Steadfastness in Spiritual Battles: Lessons from Ephraim

 

Summary

In reflecting on the story of the children of Ephraim, we are reminded of the importance of steadfastness in our spiritual journey. The children of Ephraim, though armed and skilled, turned back in the day of battle, a metaphor for the spiritual battles we face as believers. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale for us, highlighting the dangers of retreating when faced with trials and the consequences of failing to uphold our commitments to God.

The story of Ephraim is not just a historical account but a mirror reflecting the struggles of many professing Christians today. Some turn back at the first sign of difficulty, while others endure for a time but eventually falter when the battle intensifies. This pattern of retreat is not uncommon, and it underscores the need for perseverance and faithfulness. True faith is not just about starting the journey but about enduring to the end, even when the path is fraught with challenges.

The narrative also challenges us to examine our own lives and the battles we face. Are we turning back when we should be pressing forward? Are we allowing fear, doubt, or the pressures of the world to cause us to retreat? The call is to stand firm, to remember the covenant we have with God, and to trust in His promises. It is only through perseverance and reliance on God's strength that we can hope to overcome the trials we face.

Moreover, the story of Ephraim serves as a reminder of the impact our actions have on the broader community of faith. When we turn back, it not only affects our own spiritual journey but also the church and the world around us. Our faithfulness, or lack thereof, can either advance the kingdom of God or hinder its progress.

In conclusion, the story of the children of Ephraim is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, faithfulness, and reliance on God's strength. It challenges us to examine our own lives, to stand firm in the face of trials, and to be faithful witnesses to the world.

Key Takeaways:

- Perseverance in Faith: True faith is demonstrated not just in starting the journey but in enduring to the end. It is essential to remain steadfast, even when faced with trials and challenges, trusting in God's promises and strength. [06:34]

- Impact of Our Actions: Our spiritual battles and victories have a ripple effect on the broader community of faith. When we turn back, it affects not only our journey but also the church and the world, highlighting the importance of faithfulness. [35:02]

- The Danger of Forgetfulness: Forgetting God's past works and wonders can lead to spiritual retreat. It is crucial to remember and treasure God's kindness and faithfulness as a source of strength and encouragement in times of trial. [32:44]

- The Covenant as a Source of Strength: The covenant with God provides both security and blessings. Remembering this covenant can empower us to face our foes and prevent us from turning back in the day of battle. [29:20]

- The Consequences of Turning Back: Turning back in the day of battle can lead to spiritual defeat and loss. It is a reminder of the importance of standing firm and being faithful to God's call, lest we lose the opportunity to advance His kingdom. [39:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Story of Ephraim
- [01:15] - Historical Context and Speculations
- [03:34] - The Act of Turning Back
- [04:04] - Challenges Faced by Christians
- [06:34] - The Importance of Perseverance
- [09:09] - Defending the Faith
- [11:37] - Spiritual Warfare and Personal Battles
- [13:24] - The Inopportune Time of Retreat
- [16:18] - The Role of Trials in Spiritual Growth
- [20:09] - The Consequences of Turning Back
- [24:07] - The Weapons of Our Warfare
- [28:05] - Reasons for Spiritual Retreat
- [34:31] - The Mourning of Spiritual Fathers
- [39:38] - The Unfinished Battle for the Kingdom

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 78:9 - "The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle."
2. 1 Samuel 4:10-11 - "So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died."
3. 1 Chronicles 7:20-22 - "The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, Zabad his son and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the native-born men of Gath, when they went down to seize their livestock. Their father Ephraim mourned for them many days, and his relatives came to comfort him."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 78:9 reveal about the children of Ephraim's actions during battle? How does this relate to the spiritual battles mentioned in the sermon? [00:10]
2. In 1 Samuel 4:10-11, what were the consequences of Israel's defeat, and how does this connect to the theme of turning back in the day of battle? [03:04]
3. According to 1 Chronicles 7:20-22, what event led to Ephraim's mourning, and how might this have influenced the tribe's reputation for turning back? [00:42]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the children of Ephraim serve as a metaphor for the spiritual battles faced by believers today? What lessons can be drawn from their actions? [03:34]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of remembering God's past works and wonders. How does forgetfulness contribute to spiritual retreat, and what can be done to combat this tendency? [32:29]
3. What role does the covenant with God play in providing strength and security during spiritual battles, according to the sermon? How can believers rely on this covenant in their own lives? [29:20]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a spiritual battle. Did you stand firm or turn back? What factors influenced your decision, and how might you respond differently in the future? [06:34]
2. The sermon highlights the impact of our actions on the broader community of faith. How can you ensure that your spiritual journey positively influences those around you? [35:02]
3. Consider the role of forgetfulness in your spiritual life. What practical steps can you take to remember and treasure God's past works and wonders as a source of strength? [32:44]
4. How does the covenant with God empower you to face challenges? Identify a specific promise from God that you can hold onto during difficult times. [29:20]
5. The sermon warns of the consequences of turning back in the day of battle. What are some potential "battles" you might face in the coming weeks, and how can you prepare to stand firm? [39:38]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel tempted to retreat. What support or resources can you seek from your faith community to help you persevere? [08:38]
7. How can you actively contribute to advancing the kingdom of God in your community? What specific actions can you take to ensure you are not hindering its progress? [38:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Perseverance in Spiritual Battles
In the story of the children of Ephraim, we see a powerful metaphor for the spiritual battles faced by believers. Despite being armed and skilled, the children of Ephraim turned back in the day of battle, illustrating the danger of retreating when faced with trials. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that true faith is not just about starting the journey but enduring to the end. It is essential to remain steadfast, trusting in God's promises and strength, even when the path is fraught with challenges. The call is to stand firm, to remember the covenant we have with God, and to trust in His promises. [06:34]

"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." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific challenge you are currently facing that tempts you to turn back? How can you rely on God's strength to persevere through it today?


Day 2: The Ripple Effect of Our Faith
Our spiritual battles and victories have a ripple effect on the broader community of faith. When we turn back, it affects not only our journey but also the church and the world around us. The story of Ephraim serves as a reminder of the impact our actions have on the broader community of faith. Our faithfulness, or lack thereof, can either advance the kingdom of God or hinder its progress. This highlights the importance of faithfulness and the responsibility we have to be faithful witnesses to the world. [35:02]

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made that impacted others. How can you ensure your future actions positively influence your community of faith?


Day 3: Remembering God's Faithfulness
Forgetting God's past works and wonders can lead to spiritual retreat. It is crucial to remember and treasure God's kindness and faithfulness as a source of strength and encouragement in times of trial. The story of Ephraim challenges us to examine our own lives and the battles we face. Are we allowing fear, doubt, or the pressures of the world to cause us to retreat? Remembering God's past faithfulness can empower us to face our foes and prevent us from turning back in the day of battle. [32:44]

"Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." (1 Chronicles 16:12, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to recall a specific instance where God showed His faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you in your current struggles?


Day 4: The Covenant as Our Strength
The covenant with God provides both security and blessings. Remembering this covenant can empower us to face our foes and prevent us from turning back in the day of battle. The story of Ephraim serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, faithfulness, and reliance on God's strength. It challenges us to examine our own lives, to stand firm in the face of trials, and to be faithful witnesses to the world. [29:20]

"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10, ESV)

Reflection: How does the knowledge of God's covenant with you provide strength and security in your current battles? What specific promise from God can you hold onto today?


Day 5: The Consequences of Turning Back
Turning back in the day of battle can lead to spiritual defeat and loss. It is a reminder of the importance of standing firm and being faithful to God's call, lest we lose the opportunity to advance His kingdom. The story of Ephraim is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, faithfulness, and reliance on God's strength. It challenges us to examine our own lives, to stand firm in the face of trials, and to be faithful witnesses to the world. [39:38]

"But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." (Hebrews 10:38, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you are tempted to shrink back. What steps can you take today to stand firm and remain faithful to God's call?

Quotes


This I'm sorry to say is not an unusual thing amongst professing Christians they turned back they turned back in the day of battle some do this at the first appearance of difficulty there is a line in the way saith the slothful man I shall be slain in the streets they hear that there is some trouble involved in Christian service or that some persecution may be met with in The Pursuit Of Truth and straightway they look before they leap as the world hath it and turn back from the way which they supposed to be that of safety. [00:04:01]

Others are somewhat braver they bear the first Brunt where the skirmishes begin these are as bold as any they can return blow for blow and you hear them boast as they buckle on their armor at such a rate that you would suppose if you did not know that boasters are seldom good at fighting that they must certainly be victorious during the first thrust they stand like Martyrs and behave like Heroes but very soon when the Armor gets a little battered and the fine plume on their helmet a little stained they turn back in the day of battle. [00:04:46]

Oh Brethren it is only those who persevere to the end that will be saved and only those who have a true faith in Jesus Christ have a sure evidence of their election of God these be they who shall be clothed with white raiment and shall sit down upon his throne forever but how many who bade fair to do this after all turned back. [00:07:08]

These are often the trials that God sends and it is by these that he separates the chaff from the wheat and lets us see who our true soldiers and who are only the lackies who wear regimentals but have not the soldier's heart pulsing beneath the Scarlet God grant us Grace to be found at last men that turned not back in the day of battle. [00:08:38]

There are some Christians here who are doing nothing I should not say this perhaps if I were preaching on Sunday for I thank God that I could not in my own heart say it of my own members the most of them are doing I believe as much as life in them or if not I hope they very soon will be but I'm persuaded that there are many other Christians who are not doing what they should do but are shrinking from practical service. [00:12:05]

They turned back and their doing so would not have mattered much had they done it in a day of feasting they could always be spared then but that was not when they did it they always had their faces to the front when there was any feasting to be done they turned back when on holidays when the banners waved High and the silver trumpet sounded no they were in the front then. [00:13:40]

How much there is we do that will not stand trial how much there is of godliness which is useful for anything accepting that which it is meant for it is all in vain for me to say if I have bought a waterproof coat that it is good for everything except keeping the water out why then it is good for nothing and so there are some Christians who have got a religion that is good for every day except the day when it has to be tested and then it is good for nothing. [00:14:32]

If you forget that Covenant you will soon turn back and so prove that you are not in it but the remembrance of it gives strength to God's people to persevere since they feel that God's purpose is that they shall persevere and so win the victory the Covenant however not only secures safety but it also provides all sorts of blessings if a Christian always had his eye on the Covenant Storehouse he could never desert his God for the world. [00:29:20]

They also seem to have turned back because they had bad memories they forget his works and the Wonders that he had showed them my dear friends we the members of this church have seen many of God's wonders and have rejoiced in them and if we were to forget these we should lack one means of comfort in our own Darkness some of you have had very wonderful manifestations of the Lord's kindness. [00:32:44]

What a lamentation it brings into the Christian church when a professor Falls there is one heart which fills it with peculiar poignancy the heart of him who thought he was the spiritual father of the person so falling there are no griefs connected with our work like the grief of mourning over Fallen professors especially if these happen to be ministers men who are armed and carry bows for when they turn back well accuted and well skilled in war it is heartbreaking work indeed. [00:34:31]

Owing to their turning back the enemy remained owing to many Christians not doing what they ought to do in the day of battle romanism is still in this land and infidelity is Rife if in the days of Elizabeth and Grandma men had acted up to the light they then had we should not be as we now are a semi-popish nation had Luther himself been faithful to some of the light to which he shut his eyes he might have inaugurated a more perfect Reformation than that for which we are still devoutly grateful to God and for which we always cherish his memory. [00:35:02]

It is our turning back in the day of battle that leaves Canaan unconquered for our Lord but worse than this the ark itself was actually taken my dear friends those of you who are armed and carrying bows men of learning men who understand the scriptures I do pray you do not turn back just now for just now seems to be a time when the Ark of God will be taken it can never really be so but still we must mind that it be not the tendency of our actions. [00:39:38]

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Transcript
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