If we do not prepare our hearts with the truth, we will be overcome.
John 16:33
I John 5:3-5
I John 4:4
Natural Thinking ~ does not prevent spiritual calamity ~
Ephesians 6:12
II Corinthians 10:4
We do not depend upon our own abilities for victory, but we depend upon the Holy Spirit and His means.
If we humble ourselves and listen, He will prepare us.
He seeks to prepare us even now.
Three Things To Acquire:
Gold tried in the fire
White garments
Anointing for our eyes
Buy Gold Tried in the Fire
This is a reference to truth that has been tested and proven reliable
Proverbs 23:23
Only the truth will prepare us for crisis
And often it will prevent crisis
The unexpected is usually the result of a failure to know the truth
If we prefer a lie because it offers temporary comfort, there will always be a lie available
Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding. Proverbs 23:23
Purchase White Garments
This is a reference to righteousness that has been purchased for us if we receive it from Him.
A refusal to walk in His ways opens us to immorality that will leave us naked and exposed in shame.
Holiness is a way of life:
Separated for God
Separated from sin
All caught in popular and permissive culture will suffer culture’s judgment
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10
Purchase Eye Salve
The Holy Spirit has been given to us to open our eyes to the condition of our lives and the world around us.
The Holy Spirit enables us to see as God sees, not as we assume things to be, or wish that they were.
He removes the naiveté that allows us to become ensnared.
Truth is defined as reality from God’s perspective.
If We Have Eyes To See
This then will result in repentance and obedience
Repentance is the gift of God that comes to those who humble themselves before Him.
It allows us to see, become sorrowful with God’s own sorrow, and return to Him.
It enables us to see reality before it destroys us.
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. II Timothy 2:24-26
If we do not prepare our hearts with the truth, we will be overcome.
John 16:33
I John 5:3-5
I John 4:4
Psalm 20 - A Royal Psalm
Vss 1-5 – My prayer for you
The prayer of faith
Vs 6 – My assurance – Faith speaks!
Vss 7-8 – Conclusion of trust – Faith rests!
Vs 9 – Call to action! – Faith works!
Petition For Protection
Vs 1 – a benediction – Beginning with Blessing!
Day of trouble – Establishes context
The preparation for battle
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
John 10:28-30
Vs 2 – Help comes from the Sanctuary
Ephesians 6 warfare of faith
Sanctuary = A sacred place
A place of refuge or asylum
Vs 3 – Identity in worship & obedience
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Romans 12:1-2
Vss 4-5 – Faith believes before it see’s
Romans 8:31-35
Vs 6 – Now I know!
The Confession of Faith
“Saves” is in prophetic perfect tense
This describes a future event as completed.
Following prayer comes assurance – anointing!
Ephesians 1:19-23
John 14:12
Vss 7-8 – Trust is His Name
The Rest of Faith = Trust
II Corinthians 10:3-5
Philippians 2:9-11
Vs 9 – Call For Deliverance
I John 5:4-5 “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
Peace Like A River You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 NASB
It Is Well With My Soul
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Philippians 4:4 “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me"
Hope For The Future – Tools For Today!
We all Invest
We exchange current resources for a future hope.
We delay an immediate pleasure in order to receive a greater long-term benefit.
We may invest heavily in the intangibles; family, church, or other charitable activity.
We may invest in the tangibles; education, property, business, stocks, etc.
Wrong investing
sacrificing now based on false hopes which results I disillusionment and disaster
As long as we live, we invest time and energy into the future.
Optimism is only as good as the place where one has placed their trust.
Misplaced trust is a recipe for crisis!
Isaiah 43:1b-3a “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior”
Peace Prerequisites
Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 26:3 “ You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”