Why Is 'Greenness' Important?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual health and trust in God's forgiveness and unconditional love for protection from spiritual attacks.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of 'greenness' in our faith, illustrating that those who trust in God are like resilient, green trees that remain unharmed by spiritual attacks, including fear and condemnation. He encourages believers to fully embrace God's forgiveness and unconditional love, reminding them that spiritual health is achieved through reliance on God's promises. Wilkerson reassures that God desires His followers to live without fear, as they are covered by Christ's cleansing blood, and encourages them to reject past failures that Satan may use to accuse them. Ultimately, he highlights that true strength comes from remembering the name of the Lord, which empowers believers to stand firm against adversity.
Text
"And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads" (Revelation 9:4).
Why is "greenness" important to our faith? Remember, the locusts are commanded not to touch anything green. Simply put, they can't hurt anybody who's walking in faith.
So, even at the height of their attacks, those who place their trust in God will stand tall, like solid, green trees. They won't be harmed by locusts of any kind, including terrorists. The best defense against every kind of hellish attack, every scorpion-like sting, is spiritual health. And this kind of health comes only as we turn to the Lord and trust in his promises.
Let me ask you:
· Do you fully trust in God's forgiveness? Do you depend on his blood to cleanse you of every iniquity? If you feel condemned, and constantly strive to please God, then you are not green and healthy. God's foremost desire is that you accept his gift of forgiveness and rest in it.
· You've accepted God's forgiveness. But do you trust in his unconditional love for you?
Our Lord doesn't cut us off every time we fail. He doesn't constantly look over our shoulder, demanding we get it right. He simply asks that we come to him, confessing, "I believe your Word, Lord. Forgive me, wash me, hold me in your arms."
God's desire for us is that we live all our days without fear. Therefore, we don't dare allow Satan to accuse us with a failure from the past. If we've repented of it, then we're covered by Christ's precious, cleansing blood.
Here is God's promise to all who place their trust in him: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright" (Psalm 20:7-8).
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Greenness in Faith
- The Condition of Spiritual Health
- The Promise of God's Unconditional Love
- God's desire for us to live without fear
- The power of repentance and forgiveness
Key Quotes
“Simply put, they can't hurt anybody who's walking in faith.” — David Wilkerson
“The best defense against every kind of hellish attack, every scorpion-like sting, is spiritual health.” — David Wilkerson
“God's foremost desire is that you accept his gift of forgiveness and rest in it.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Trust in God's forgiveness and unconditional love to achieve spiritual health and protection from spiritual attacks.
- Repent of past failures and trust in Christ's cleansing blood to overcome fear and live without fear.
- Depend on God's blood for cleansing and live a life of faith, trusting in his promises and protection.