His blessings and rewards. [11:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:49] - Vision of Jesus as a Warrior
- [03:56] - Jesus Cleanses the Temple
- [05:55] - God's Sovereignty in Our Battles
- [07:55] - Modern Parallels to Biblical Events
- [08:51] - The Role of Gratitude and Worship
- [09:42] - Trusting in God's Justice
- [10:46] - The Importance of Standing Firm
- [11:55] - God's Response to Injustice
- [13:21] - The Power of Faith and Prayer
- [14:22] - Righteousness and Justice
- [15:35] - The Nature of God's Anger
- [16:20] - Personal Reflection and Repentance
- [18:20] - The Consequences of Provoking God
- [19:09] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 14:24-25
2. Luke 4:1-2
3. Psalm 103:6
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Observation Questions:
1. In Exodus 14:24-25, how does the passage describe God's intervention in the battle against the Egyptians? What does this reveal about His nature as a warrior?
2. According to the sermon, how did Jesus demonstrate His warring spirit when He cleansed the temple? [03:56]
3. In Luke 4:1-2, what role does the Spirit of God play in leading Jesus into the wilderness, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
4. How does Psalm 103:6 describe God's actions towards those who are oppressed, and how does this align with the sermon’s depiction of God as a fighter for justice?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the vision of Jesus as a commanding presence, as described in the sermon, suggest about the duality of His character? How does this challenge common perceptions of Jesus? [02:49]
2. How does the sermon connect the concept of rest and reflection with spiritual warfare? Why is rest considered essential in preparing for battles, both personal and societal? [05:55]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that gratitude and worship can invite God's intervention in our lives? How might this change one's approach to challenges? [09:42]
4. How does the sermon interpret the current state of the world in light of biblical events, and what role does faith play in navigating these challenges? [11:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current pace of life. How can you incorporate more rest and reflection to strengthen your spiritual relationship with God and your family? [02:49]
2. Consider a situation in your life where you need to confront injustice. How can you embody both humility and a warrior spirit, as Jesus did, in addressing this issue? [03:56]
3. Think about a personal or societal battle you are facing. How can trusting in God's sovereignty give you confidence in this situation? What steps can you take to align yourself with His truth and justice? [05:55]
4. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with gratitude. How can you shift your perspective from problems to possibilities through worship and thankfulness? [09:42]
5. In times of uncertainty, what practices can help you stand firm in your faith? How can you ensure that you are aligned with God's purposes and on the right side of His fight? [11:55]
6. Reflect on a recent challenge where you felt overwhelmed. How can the concept of God as the "Lord of the Fight" change your approach to similar situations in the future? [10:46]
7. How can you actively participate in God's fight for truth and justice in your community? What specific actions can you take to support His mission on Earth? [13:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Rest as a Sacred Practice
In our fast-paced world, taking time to rest and connect with God is essential. This rest allows us to recharge spiritually and strengthens our relationship with God and our families. By prioritizing rest, we create space for God to work in our lives and reveal His plans. [02:49]
Rest is not merely a physical necessity but a spiritual discipline that allows us to pause and reflect on God's presence in our lives. In the midst of our busy schedules, especially during the holiday season, it is crucial to intentionally set aside time for rest and reflection. This practice not only rejuvenates our bodies but also deepens our spiritual connection with God and our loved ones. By creating a rhythm of rest, we open ourselves to hear God's voice and discern His plans for us.
In the Bible, God Himself rested on the seventh day after creation, setting an example for us to follow. This divine rest is a reminder that we are not defined by our productivity but by our relationship with God. As we embrace rest, we allow God to work in our lives, bringing clarity, peace, and purpose.
"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done." (Genesis 2:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to create a sacred space for rest and reflection in your daily routine?
Day 2: Embracing Jesus' Dual Nature
Jesus embodies both humility and a warrior spirit. His actions in the temple demonstrate His commitment to justice and righteousness. Understanding this duality helps us appreciate the full scope of His mission and challenges us to confront injustice in our own lives. [03:56]
Jesus is often portrayed as a gentle and compassionate figure, but He also possesses a warrior spirit that confronts evil and injustice. This dual nature is evident in His actions, such as when He cleansed the temple with righteous anger. By understanding this aspect of Jesus' character, we gain a deeper appreciation for His mission on Earth. He came not only to serve but also to challenge the status quo and bring about justice and righteousness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this duality in our own lives. We are to be humble servants, yet bold in confronting injustice and standing up for truth. This requires courage and discernment, as we seek to align our actions with Jesus' example. By embracing both humility and a warrior spirit, we become agents of change in a world that desperately needs God's justice and love.
"And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables." (John 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace Jesus' warrior spirit to confront injustice or stand up for truth?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
God is actively involved in our battles, both personal and societal. He is not a passive observer but a powerful force fighting for truth and justice. Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that He is on our side. [05:55]
In times of personal and societal challenges, it is comforting to know that God is not a distant observer but an active participant in our battles. His sovereignty assures us that He is in control, fighting for truth and justice on our behalf. This understanding empowers us to face difficulties with confidence, knowing that we are not alone.
Trusting in God's sovereignty requires faith and surrender. It means acknowledging that His plans are higher than ours and that He is working all things for our good. As we place our trust in Him, we find peace and strength to navigate life's challenges. God's sovereignty is a source of hope, reminding us that He is on our side, fighting for us and with us.
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (Exodus 14:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender control and trust in God's sovereignty?
Day 4: The Power of Gratitude and Worship
Maintaining a spirit of gratitude and worship invites God's presence into our lives. These attitudes align us with His purposes and open the door for His intervention. By focusing on gratitude, we shift our perspective from problems to possibilities. [09:42]
Gratitude and worship are powerful spiritual practices that invite God's presence into our lives. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we shift our focus from our problems to the possibilities that God has in store for us. This change in perspective opens the door for God's intervention and aligns us with His purposes.
Worship, too, is a transformative practice that draws us closer to God. It is an expression of our love and reverence for Him, acknowledging His greatness and sovereignty. As we engage in worship, we create an atmosphere where God's presence can dwell, bringing peace, joy, and transformation. By maintaining a spirit of gratitude and worship, we position ourselves to experience God's blessings and guidance in our lives.
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate gratitude and worship into your daily routine to invite God's presence and intervention in your life?
Day 5: Standing Firm in Faith
In times of uncertainty, standing firm in our faith is crucial. By aligning ourselves with God's truth and justice, we become part of His divine plan. This steadfastness ensures that we remain on the right side of His fight, experiencing His blessings and rewards. [11:55]
In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, standing firm in our faith is essential. It is through our unwavering commitment to God's truth and justice that we align ourselves with His divine plan. This steadfastness ensures that we remain on the right side of His fight, experiencing His blessings and rewards.
Standing firm in faith requires courage and perseverance. It means holding onto God's promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. As we anchor ourselves in His truth, we find strength and hope to navigate the storms of life. By remaining steadfast, we become part of God's redemptive work in the world, bringing His light and love to those around us.
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to strengthen your faith and stand firm in God's truth and justice amidst life's uncertainties?
Quotes
So I'm excited to preach to you today, and next week will be kind of our Christmas service. And by the way, you know, people say, well, it's Christmas Eve and it's Christmas Day. How come you're not having in -person services on that? What is it, Wednesday, Thursday or whatever? And here's the deal. I feel like sometimes that if it ran on a Sunday or a Saturday night, it's different, but sometimes I think in the way that everything is just so fast -paced, everybody's always on the go. And sometimes what we don't get, what we don't get an opportunity to do is just rest. [00:00:22] (41 seconds)
And it came to pass in the morning watch that the Lord... Underline the Lord, circle it, kiss it, because this is proof that the Lord is the one that you don't pick a fight with. And he ain't afraid of a good fight. In the morning watch, the Lord. Everybody say the Lord. So who instigated the fight? The Lord. And there's times where God will step in. And I'm telling you, they angered God when they were chanting, kill more babies. God did not like that. He is gonna... Oh, them, they picked the wrong fight, man. [00:11:55] (36 seconds)
Come on, you want God to show up? You want the Lord of the fight to come? Don't be a complainer. God doesn't show up. He doesn't show up for people who have pity parties. He doesn't show up for people who live in the negative. He doesn't show up for people who complain all the time. You want him to fight for you? You give him a reason to. You talk words of faith. You talk words of covenant, right? Amen? He troubled the Egyptians. [00:22:04] (28 seconds)
And the Bible goes on in Psalm 106 and says, give thanks to the Lord for the Lord is good and his mercy endures forever. You need to declare every day, Psalm 23, 6. Jesus even to the point where at least three times in John 10 when he was describing himself to the Pharisees, he said, listen to me, I'm the good shepherd. All right, well, then you go over to Psalm 23 and you get a glimpse of what a good shepherd does. Well, he makes you lie down in green pasture, still waters. He restores your soul so you don't have to have a broken heart. [00:33:17] (31 seconds)
There were 12 spies that went into Israel. 10 of them got discounted and they all died because of a plague. Don't you dare let COVID -19 and the events make it so that when all, this gets settled and we get a reset, we come into the golden era that you're not included. Don't waffle. I said, and they said, well, how would we waffle? I said, don't ever. Joshua and Caleb had a different spirit and not one time did they ever cause the people's hearts to go towards the way of negativity. [00:36:06] (30 seconds)
And the Bible says he took away from the devil the keys to death, hell, and the grave, and kicked his butt, and made a public display in front of all the cloud of witnesses in paradise, all the angels that didn't fall, and every devil that did fall. And he made a public display, it was the day of vengeance. But then now, when Jesus was ascended, the Father hands him a scepter of righteousness, calls him God, and says, sit down at my right hand until all the enemies be thy footstool. [00:45:36] (29 seconds)
And he said, I'm gonna put war, enmity, between you and this woman. And all you're gonna be able to do is cause from the woman, I'm gonna raise up someone. Come on, he's speaking of Yeshua, the warrior. He said, and that's what Christmas is about. He said, look, this woman, through the lineage of a woman, their womb, I'm gonna raise up a mystery that you don't even know about, devil. That's why he tried to kill all the babies throughout the centuries, wondering who is this one that's gonna crush my head. [00:52:34] (31 seconds)
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