Spiritual Warfare

August 2, 2015

Scripture 

2 Chronicles 32: 2-8

When Hezekiah realized that Sennacherib also intended to attack Jerusalem, he consulted with his officials and military advisers, and they decided to stop the flow of the springs outside the city. They organized a huge work crew to stop the flow of the springs, cutting off the brook that ran through the fields. For they said, “Why should the kings of Assyria come here and find plenty of water?” Then Hezekiah worked hard at repairing all the broken sections of the wall, erecting towers, and constructing a second wall outside the first. He also reinforced the supporting terraces in the City of David and manufactured large numbers of weapons and shields. He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate. Then Hezekiah encouraged them by saying: “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. (NLT)

Obaervation

Hezekiah found himself under attack by the Assyrians.  How did he respond?

This is a great example of how to respond to spiritual warfare.

1.  He consulted with advisors.

A. He was not a Lone Ranger.

We are a part of the body of Christ.

B. Sought wisdom

Trusted friends and advisors.

2. Hezekiah worked hard

A. The Bible teaches to work out your own salvation

We depend upon the Holy Spirit and work out our salvation. It is and/both not either/or.  I am to be 100 percent defendant on Jesus and I am to work hard

B. Work ethic

The men and women who have made the biggest difference for the kingdom of God worked hard, sacrificed greatly, left it all on the field of battle.

3. He had faith that God would bring the victory.

Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” 

A. He worked hard while believing God would fight the battle fkor him.

B.  He believed in the power and greatness of God.

4. As a leader Hezikiah encouraged the  people.

A. Then Hezekiah encouraged them by saying: “Be strong and courageous! Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people

B. One the greatest gifts a leader can give his followers is encouragement.

To have heart.

Human beings need to be motivated, encouraged.

They need to be challenged to be brave, strong, and courageous 

Application

1. Have a strong work ethic

2. Remember theology tends to be both/and not either/or

3. Be 100 percent dependent on Jesus

4. Have wise advisors and seek out their counsel

Have them before you need them

Consult them even when you think you got this

5. Be an encourager

Anyone can suck the life out of others, but you be a person that speaks life into others.

Prayer 

May I work out my own salvation and depend 100 percent on you.