Ii Chronicles 20:14
Chuck Smith teaches that God's method of victory is to seek Him through prayer and fasting, and to trust in His power and might.
Chuck Smith emphasizes God's method of victory as demonstrated in II Chronicles 20:14, where Judah faced overwhelming odds against invading nations. In their despair, they turned to God, seeking His guidance through prayer and fasting, recognizing His past faithfulness and power. God reassured them that the battle was not theirs to fight, instructing them to stand still and witness His salvation. As they obeyed and praised God, He intervened and defeated their enemies, illustrating the importance of faith and reliance on God's promises in times of crisis.
Text
"GOD'S METHOD OF VICTORY"
I. THE PROBLEM
A. Judah was being invaded by-a confederacy of nations.
1. They were hopelessly outnumbered.
2. There were no human solutions.
3. They became dismayed and terrified.
4. Their plight was overwhelming.
B. Judah was weak militarily. "We have no might against this great
company" (no human resources or reserves to call upon)
- vs.12
C. Judah was at their wit's end - "neither know we what to do."
II. THE PROCEDURE vs.3
A. "Set himself to seek the Lord."
B. Proclaimed a fast.
C. Gathered the people together.
D. They prayed - vs.6
1. Recognized greatness of God.
a. Dwelled in heaven.
b. Ruled over all kingdoms of heathen.
c. Power + might in His hands.
d. None can withstand Him.
2. Recognized past victories - vs.7.
a. Drove out inhabitants of land.
b. Promised it to Abraham "forever."
c. Reminded God of promise to Solomon
after dedication of temple - vs.9.
III. GOD'S ANSWER.
A. Don't fear or be dismayed - not your battle.
B. Tomorrow face the Issue - go down against them.
C. Don't fight.
D. Set yourself - stand still and see.
E. There are actually God's methods.
1. Don't fear or be dismayed at the problem.
a. Not your battle.
b. How beat we get trying to fight
God's battles.
2. Face the issue honestly.
a. We try to run from the issue or ignore it.
b. "The situation is overwhelming" "nothing I can
do."
3. Set yourself and stand still.
a. Set yourself on God's promises.
b. Stand still, quit running around trying to
find the answers.
4. See the salvation of the Lord.
a. Watch God work:
1. He can change lives.
2. He can change attitudes.
3. Believe it or not, He can do it without
your help.
4. Your getting involved is just getting
in His way and slowing the victory.
IV. THE RESULTS.
A. They went out and faced the enemy.
B. They began to sing and praise the Lord.
1. Faith in action.
2. Satan has had you in a hole so long he has you
believing there is no solution.
C. As they sang and praised God set ambushments against their
enemies and destroyed them.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem points: - Judah's invasion by a confederacy of nations - Judah's weakness militarily and spiritually - Judah's desperation and lack of human solutions
- The Procedure points: - Seeking the Lord through prayer and fasting - Recognizing God's greatness and past victories - Gathering the people together to pray
- God's Answer points: - Don't fear or be dismayed, it's not your battle - Face the issue honestly and set yourself on God's promises - Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord
- The Results points: - Judah went out and faced the enemy - They began to sing and praise the Lord in faith - God set ambushments against their enemies and destroyed them
Key Quotes
“Don't fight, set yourself, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” — Chuck Smith
“We try to run from the issue or ignore it, but God wants us to face it honestly.” — Chuck Smith
“Your getting involved is just getting in His way and slowing the victory.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- When faced with a difficult situation, seek the Lord through prayer and fasting.
- Trust in God's power and might, and don't try to control or fix everything.
- Learn to face issues honestly and trust in God's sovereignty.