Worship as Warfare: Slaying Giants Through Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today's message emphasized the importance of understanding our spiritual battles and the power of worship as a form of warfare. We began by discussing the song we sang, not as a mellow tune but as a declaration of war against the spiritual forces that seek to defeat us. This led us into the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17, where we explored the significance of names and places in the Bible, revealing how the enemy tries to fence us in and break us down.
David's story is a powerful reminder that God often uses the seemingly insignificant and untrained to accomplish His purposes. David, a young shepherd, was not trained as a soldier but was prepared by God through his time of worship and tending sheep. His confidence was not in his physical abilities or emotions but in the Lord Almighty. David's victory over Goliath was not just a physical triumph but a spiritual one, achieved through his unwavering faith and the power of his decrees.
We also touched on the importance of decrees in spiritual warfare. David's declarations before facing Goliath were acts of faith that set the stage for his victory. These decrees were birthed in his time of worship and covenant relationship with God. Similarly, we are called to be worship warriors, using our praise and declarations to fight spiritual battles.
The message concluded with a call to recognize the anointing within us as worship warriors. We are in a season of warfare, and God is raising us up to be giant slayers. Our preparation in worship and covenant with God equips us to face and defeat the giants in our lives. The battle is the Lord's, and through Him, we will see victory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Worship as Warfare: Worship is not just a time of singing but a powerful act of spiritual warfare. When we lift our voices in praise, we are declaring God's greatness and engaging in battle against spiritual forces. Our confidence should be in God, not in our emotions or physical condition. [49:57]
2. Significance of Names and Places: The names and places mentioned in the Bible often carry deep spiritual meanings. Understanding these can reveal the enemy's tactics and God's strategies for victory. For instance, the enemy tries to fence us in and break us down, but God has a plan for our deliverance. [01:24:14]
3. God Uses the Unlikely: God often chooses the seemingly insignificant and untrained to accomplish His purposes. David, a young shepherd, was prepared by God through his time of worship and tending sheep. His victory over Goliath was a result of his faith and relationship with God, not his physical prowess. [01:37:40]
4. Power of Decrees: Decrees are powerful acts of faith that set the stage for victory. David's declarations before facing Goliath were not just words but acts of faith that aligned with God's will. We too can make faith-filled decrees in our spiritual battles, knowing that God honors His word. [01:46:08]
5. Anointing of Worship Warriors: We are called to be worship warriors, using our praise and declarations to fight spiritual battles. Our preparation in worship and covenant with God equips us to face and defeat the giants in our lives. The battle is the Lord's, and through Him, we will see victory. [01:52:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[49:28] - Introduction to Worship as Warfare
[49:57] - Confidence in God, Not Emotions
[50:21] - Declaring God's Greatness
[59:53] - Healing and Prayer
[01:02:14] - Commanding Healing in Jesus' Name
[01:05:22] - Binding Pain and Injury
[01:15:56] - High Holy Days Announcement
[01:16:43] - Significance of Rosh Hashanah
[01:17:42] - Upcoming Events
[01:18:43] - Personal Reflections and Golf Tournament
[01:20:15] - Introduction to 1 Samuel 17
[01:21:01] - Reflecting on Giants
[01:22:12] - David and Goliath Story
[01:24:14] - Significance of Names and Places
[01:30:09] - Enemy's Tactics
[01:31:41] - Goliath's Intimidation
[01:32:48] - Modern Context of the Battle
[01:35:12] - Israel's Fear and God's Plan
[01:36:14] - God's Choice of the Unlikely
[01:37:40] - David's Preparation
[01:39:21] - David's Confidence in God
[01:40:33] - David's Anointing as a Worshiper
[01:41:37] - David's Weapons
[01:42:34] - David's Faith and Decrees
[01:45:02] - Power of Decrees
[01:46:08] - David's Victory
[01:48:00] - Faith in Action
[01:49:38] - Worship Warriors Anointing
[01:52:49] - Prayer and Closing
[01:57:01] - Intercessors Meeting
[01:57:01] - Dismissal and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 17:1-50
2. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
3. Job 22:28
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the names and places mentioned in 1 Samuel 17:1, such as Soka, Azekah, and Ephesdamon? How did these names relate to the spiritual battle described in the sermon? [01:24:14]
2. How did David's preparation as a shepherd and his time in worship equip him to face Goliath? [01:37:40]
3. What were the specific decrees David made before facing Goliath, and how did these declarations demonstrate his faith? [01:46:08]
4. According to 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, why does God choose the "foolish" and "weak" things of the world? How does this relate to David's victory over Goliath?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "worship as warfare" change the way we view our times of worship? What does it mean to engage in spiritual battles through worship? [49:28]
2. In what ways does understanding the significance of names and places in the Bible help us recognize the enemy's tactics and God's strategies for victory? [01:24:14]
3. How can the story of David and Goliath inspire us to trust in God's preparation and anointing, even when we feel insignificant or untrained? [01:37:40]
4. What role do faith-filled decrees play in our spiritual battles, and how can we incorporate this practice into our daily lives? [01:46:08]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt fenced in or broken down by life's challenges. How can you use worship as a form of warfare to overcome these spiritual battles? [49:28]
2. Are there specific names or places in your life that carry significant spiritual meaning? How can understanding these help you recognize and combat the enemy's tactics? [01:24:14]
3. Think about an area in your life where you feel unprepared or insignificant. How can you trust in God's preparation and anointing, as David did, to face your own "giants"? [01:37:40]
4. What are some faith-filled decrees you can make in your current spiritual battles? Write down a few declarations and commit to speaking them in faith. [01:46:08]
5. How can you cultivate a mindset of being a worship warrior in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to engage in spiritual warfare through worship? [01:52:49]
6. Identify a "giant" in your life that you need to confront. How can you prepare spiritually, emotionally, and physically to face this challenge with the confidence that the battle is the Lord's? [01:46:08]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to become worship warriors? Share practical ways you can uplift each other in times of spiritual warfare. [01:52:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as Spiritual Warfare
Worship is a powerful act of spiritual warfare.
Worship is not merely a time of singing but a profound act of spiritual warfare. When we lift our voices in praise, we are declaring God's greatness and engaging in battle against spiritual forces. Our confidence should be in God, not in our emotions or physical condition. Worship shifts our focus from our circumstances to the sovereignty and power of God, enabling us to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. By worshiping, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His presence into our battles, transforming our praise into a weapon of warfare. [49:57]
2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (ESV): "And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.' And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you incorporate worship into your response to this challenge today?
Day 2: Significance of Names and Places
Names and places in the Bible reveal spiritual truths.
The names and places mentioned in the Bible often carry deep spiritual meanings. Understanding these can reveal the enemy's tactics and God's strategies for victory. For instance, the enemy tries to fence us in and break us down, but God has a plan for our deliverance. By studying the significance of these names and places, we can gain insight into the spiritual battles we face and the ways God intends to bring us victory. This understanding helps us to see beyond the physical realm and recognize the spiritual dynamics at play. [01:24:14]
Genesis 28:16-17 (ESV): "Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.' And he was afraid and said, 'How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a place or situation in your life where you feel "fenced in." How might understanding the spiritual significance of this place change your perspective?
Day 3: God Uses the Unlikely
God often chooses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes.
God often chooses the seemingly insignificant and untrained to accomplish His purposes. David, a young shepherd, was prepared by God through his time of worship and tending sheep. His victory over Goliath was a result of his faith and relationship with God, not his physical prowess. This reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities, to fulfill His plans. Our confidence should be in God's power working through us, rather than our own strength or qualifications. [01:37:40]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt insignificant or unqualified. How can you trust God to use you in your current situation?
Day 4: Power of Decrees
Faith-filled decrees set the stage for victory.
Decrees are powerful acts of faith that set the stage for victory. David's declarations before facing Goliath were not just words but acts of faith that aligned with God's will. We too can make faith-filled decrees in our spiritual battles, knowing that God honors His word. These decrees, birthed in our time of worship and covenant relationship with God, can shift the atmosphere and bring about God's purposes in our lives. By speaking God's promises and truths, we activate His power and authority in our circumstances. [01:46:08]
Job 22:28 (ESV): "You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways."
Reflection: What is one promise from God's Word that you can declare over your life today? How can you make this declaration a daily habit?
Day 5: Anointing of Worship Warriors
We are called to be worship warriors in spiritual battles.
We are called to be worship warriors, using our praise and declarations to fight spiritual battles. Our preparation in worship and covenant with God equips us to face and defeat the giants in our lives. The battle is the Lord's, and through Him, we will see victory. Recognizing the anointing within us as worship warriors empowers us to stand firm and trust in God's deliverance. As we engage in worship, we are not only expressing our love for God but also participating in His divine strategy for overcoming the enemy. [01:52:49]
Psalm 149:6-9 (ESV): "Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord!"
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate worship into your daily routine to prepare for spiritual battles? What specific steps will you take to become a worship warrior?
Quotes
1. "Jesus is on our side. Our bodies might fail us. Our emotions might fail us. But listen, my faith and my confidence is not in my emotions. It's not in my physical condition. My faith and my confidence is not in my emotions. My confidence is in the Lord God Almighty, King of all the earth, King of kings, Lord of lords, the mighty Lord of hosts, the one who is our warrior, the one who is our victory. And we need to lift up our voices in praise." [50:21] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Listen, those are not words of our lack. Those are words of our need of God's supply because God is always our supply. What we have isn't fit for him anyway. So let's hallelujah, hallelujah. Jesus Christ is king and he's not a loser. He's a winner. Hallelujah. He has already won every victory. Hallelujah. We praise you, Jesus. Hallelujah." [59:53] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are not moved by what we feel. We're moved by what God says, and God said to do it, we did it, we conquered. Amen? We conquered." [01:21:01] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The enemy only comes to steal, kill and destroy. And he's out to get us. So now the Israel then was encamped or we're facing an enemy, at least that was camped between fence in and dug over in a land that was the final boundary of your whole blood life." [01:30:09] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The enemy is still doing that today, even in the service after the warfare that we've done this week, even in this service. That same enemy is trying to encamp against us." [01:31:41] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "God always has a plan. And as we battled this week, it may have seemed like we weren't enough. Or it may have felt like there was so much going on. We was just barely surviving the schedule. And whoever thought of having services five nights in a single week, who will arise?" [01:37:40] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Listen, folks, we can't discount our time of preparation. And I know it seems like there's been months, maybe years of idleness. It seems like idleness as God has been getting us ready. But the word tells us, do not despise small beginnings. It may have seemed that you were doing nothing. All we do is just gather on Sundays and worship the Lord. But God created you for a moment. He created you for this moment. He created you to take out the giants. He made you his champion for such a time." [01:39:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "David was not ready to walk in the anointing of a king. He was, however, ready and able to walk in the anointing of a worshiper. And that was God's secret weapon." [01:41:37] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Somebody that knows his God. Somebody that's been spending time in the presence of Yahweh. Someone who knew how to worship the Lord and knew who God was and knew his God was greater than the Philistine. Someone who had covenant with the Lord. Someone who was willing. Someone to stand on what God says." [01:42:34] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Listen, the taunting of the enemy is nothing compared to the greatness of the name of our God. I want us to stand. I'm going to pray for you today. And we're going to close. If you didn't know it already, this anointing is in you, but we're just bringing it to the surface. By name. Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you. You have raised up giant slayers in this house. And that you have raised up an anointing similar to David, that we are worship warriors." [01:52:49] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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