No Hope of Victory in Our Strength
David Wilkerson's sermon highlights the necessity of relying on God's strength rather than our own in the face of spiritual battles.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that even believers can face internal battles against satanic powers and strongholds, highlighting the futility of relying on human strength to achieve victory. He references Isaiah 31 to illustrate that true power comes only through faith in God's New Covenant, not through our own efforts. Wilkerson warns of the increasing sin and deception in society, urging believers to trust in God's Spirit rather than their own might. He reassures that God promises to fight for us, encouraging those overwhelmed by struggles to surrender their battles to Him. Ultimately, the message is a call to rely on divine strength in the face of overwhelming challenges.
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Even if you are saved -- living under the covering of Christ's blood and secured by faith in his work on the cross for you -- you can still have ongoing battles raging inside you. Enemies of your soul seek to devour you and you are still engaged in a battle with satanic powers and strongholds. We are to claim the power that is available to us through God's New Covenant, but that power comes only by faith.
The prophet Isaiah warned Israel that there was no possibility of victory for them if they attempted to fight their adversary in their own strength. Isaiah chapter 31 paints a perfect picture of the futility of trying to do battle with the enemy in our human ability. I believe this chapter is a type and shadow of the ineffectiveness of our attempts today to defeat lusts, bad habits, and besetting sins by relying on human ideas and aids.
This chapter is also an example to us of how sin will increase in the last days. Scripture says that society will wax worse and worse and the Church will be inundated with deceptions and doctrines of demons. I believe we are seeing that happen right now. Demonic hordes have infiltrated all media and every form of technology, flooding our culture with sensuality and perversions of all kinds.
If you are in the midst of an overwhelming struggle, you must learn the word God gave to Zechariah: "'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).
"For through the voice of the Lord, [the enemy] will be beaten down" (Isaiah 30:31). Isaiah is saying, "Your Lord promises to fight for you. He will make his voice known and it will put all your enemies to flight."
Are you facing an enemy that is too powerful for you right now? If so, God asks simply that you lay down your sword and trust him to fight on your behalf.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The ongoing battles within believers
- The reality of spiritual warfare
- The need for divine strength
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II
- The futility of human strength
- Isaiah 31 as a warning
- Modern parallels in spiritual struggles
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III
- The increase of sin in the last days
- The infiltration of demonic influences
- The Church's response to cultural challenges
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IV
- The promise of God's support
- Understanding Zechariah 4:6
- Trusting God to fight our battles
Key Quotes
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” — David Wilkerson
“For through the voice of the Lord, [the enemy] will be beaten down.” — David Wilkerson
“If you are facing an enemy that is too powerful for you right now, lay down your sword and trust him to fight on your behalf.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Recognize the limitations of your own strength in spiritual battles.
- Trust in God's promises and His ability to fight for you.
- Stay vigilant against the cultural influences that seek to undermine your faith.