How to Survive an Attack
Introduction:
“On Dec. 7, 1941 the
Japanese launched a surprise attack on the American military base at
Pearl Harbor. The attack took the lives of over 2,300 US servicemen.
Most of the fleet of aircraft was damaged or destroyed. Eight
battleships, three destroyers, and three cruisers were taken out of
action. Two battleships, Oklahoma and Arizona, were completely
destroyed. The success of the attack was due in large part to the
element of surprise. American forces weren’t prepared for the attack.”
[Unknown Source]
Many Christians have been attacked and defeated by a surprise attack by
Satan. Every Christian is living on a battlefield and must always be
prepared for an attack. Our text describes a battle in the life of
David. It reveals several valuable lessons that we can learn about
winning the battle.
Text:
II Samuel 5:17-25
Body:
I.
The Enemy’s Tactics
(Verses
17-18)
·
The Philistines have been a constant enemy of God’s people Israel,
robbing them of peace and tranquility. That’s what Satan tries to rob
us of. When we decide to submit to Christ as Lord and follow Him, there
will be attacks. (I
Peter 5:8-9)
·
Note the timing of the enemy’s attack. Seven years earlier David was
appointed king of Judah, but these past years had been filled with
battles and discouragement. But now he has just been anointed king of
both Judah and Israel; so the Philistines launched a surprise attack
hoping to catch him off guard. Satan likes to attack us when we least
expect it. That’s why constant vigilance is called for. Recall
Christ’s words in
Matthew 26:41.
·
The Philistines were very determined to defeat David and Israel. Note
that “all the Philistines went up to seek out David.” They would stop
at nothing to defeat him. Satan knows he has been defeated by Christ;
but he wants to take as many as possible to hell with him. (John
12:31, Revelation 12:7-12)
·
The Philistines spread themselves out in the valley. They wanted to
intimidate the Israelites and strike fear into their hearts. Satan
wants us to take our eyes off Jesus. Remember Peter walking on the
water. (Matthew
14:24-30)
II.
David’s Strategies for Victory
(Verses
19-23)
·
David’s joy at being crowned king was cut short. Even though he didn’t
go looking for trouble, trouble found him. By learning David’s
responses to the Philistine’s attacks, we can see how best to respond to
Satan’s attacks.
1.
David inquired of the Lord and prayed for guidance. This was a common strategy for David. (I
Samuel 23:1-2, 10-12)
This needs to be our first response when the enemy attacks. He knows
the battles we face, our strengths and weaknesses. We must seek the
Lord for truth and for help. (Psalm
25:5)
Earlier the Israelites had been deceived by men of Gibean because they
had not sought the Lord. (Joshua
9:14-15)
2.
David obeyed the Lord and believed and trusted in God. He immediately followed God’s instructions without
questioning them. The Lord knows best! (Hebrews
5:9)
They took idols and burned them. (Deuteronomy
7:5, 25, I Chronicles 14:12)
3.
David depended upon the Lord.
God told David to change battle plans. Even though the
Philistines had been beaten by a frontal assault the first time, God
told David to change tactics and attack from the rear. We must rely
upon the words of
I Corinthians 10:13.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but
God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you
are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that
you may be able to bear it.” NKJV
III.
God’s Provisions
(Verses
24-25)
·
God provided victory when David followed God’s lead. He led him to a
group of mulberry [or balsam] trees. David was told to wait for the
sound of “a going [marching?] in the tops of the trees. The Lord’s
presence would be with him and go before him.
·
It is truly a wonderful blessing to know we don’t have to fight our
battles alone. God will be with us! Not even Satan has the power to
separate us from God. (Romans
8:31-39)
Conclusion:
If you have not yet been washed of your sins in baptism, you don’t know
the joy of God’s presence. (Acts
2:38, Acts 3:19-20)
Bobby
Stafford
October 19, 2014
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