Still Standing
Even in the midst of spiritual warfare, God's lovingkindness and promise of victory can give us confidence and hope.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that every victory over temptation is often followed by renewed attacks from the enemy, illustrating this with the example of David facing the Syrians again despite his faithfulness to God. He highlights the confusion that can arise when we strive to please God yet still encounter old battles. Wilkerson reassures believers that, like David, they can find strength in God's promises, reminding them that they are destined for victory even amidst struggles. The sermon encourages listeners to focus on God's lovingkindness rather than the overwhelming challenges they face. Ultimately, it conveys that while wounds may occur in battle, God assures His children of their ultimate victory.
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Every victory we win over the flesh and the devil will soon be followed by an even greater temptation and attack. Satan simply will not give up in his war against us. If we defeat him once, he'll redouble his forces and come right back at us. And suddenly we're in a spiritual war we thought we'd already won.
Scripture tells us, "The Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him" (2 Samuel 10:17). Suddenly, David was facing the same old enemy--one he thought he had defeated soundly. It is important to note that David was not living in sin at this time. He was a godly man who walked in the fear of the Lord. Yet David was also human--and he must have been awfully confused about what was happening. Why would God allow this enemy to come against him again?
Have you stood in David's shoes? Have you prayed, "Lord, all I want is to please you--to obey your Word and do what is right. You know that I fast, pray and love your Word. I don't ever want to grieve you. So why am I being tempted so severely? Why am I facing this same battle with an old enemy?"
"And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the Lord telleth thee that he will make thee an house. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom" (2 Samuel 7: 11-12).
In the midst of his confusion and soul-searching, David remembered the promise God had made with him. So while the devil was throwing every weapon in hell at David, the Lord was showing him that even before he entered battle he would emerge a victor. David got his eyes off the oncoming enemy. Instead he basked in the revelation of God's lovingkindness. This is what God intends for every one of his children when the enemy comes on them like a flood. The Lord "prevents" them with his love. In other words, he comes to them saying, "I promise you are going to come out of this standing. You may be wounded--but that doesn't matter. I have already made you victorious."
Sermon Outline
- The War Against Us
- Facing the Same Enemy
- God's Lovingkindness
- The promise of victory
- The Lord prevents us with his love
Key Quotes
“The Lord prevents them with his love.” — David Wilkerson
“I promise you are going to come out of this standing. You may be wounded--but that doesn't matter. I have already made you victorious.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- When facing temptation and attack, remember God's promise of victory and bask in the revelation of his lovingkindness.
- Trust in God's lovingkindness and protection, even when you feel confused and unsure.
- Focus on God's promise of victory, rather than looking at the problem from a human perspective.