Ii Chronicles 20:22
The sermon teaches that victory can be achieved through praise and worship, as demonstrated in the story of King Jehoshaphat and the invasion of Judah.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the power of praise in achieving victory, as demonstrated in II Chronicles 20:22. King Jehoshaphat faced an overwhelming enemy and sought the Lord, acknowledging their helplessness and dependence on God. The Lord reassured them that the battle was His, inviting them to witness His salvation without fighting. As they praised God, the singers led the way, and their worship resulted in divine intervention against their enemies. This sermon highlights how praise can transform fear and anxiety into victory through faith.
Text
"VICTORY THROUGH PRAISE"
I. THE SITUATION.
A. Word has come of an invasion by several nations.
1. They are advancing against Judah from the dead sea area
of EnGedi.
B. Jehoshaphat the King feared for the nation for he knew they
lacked the power to defend themselves.
1. He set himself to seek the Lord.
2. He proclaimed a fast.
3. The nation gathered to seek God's help.
4. Jehoshaphat called upon God.
C. Jehoshaphat's prayer.
1. Acknowledgment of God.
a. God of our fathers.
b. God of heaven.
c. God of power.
d. God who gave this land to Abraham thy friend
forever, and to His descendants.
2. Acknowledgment of the past.
a. You brought our fathers into the land.
b. They built a temple for Thy name.
c. vs. 9 Solomon's prayer of dedication.
d. Now the nations of Ammon, Moab, and Mt. Seir
are invading
3. Cry for help.
a. We have no might.
b. We don't know what to do.
c. We're looking to you.
D. Have you ever been in that kind of situation?
II. THE LORD'S ANSWER.
A. Don't be afraid or dismayed by enemy.
1. The battle is not yours but Gods.
2. It's glorious to be a child of God, our Father will
always defend His children.
a. Our problems become His problems.
b. Our battles become His battles.
B. Come down to the cliff of Ziz and watch.
1. They were invited to be spectators rather than
participants.
a. "You will not have to fight in this battle."
b. "Stand still and see the salvation of the
Lord."
C. Upon hearing this word from God.
1. The King bowed his face in the ground.
2. The people all fell before the Lord and worshipped.
3. The priests began to praise the Lord.
III. GOING OUT TO THE BATTLE.
A. Went down valley past Bethlehem through area known as
Shepherd's fields past area of Herodian to the cliffs near
Tekoa.
1. As they went the King exhorted them.
a. Believe in the Lord your God and you will
be established.
b. Believe in His prophets and you will prosper.
B. They appointed singers to go before the army.
1. They were to praise God for His holiness and for His
mercy.
2. They were to say Praise the Lord! the congregation
of people to answer, for His mercy endures forever.
C. The victory of praise.
1. As they began to sing and praise the Lord set
ambushments against their enemies.
2. Singing to the LORD and praising Him is a great way
to gain victory over:
a. Fear.
b. Discouragement.
c. Anxiety.
d. The enemy.
3. Paul tells us to sing and make melody in our hearts
to the LORD.
4. It helps us to get things in the right perspective.
Sermon Outline
- The Situation points: - Judah is invaded by several nations - King Jehoshaphat fears for the nation and seeks the Lord - Jehoshaphat's prayer acknowledges God's power and past blessings - Jehoshaphat's prayer cries out for help
- The Lord's Answer points: - Don't be afraid, the battle is God's - Come down to the cliff of Ziz and watch - The King and people bow in worship and the priests praise God
- Going Out to the Battle points: - The King exhorts the people to believe in God and His prophets - Singers are appointed to go before the army and praise God - 'The victory of praise: singing and praising God gains victory'
Key Quotes
“The battle is not yours but God's.” — Chuck Smith
“Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” — Chuck Smith
“Sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Believe in the Lord your God and His prophets, and go out to the battle with praise and worship.
- Singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord helps us to get things in the right perspective and can lead to victory.
- When faced with a difficult situation, seek the Lord and acknowledge His power and past blessings.