How many people do you need for the battle?
Judges 7 / Proverbs 20 / Titus – Philemon 1
How to get the most out of Hungry Bible
OT
Judges 7:4 But the LORD told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will sort out who will go with you and who will not.”
Proverbs 20:18 Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without the advice of others.
NT
Titus 1:6-9 An elder must be well thought of for his good life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious. An elder must live a blameless life because he is God’s minister. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must love all that is good. He must live wisely and be fair. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
2:1-2 But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have strong faith and be filled with love and patience.
Philemon 1:4-7 I always thank God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing of your trust in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. You are generous because of your faith. And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ. I myself have gained much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because your kindness has so often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
OT Flash Points
Choose those pre-disposed for the work
Alas! Where are they?
Proverbs: Life is a battlefield, don’t be flippant
NT Flash Points
The people who have been filled with Jesus, are the pre-disposed for the battle
Once we were___, BUT GOD showed us Himself
Perspective
Facing Reality: Interest? or Identification?
Interest: lethargic unregenerate intellect which is prolific, enervating, but speculative sentiment
Identification: Christ lives in me!
Can we slander God?
Yes
Our capacity in spiritual things is measured not by our natural strengths but by the promises of God
Can God do what He wants in us?
Yes
Our enjoyment of that depends on whether His Spirit is invited and yielded to