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Scripture Reading: Revelation 19:11-16

THE ARMY OF GOD

(1 Chronicles 12:23-40)

Intro.
1.  David had a great & powerful army, 1 Chrn. 12:22.

2.  Christ has a great & powerful army, Rev. 19:11-16, 19; 17:14.

3.  Life of a soldier:  Harsh, solitude & desolate, sacrificial & disciplined.

4.  Traits of the soldiers in David’s army, 1 Chrn. 12:23-40.

5.  Christians are enlisted in the Lord’s army (2 Tim. 2:3-4); we need similar traits.

I.  BE A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST (2 Tim. 2:3).

  A.  Armed & Trained for Battle, 1 Chrn. 12:23-24, 33, 8.

    1.  We must be equipped to fight the enemy, Eph. 6:11.

    2.  Be able to use our weapons, 1 Chrn. 12:33; 2 Cor. 10:3-5.

    3.  Our weapons are Christians mighty, but we must be familiar with them to be able to use them!  cf. 1 Sam. 17:39-40 (tested & tried, familiar); Eph. 6:13-17

  B.  Valor (strength, might, ability, efficiency), 1 Chrn. 12:25 (28, 30).

    1.  Strength of the Lord that empowers us, Eph. 6:10.

    2.  Not “fit for war” without the Lord’s strength, 1 Chrn. 12:25.

  C.  A Good Reputation, 1 Chrn. 12:30.

    1.  Soldier who abuses his power damages the cause, cf. Acts 10:22.

    2.  Necessary in order to be effective soldiers (or servants), Acts 6:3.

    3.  Guard your reputation (influence), Prov. 22:1. Without reproach:

      a.  The friends you keep (1 Cor. 15:33-34).

      b.  The purity of your conduct (1 Pet. 2:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:4).

      c.  Your treatment of others (Acts 10:22; Matt. 5:16).

  D.  An Understanding of the Times, 1 Chrn. 12:32.

    1.  “To know what Israel ought to do” – Wisdom to fight the battle, Jas. 3:13-18; to understand (know) the present evils, Eph. 5:15-17 (Lk. 12:56-57).

    2.  Elders who understand the dangers of the times (Acts 20:29-30; Tit. 1:9-11).

    3.  Preachers who know the temptation to scratch itches, but refuse to do so (2 Tim. 4:3).

    4.  Parents & children who keep their responsibilities, Eph. 6:1-4.

    5.  Christians who know the dangers of the world, 1 Jno. 2:15-17.

  E.  Stout-hearted Men (and Women), 1 Chrn. 12:33.

    1.  Resolution, determination (of will), conscience…moral character.

    2.  Moral courage, 2 Pet. 1:5.

    3.  Diligent endurance, 1 Cor. 16:13.

      a.  Fathers who has the courage, faith & love to discipline their children (Heb. 12:6; Prov. 13:24).

      b.  Mothers who is brave against the values & temptations of a feminist world that devalues motherhood & marriage, 1 Tim. 2:15.

      c.  Elders who feed & lead, not lord & linger, 1 Pet. 5:2-3.

    4.  Loyal hearts, 1 Chrn. 12:38.

       -Of one mind in a common work, cf. Phil. 1:27-28; 2:1-4.

  F.  Able to Keep Battle Formation, 1 Chrn. 12:35-36 (33, 38).

    1.  Disciplined; follows orders, trustworthy (Matt. 8:9); 2 Ths. 3:4.

    2.  Orderly (in rank): According to apostolic traditions…truth, 2 Ths. 3:6 (2:15; 3:14).

    3.  Trustworthy obedience produces confident joy among one another, 2 Cor. 7:14-16.

Conclusion

1.  Christ with His army of faithful saints is victorious, Rev. 19:11-16, 19 (Rom. 8:35-39).

2.  Who is on the Lord’s side?  1 Chrn. 12:18