TAKE A STAND FOR GOD
Ex 17:8-15
STAND WITH CONFIDENCE
V:8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
A. In the previous lesson, God engineered acceptance of His authority
Among the elders of Israel by allowing them to witness the miracle
Of water coming out of a rock, enough for two million people.
1. The dry river bed of Rephidim was probably filled with water
making it another oasis.
2. The influential elders probably convinced the people that God
was with them.
B. God introduced Joshua as the next general of Israel.
1. We must remember that God has a plan for our replacement.
2. Any leader should prepare someone to replace himself.
3, God may be preparing you to be elevated to another level.
3, Joshua replaced Moses after his death.
C. The Amalekites were descendants of Esau, the twin brother
Jacob stole the birthright from.
1. Amalek was the grandson of Esau who became the
enemy of Israel.
2. The Amalekites saw the oasis and came to fight Israel to take
control of the water, and their possessions.
D. The heart of the Israelites went from complaining about God
to fighting for God.
1. Joshua being obedient to Moses, chose men to fight the Amalekites.
2. It should be noted that this is the first time the Israelites were involved
in a battle.
3. There was the possibility of death, but we hear of no complaints.
a. All of the other miracles were seeds that God planted in the hearts
of the Israelites.
b. This miracle of water from the rock became the growth that
produced faith in the Word.
E. Praise is an important part of our walk with Jesus
1. Before we go out to face the enemy we should praise God.
2. We should encourage ourselves with the confidence that God
will fight our battles.
3. The staff of Moses represented the presence, power, and authority
of God.
4. If God is with you, who can stand against you.
GO INTO BATTLE WITH PRAISE
V:10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.
A. It is good to have a praise team.
1. The team should support and encourage each other.
2. You can get weary in well-doing.
3. God selects people to comfort you.
4. Aaron and Hur were there when Moses got tired.
B. God reminds us that any success we have is due to Him.
1. As long as Moses held His hand with staff toward the Lord
there was success.
2. God selected a high place where the Israelite men could be encouraged
by the sight of Moses’ hands in the air.
3. In your heart, God should be high and lifted up.
4. Your testimony about God is important to other believers.
5. Others may be encouraged by your lifted hands to God.
CONTINUED PRAISE BRINGS VICTORY
V:12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up — one on one side, one on the other — so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
A. All of us are part of God's team against the adversary, Satan.
1. Even though the Israelites had no experience in fighting a battle,
God wanted them on the front line.
2. We can fight the battle against injustice and self-serving politicians
with our vote.
3. We have people holding up the banner for justice, but the power is
in the vote.
B. While it is day, we must be on the battlefield of the Lord.
1. Success doesn't always come immediately.
2. The Israelites under Joshua’s command had to fight all day.
3. Victory came in the evening time.
4. You and I must stay on the battlefield of the Lord until He
brings us victory.
MEMORIALIZE THE VICTORY AND RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO SERVE
V:14 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven."
15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord. The Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation."
A. Look at how God rewarded Joshua's obedience and courage with the Word.
1. Joshua's victory was the start of a personal relationship with the
LORD.
2. When we do our job, God says well done while we yet live.
3. God will get your ready for the next step of your journey with Him.
B. As a leader, it is your job to encourage those who serve with you.
1. Bless the workers with a Word from the Lord.
2. Don't overlook the work of dedicated servants, boast about it.
C. Make a memorial to the Lord for each victory and proclaim it at
The alter.
1. God was with you in past battles and He will be with you in futures
battles.
2. The Lord is our banner.
3. Let us praise the Lord with lifted hands.
D. Notice the texts says that was not the last battle that Israel would fight
against
The Amalekites, there would be more.
1. God promises more victories for His servants.
2. Satan is relentless in his efforts to destroy your relationship with the
Lord.
3. Throughout your lifetime, there will be many battles against Satan
and his demons.
4. If we are faithful and obedient we will be victorious.
5. We must remind ourselves that the Lord Is Our Banner.
THANK GOD FOR BEING OUR BANNER
Rev. M. Mitchell
Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church
5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North
Houston, Texas 77041
For more lesson, follow me on facebook and visit my
Blogs:revmmitchell.com and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com
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