OceanSide church of Christ
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NEEDED: MORE BATTLES WON (2)
Victor M.
Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
In I Timothy 6:12, Paul
exhorted Timothy to fight the good fight of
faith.
1.
This fight is against evil
forces (Eph. 6:12).
For we wrestle
not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high
places.
2.
This fight is a daily
fight.
3.
This fight takes place on
many fronts.
B.
In the daily battles, each
one of us needs to be victorious.
We need to overcome the enemy as he exerts his forces upon
us.
C.
Last we looked at two areas
wherein we are challenged by the adversary: temptation and indifference. We also examined some helpful ways to be
victorious in these areas of the fight.
D.
Let’s look at some other
battle fronts that challenge God’s people this morning.
I. THE
DAILY GRIND OF LIFE
A.
Colossians 3:1-2 sets forth
the conflict in this area.
If ye then be
risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on
the right hand of God. Set your
affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
1.
We hear that we need to
focus more on spiritual things.
2.
However, our daily grind of
life occupies a great portion of our time.
We wonder how we can get the focus off the world and upon the
spiritual. There are so many things
that call for our attention: work,
finances, children, education, family, free time…
B.
There are numerous
suggestions that can be made to help us to overcome in this area. Let’s consider three
things.
1.
Remember that large parts of
our daily grind involve us in our quest to “seek those things which are
above.”
a.
The parenting process is commanded and regulated by God (Eph.
6:4).
b.
Our work is also sanctioned by God (I Tim. 5:8).
c.
With regard to finances, we seek to be faithful stewards of the things of
God (I Cor. 4:2).
2.
Prioritize your life.
a.
There are some things that are better to do than others, even when
neither are sinful actions (I Tim. 4:8).
For bodily
exercise profiteth little: but
godliness is profitable unto all things having the promise of the life that now
is, of that which is to come.
b.
The Lord recognizes these better things and honors those who chose them
(Luke 10:41-42).
And Jesus
answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about
many things: but one thing is
needful: and Mary hath chosen that
good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
c.
We all have choices:
1)
Ballgames versus Bible class.
2)
Work versus worship.
3)
Fun versus fellowship.
4)
Self versus souls.
5)
Games versus growth.
3.
Learn to say, “No.”
a.
Thousands of things are asking for our time, money, and
attention.
b.
We must select a few areas and devote ourselves to these. To all else, we must learn to say,
“No.”
c.
These “No’s “ need to be tempered by our priorities (Matt.
6:33).
But seek ye
first the kingsom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you.
II.
DISCOURAGEMENT
A.
Discouragement is a combination of two words.
1.
Courage literally means “to have heart.” The prefix, “dis” means “to
remove.”
2.
The one who is discouraged is the one who no longer has
heart.
B. Many
things can cause a Christian to become discouraged.
1.
The words and actions of others.
2.
Troubling and difficult situations and
environments.
3.
The failure to see growth and results.
4.
The constant plague of an enemy against us.
C.
Example: The children of
Whither shall we
go up? Our brethren have
discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the
cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of
the Anakims there.
D.
How do we overcome
discouragement?
1.
Do what God wants us to do,
knowing that He is on our side (Deut. 1:29-30).
Then I said unto
you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.
The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you,
according to all that he did for you in
2.
Remember that there are
usually others who are on our side.
a.
Joshua had his Caleb (Deut. 1:36, 38).
b.
David had his Jonathan (I Sam. 23:16).
c.
In the days of Elijah, seven thousand in
d.
The apostles still had each other.
In fact, in Acts 1:15, we read that the disciples numbered about one hundred and twenty.
3.
Struggle does not mean defeat.
Sunshine often follows the most destructive storms.
a.
The hours surrounding the crucifixion were very
dark.
1)
The disciples fled.
2)
The Lord Jesus died.
3)
The Jews and Romans appeared to be victorious.
b.
The dark period lingered for several hours, but the sun soon
appeared.
1)
Jesus was raised from the dead.
2)
He ascended upon high.
3)
The gospel was preached, the church was established, and the message of
salvation spread around the world.
CONCLUSION
A.
Our daily routine and
discouragement are Goliaths that we often face.
1.
They are
large.
2.
They are strong and
great.
3.
They are
relentless.
B.
Yet, we can slay them just
as David slew his Goliath if we will trust in God and act with courage (I Sam.
17:32).
And David said
to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; they servant will go and fight
with this Philistine.
