The 5 Stones of Victory

May 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

May 22, 2009

Text: 1 Samuel 17:41-51

Title: The 5 Stones of Victory

 

Thoughts:

There’s been numerous sermons, articles, and papers written about the meaning of the 5 smooth stones David accumulated before his confrontation with Goliath. And, this is not one of them. However, it just seemed to work with the 5 challenges we discussed Sunday morning for Dismembering Sin. In our conflict with sin, these are some of the spiritual keys we should remember. So, here’s my list of stones:

 

1) I have to call it ‘sin’. If I am truly going to slay the giant that is before me, I must come to the reality that it is ‘sin’. Far too often I am tempted to mislabel sin in my life. I refer to it as a weakness, a family flaw, a personality issue, etc. When David heard Goliath’s taunts he asked one question: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine…?” In David’s understanding, this unbeliever was defying the armies of the living God. Goliath was sin standing in the way of God’s promises. If we are going to conquer it, this must be our attitude toward sin.

 

2) I have to understand it is spiritual. The moment we begin to approach sin as a mere physical issue that we must overcome, we have lost the battle. It is deeply spiritual and will not be undertaken without spiritual warfare. David did not wear Saul’s armor because it he had not tried it. Instead, he entered into battle with unconventional battle array because He had tried it before.

 

3) I must combat it with the Word. David had a keen awareness of who God was/is. Unlike the cowardly hosts, David recognized God’s role in this battle (1 Sam. 17:47). The psalmist declared, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Ps.119:11). When Christ battled Satan in the wilderness, He too displayed the importance of Scripture in our confrontation with sin. We must consume the promises and strength of God through His Word.

 

4) I must recall my past victories. Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony…” David’s confidence came in his victory over the lion and the bear. Repeatedly, he recalls God’s past deliverance and the assurance of His present presence (1 Sam. 17:37). Our previous victories, though they may not be as large as the present giant, give us the assurance and confidence in our God. Recall what God has done for you.

 

5) I must dismember the giant. Don’t settle for anything less than a defeated and decapitated giant!

 

Application:

Of the 5 stones, which comes to you easiest? Which one is the most difficult?

 

What is your Word intake plan? How are you applying it to your current battle?

 

Take some time to write out some past victories and use them as foundations for this current battle. Look at them often.

 

Prayer:

Father,

 

Sometimes facing the giant of sin seems so impossible. No one imagined David could be victorious over Goliath. Nevertheless, You delivered Your chosen servant, just as You will deliver me. I ask today that You will empower me with unconventional warfare in my battle against sin. Help me to ingest and digest Your Word today. May I be ever mindful of yesterday’s deliverance and always assured of Your presence today.

 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Eclectic Authority

May 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment

May 6, 2009

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Title: Eclectic Authority

 

Thoughts:

I guess it’s kind of funny how certain images and events stick in your mind. Seemingly insignificant, and for the most part they really are, they add good fodder for a thought years later. As a child, I have a distinct memory of the beefy and awkward, yet cutting-edge 8-track my dad had spliced into our car stereo system. At the time, we were current. Decades later, we have weeks of music at our fingertips and that is wirelessly sent to our stereo systems.

 

In addition to the obvious size differences, the music eras have other striking differences. The 8-track that I remember playing was limited to 1 artist in 1 genre played in sequential order. (How did we survive?) Today, our playlists include every possible mix of artist, genres, and order you can imagine…without the suitcase-sized library in the trunk. It is truly eclectic.

 

As I was writing yesterday’s devo, this word eclectic rose to the forefront of my mind concerning our current approach to authority. When Paul wrote Timothy, he reminded Timothy of the source of his authority. He penned, “…from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15) For Paul and Timothy there was but one source for their authority: the ancient text.

 

Admittedly, far too many of us have created an authority list than is as eclectic as our iPod playlists. We compile an “Authority” playlist from Scripture, friends, mentors, religious leaders, movie stars, and the internet community. Sadly, we deduce the ancient text that leads us to salvation and elevate the authority of our friends and superstars. In the end, God becomes as one of our office buddies; accepting and adopting our good ideas, just as we accept and adopt His. Unfortunately, this is not how authority works.

 

Eclectic mixes work in music. Authority, however, is as broad and narrow as Scripture. When we are judged, it will not be according to our “Authority” playlist. It will be according to the Word of God, just as the defendant in court will be held to the law of the land and not the eclectic worldview he has obtained from his friends and family plan.

 

Application:

If you were asked to present your “Authority” playlist, who would be on it? (Scripture, your church, friends, internet, etc.)

 

What dangers are there in placing equality in authority figures?

 

As you have followed the New Testament Challenge this week, how is God correcting your view of authority?

 

Prayer:

Father,

 

Today’s devo was stretching for me. Imagining my authority figures as a playlist, I could clearly see the influence media and others have had on my view of absolute authority. Paul’s words to Timothy stir me today. It is the sacred writings that made them wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. While others are certainly used in my discipleship process, You and Your Word will be the standard I am judged against. May I stand acquitted by my faith in Christ Jesus and obedience to His commands.

 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Respect for Authority

May 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

 

May 5, 2009
Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Title: Respect for Authority

 

Thoughts:

A year or so ago, I began to reflect upon the thought of what would be the most important lesson I could teach my children. After a few moments I settled on what may not sound too religious at all. My greatest lesson may possibly be: respect for authority. Yes, I do believe Jesus, God, and faith are essentials and non-negotiables. But each of these stand upon one foundation: the authority of Scripture, which establishes the authority of God.

I must admit I come from a bit of a tainted background. Coming from Bible Belt and raised in a God-fearing family, respect for adults, authority, and God were etched in my DNA strains at conception. Authority was not questioned, challenged, or violated without consequences.

While I don’t license everything about the manner in which I was raised, I do embrace the healthy foundation of respect for authority. Like bumper pads for children bowling, respecting authority has directed me toward my target in life. Unfortunately, we have a portion of our society that has failed to embrace a respectful view of authority. 

Scripturally, the apostle Paul establishes ultimate authority in the life of the believer, and for all creation for that matter. He refers Timothy, his protege, to the Word of God. He writes, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). In the future, when Paul is not there to sort through the issues, answer the questions, and render guidance, Timothy is encouraged to return to the Law as his reference point. In this, he will be “equipped for every good work.” Without it, Timothy would be tempted to organize, orchestrate, and operate from his own level of authority.

 

Application:

What does it mean to respect authority?

How much respect do you have for the Word of God?

Beyond the padded, lip-service answer, who has the true authority in your life? 

 

Prayer:

Father, 

Oh, that I would develop a passionate and reverent respect for Your Word. Beyond my own ideologies, I will be held to Your holy standard. May You ignite in my heart an honorable respect for Your authority. I am often tempted to value my beliefs and opinions above what You have already established. Bring me closer to You today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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