Humility and Strength: The Christian's Spiritual Battle

 

Summary

In 1 Kings 20, we encounter the story of Ben Hadad, the king of Syria, who besieges Samaria and sends a message to Ahab, the king of Israel, demanding his silver, gold, wives, and children. Ahab initially agrees but later refuses when Ben Hadad demands more. This narrative sets the stage for a reflection on the nature of conflict and the Christian life. The ancient custom of taunting before battle is contrasted with the Christian call to contend for truth with love and kindness, avoiding bitterness and pride.

The proverb, "Let not him that girds on his harness boast himself as he that puts it off," serves as a central theme. It warns against the pride that often accompanies new beginnings, whether in faith, ministry, or life. The young believer, newly girded with the armor of faith, is cautioned against boasting. The armor signifies weakness and the need for divine protection, not a reason for pride. The sermon emphasizes that the Christian life is a continuous battle requiring humility, reliance on God, and perseverance.

The message also highlights the danger of self-confidence and the importance of recognizing one's vulnerabilities. The armor, though bright and new, will be tested and tried. It is not the armor itself but the strength and grace of God that ensures victory. The sermon encourages gratitude, prayer, and obedience as essential practices for those beginning their Christian journey. It warns against the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance, urging believers to trust in God's strength rather than their own.

As the sermon concludes, it reflects on the humility and reliance on God that characterize those who have walked with Christ for many years. These seasoned believers, nearing the end of their earthly journey, find no reason to boast in their accomplishments but rather in the grace and faithfulness of God. The message is a call to all believers, new and old, to place their confidence in God alone, recognizing that salvation and strength come from Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Danger of Pride in New Beginnings: When we first put on the armor of faith, there is a natural tendency to boast. However, this pride is misplaced, as the armor signifies our weakness and need for divine protection. True strength comes from God, and we must remain humble and reliant on Him. [07:32]

2. Armor as a Sign of Weakness: The armor we wear as Christians is not for show but for protection in the spiritual battle. It reminds us of our vulnerabilities and the need for God's grace to sustain us. Boasting in our armor is foolish, as it is a gift from God, not a testament to our strength. [21:04]

3. The Continuous Battle of Faith: The Christian life is a lifelong journey of perseverance and reliance on God. It is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring patience, endurance, and constant dependence on divine strength. We must be vigilant and prayerful, recognizing that the battle is ongoing. [18:55]

4. The Perils of Self-Confidence: Self-confidence can lead to spiritual downfall. We must be aware of our weaknesses and the potential for failure, relying on God's strength rather than our own. True humility acknowledges our need for God's grace in every aspect of life. [23:39]

5. The Humility of Seasoned Believers: Those who have walked with Christ for many years find no reason to boast in their accomplishments. Instead, they recognize the sustaining power of God's grace and the importance of humility and reliance on Him. Their lives testify to the faithfulness of God. [41:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - The Siege of Samaria
- [02:24] - The Nature of Conflict
- [03:48] - Learning from the Wicked
- [05:21] - Girding on the Harness
- [07:32] - The Tendency to Boast
- [10:46] - The Danger of Self-Confidence
- [14:40] - The Effort of Excellence
- [18:55] - The Continuous Battle
- [21:04] - Armor as a Sign of Weakness
- [23:39] - The Perils of Self-Confidence
- [27:06] - The Gift of Armor
- [31:02] - Obedience and Watchfulness
- [35:50] - The Humility of Seasoned Believers
- [41:20] - The Testimony of Experience

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Kings 20:1-11

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the initial demand made by Ben Hadad to Ahab, and how did Ahab respond? [00:32]
2. How did the elders and people of Israel advise Ahab when Ben Hadad increased his demands? [01:17]
3. What proverb did Ahab use in his response to Ben Hadad, and what does it imply about boasting? [02:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the proverb "Let not him that girds on his harness boast himself as he that puts it off" relate to the Christian life and the dangers of pride? [07:32]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the armor of faith signifies weakness rather than strength? [21:04]
3. How does the sermon describe the continuous battle of faith, and what does it say about the need for divine strength? [18:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt prideful at the beginning of a new journey. How can you remind yourself to remain humble and reliant on God in similar situations? [07:32]
2. The sermon warns against self-confidence. Identify an area in your life where you might be relying too much on your own strength. How can you shift your trust to God in this area? [23:39]
3. Consider the seasoned believers in your life. What qualities of humility and reliance on God do they exhibit that you can learn from? [41:20]
4. How can you incorporate gratitude, prayer, and obedience into your daily routine to strengthen your faith journey? [29:02]
5. Think of a recent conflict or challenge you faced. How can you approach similar situations with love and kindness, as opposed to bitterness and pride? [02:40]
6. Identify a specific vulnerability or weakness in your spiritual life. What steps can you take to seek God's grace and protection in this area? [21:04]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to rely on God's strength rather than their own, especially those who are new to the faith? [18:55]

Devotional

Day 1: The Subtlety of Pride in New Beginnings
When we embark on new journeys, whether in faith, career, or personal growth, there is often an initial excitement that can lead to pride. This pride is deceptive, as it masks our vulnerabilities and the true source of our strength. In the Christian life, the armor of faith is not a symbol of our own power but a reminder of our need for divine protection. It is crucial to recognize that our strength comes from God, and we must remain humble and reliant on Him. The armor signifies our weakness and the necessity of God's grace to sustain us. [07:32]

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself boasting or feeling self-sufficient? How can you shift your focus to rely more on God's strength today?


Day 2: Armor as a Reminder of Our Need for God
The armor of faith is not merely for display; it is a vital protection in the spiritual battles we face. It serves as a constant reminder of our vulnerabilities and the necessity of God's grace. Boasting in our armor is foolish because it is a gift from God, not a testament to our strength. As Christians, we must understand that the armor signifies our dependence on God and His provision for our lives. It is through His strength and grace that we find victory in our spiritual journey. [21:04]

Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection: How does recognizing your vulnerabilities change the way you approach your daily spiritual battles? What steps can you take to rely more on God's grace and protection?


Day 3: The Lifelong Journey of Faith
The Christian life is not a short sprint but a lifelong marathon that requires perseverance, patience, and constant reliance on God. It is a continuous battle where we must remain vigilant and prayerful, recognizing that the journey is ongoing. The strength to endure comes from God, and we must be diligent in seeking His guidance and support. This journey of faith calls for humility and a steadfast commitment to trust in God's plan and timing. [18:55]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can cultivate endurance and patience in your spiritual journey? How can you remind yourself daily to rely on God's strength?


Day 4: The Dangers of Self-Confidence
Self-confidence can be a perilous trap that leads to spiritual downfall. It is essential to be aware of our weaknesses and the potential for failure, relying on God's strength rather than our own. True humility acknowledges our need for God's grace in every aspect of life. By recognizing our limitations, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's strength and guidance. This awareness helps us avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance, leading to a more profound dependence on God. [23:39]

Proverbs 3:5-7 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on your own understanding? How can you practice trusting God more fully in those areas today?


Day 5: The Wisdom of Seasoned Believers
Those who have walked with Christ for many years often exhibit a profound humility and reliance on God. They find no reason to boast in their accomplishments but instead recognize the sustaining power of God's grace. Their lives testify to the faithfulness of God, and they serve as examples of the importance of humility and dependence on Him. As believers, we are called to learn from their experiences and place our confidence in God alone, acknowledging that salvation and strength come from Him. [41:20]

Psalm 71:17-18 (ESV): "O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come."

Reflection: Who is a seasoned believer in your life that you admire? What can you learn from their journey with Christ, and how can you apply those lessons to your own walk of faith?

Quotes

"Let it not be so among us if we have to contend for the truth let us Endeavor to do it in the kindest spirit and if we must Smite let it always be with the iron Rod of Truth held in the hand of Love wounding none nor exalting over the them but breaking in pieces their errors and their sins by the help of God." [00:02:40]

"The young man who is newly converted is giring on his harness he has newly made profession of his faith and is come forward to be baptized and United with the church he is ging on his harness and andon he is going back to the wouse where they will know that he professes to be a Christian." [00:05:18]

"Let not him that girds on his harness boast himself as he that puts it off it will do also for young men and women who are commencing life for themselves Lately married beginning housekeeping and intending to do so well opening the new shop with such Fair prospects moving to a new farm with such Bright Hopes." [00:06:01]

"Human nature is both poor and proud it is so poor that it is naked and miserable and yet it is so proud that it claims to be rich and increased in goods and to have need of nothing if men carried their heads where they should they would not be among the stars but down in the dust." [00:07:39]

"It is much easier to be puffed up than to be built up much easier to grow in self-conceit than in vital godliness a little advancement turns many brains barck was employed by the prophet to write the role and straight way he had high ideas of what barck must be and he needed the message seek you great things for yourself seek them not." [00:10:43]

"Boasting in putting on the harness sometimes arises from the notion that we shall avoid the faults of others we ought to do so and we think we shall we hear of a person who fell through becoming proud and we feel sure that we shall keep humble because we know the evil of Pride." [00:15:30]

"When through divine grace you buckle on your breastplate of righteousness think to yourself this poor heart of mine would soon be wounded with mortal sin if it were not for God's infinite love in providing me this quer Rass of impenetrable metal when you fit on those shoes with which your feet are to be shaw." [00:20:46]

"Your armor young man though it glistens and in the sunlight looks like burnished silver of affords you no ground for boasting for if sin had not made you weak you would have required no armor whatsoever again it will be well to refrain from boasting for your harness which you are putting on is meant for use." [00:22:10]

"Fighting for Christ is not all parade the young recruit puts on the colors the sergeant gives him his Shilling and he feels himself a mighty man as he goes down the village he will feel rather different when he is carried on the ambulance into the hospital to lose a limb or pine away to a skeleton." [00:32:53]

"Think as little as ever you can of yourself you will never ear there no man ever walks too humbly or has too little self-conceit but think as much as ever you can of your God you will never think too well of him the grand grandest Reliance upon God that ever a man had was warranted by the truth." [00:34:09]

"I love to look upon my venerable Brethren and sisters who have been in Christ these many years and have worn so well but they may not put off their harness yet for until we get across the river we are never out of gunshot of the enemy I have heard say that horses fall oftener at the bottom of a hill than anywhere else." [00:35:56]

"The tendency of advancing years on Christians is to take away self-confidence and to make them more confident in God those who have had real experience of the things of God do not talk about perfection in the flesh but they confess their past failures and mourn over them they do not even say that if they had their lives over again they would do better." [00:41:01]

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Transcript
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