Text: Psalm 144:1-4
The war that David spoke of in this psalm involved physical fighting. We are not engaged in the same type of conflict in our service to God (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). But there are lessons to be learned in David’s words that we can apply to our spiritual war today.
The Lord is Our Rock
- David used this same language elsewhere in the Psalms (Psalm 18:1-2)
- The NT describes Jesus as our Rock (Matthew 16:16-18; 1 Peter 2:5-8; Matthew 7:24-25)
We Must Be Trained for War
- War is a reality (2 Corinthians 10:4) – not spoken of as a possibility, but a reality
- We must know what our objective is (2 Corinthians 10:5) – destroy speculations raised up against the knowledge of God & take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ
- We must prepare – put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-17)
- We must practice with our weapon, the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) – study (2 Timothy 2:15); meditate (Psalm 119:97-99); practice (Hebrews 5:12-14)
Two Ways to Fight
- Train our hands for war – for holding a sword; close, hand-to-hand combat; teach those around us (1 Peter 3:15)
- Train our fingers for battle – for using a bow; fighting from a distance; spread the gospel over a greater area (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
- Both are important – try to win souls of those we know and those we don’t know
Our Only Hope is With the Lord
- “My lovingkindness” – the only source of blessings (Ephesians 1:3-7)
- “My fortress, my stronghold” – strength to be found in Christ (Philippians 4:13)
- “My shield” – protection; we will never face what we cannot overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13)
- “My deliverer” – He is the one who will save us (1 Timothy 1:15)
- The Lord will be victorious (Revelation 17:14) – therefore, the only way to be victorious is to be on His side
We Must Recognize the Place of Man
- This recognition will lead to humility – victory will not come because of our strength; we are helpless without Him (Romans 5:6)
- This recognition will lead to confidence – we do not need to fear man (Hebrews 13:6); stand & fight (Ephesians 6:10-13), do not fall back & retreat
