2 Crônicas 20

2 Crônicas 20

Hughes - BORROW Every day with Jesus : one year bible : the Bible in 365 readings Do not be afraid or discouraged ... for the battle is not yours, but God's.—2 Chr 20:15 The spiritual application of the helmet of salvation is not so much the enjoyment of our present salvation (though it includes that) as it is the assurance that a sure salvation is coming—and is even now at work. This is what we need to know if we are to prevent the Devil from bringing us into a state of mental distress—not merely that things will finally end right, but that God's plan is being worked out now. "History," writes Ray Stedman, an American Bible teacher, "is not a meaningless jumble but a controlled pattern, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the one who is directing these events." The attack of Satan on the mind proceeds differently. He says to us: "Just look around you at the state of the world. God seems powerless to put things right. He has given lots of promises that things will one day get better, but none has come to pass. Hadn't you better give up this foolish idea that it's all going to work out right?" If you were to let your mind dwell on that kind of satanic argument, you would soon find yourself in distress. The answer is to put on the helmet, the hope of salvation. You must remind yourself that things are not as they appear. The battle is not ours, but the Lord's. We may be individual soldiers fighting in the army of God, but the ultimate cause is sure and the end is certain. We need not be unduly troubled by what is happening in the world, for our commander is not just winning—He has already won! Prayer Lord Jesus, I am grateful that the Cross is the guarantee that neither sin nor Satan will ever defeat You. Your victory at Calvary has settled forever the question of who has the final word in the universe. I am so deeply, deeply thankful. Amen. Further Study Lk 21:10-28; Jn 14:1-4; 16:33 How did Jesus describe the world? What did He say to His disciples Here is a link entitled "Jehoshapaht," an excellent, very practical sermon preached by Pastor Halim Suh of Austin Stone, a church I attend in Austin, Texas - Text is 1 Kings 22:1-53 | 2 Chronicles 20:1-37 Here is the Discussion Guide that goes with the sermon: What is one situation in your life that is currently stirring up a lot of fear in you? How is it shaping the way you think, act, and experience life right now? Practically, how are you managing that fear? Read From Asa to Jehoshaphat and An Overview of Jehoshaphat. Briefly, what stands out to you about King Jehoshaphat? Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-4. Jehoshaphat set his face to seek the LORD. What do you think it means to "seek the LORD"? Practically, what does that look like, and why is it often difficult to do when you're feeling afraid? Read 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 and 2 Chronicles 20:15-17. In the face of a seemingly hopeless situation, the king gathered God's people to pray. What do you notice about Jehoshaphat's prayer? What does his prayer reveal about the kind of God he believes in? Make some observations about the beginning, middle, and end of his prayer. Even though 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 was a specific message given by God at a specific time to a particular people, what transcendent truths about God do you see in Jahaziels message that are important to know and trust today? Fear can either drive us to panic or to prayer—and only one of those paths leads to peace. Jehoshaphat gives us a practical portrait of faith in the face of fear: "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you" (2 Chronicles 20:12). In closing, think about the situation you identified earlier that is stirring up great fear in you. Together, spend a few moments seeking God and lifting the eyes of your heart to Him. In your own words, pray this to God: "I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on you." Pray for yourselves and for one another. Like Jehoshaphat, fill your prayers with not only requests for help but also proclamations about who God is and what He's able to do! David Jeremiah - WHEN WE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. . . . You will not need to fight in this battle. 2 Chr 20:15, 17 In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat suddenly learns a great army is coming against him. In alarm, he gathers the people before the Temple and leads them in earnest prayer: “O our God,” he says, “we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2Ch 20:12). Just then a prophet declares a message from the Lord: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed . . . for the battle is not yours, but God’s. . . . Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you” (2Ch 20:15, 17). The next day, King Jehoshaphat puts the choir at the head of his army, and the nation goes to war armed with hymns of praise. The enemy, falling into chaos, slaughters itself, leaving the spoils and plunder to the people of Judah. Sometimes our best strategy in facing a trial or temptation is to pray, “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on You.” Our Advocate has a way of fighting on our behalf as we position ourselves and sing songs of praise. Anticipate your battles, fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have the victory. --R. A. TORREY