Good morning and welcome in everybody. Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to tell you a story.
In 1863, on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, a group of union soldiers, led by Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain, was ordered to occupy à strategically important point between two hills, Big and Little Round Top. This area was on the extreme left flank of the Union line, and needed to be defended at whatever the cost. If the Confederate army managed to get around them, the entire Union army would have been in peril. Not only were they outnumbered, they were tired from marching all day and night to get to Gettysburg, but the 20th Maine was ready to do their duty. As they took there positions, the 15th and 47th Alabama Regiments attacked.
With each attack that came at them, the Union soldiers steadfastly resisted, defending their critical position. Again and again the Confederates tried, but each time, they were sent back down the hill to regroup. After holding off six different attempts, and almost out of ammunition, Colonel Chamberlain ordered a bayonet charge, and completely prevented the Confederates from ever taking the hill.
This reminds me of the Christian Life.
The Apostle Paul was a soldier for Christ, involved in the greatest battle in history, a Spiritual one. He was ordered to stand fast, and hold the ground, defending the truth of the gospel of Christ, at all costs.
Philippians 1:17 ………….I am set for the defence of the gospel.
When you defend something, it means to protect from an attack, danger or injury. Paul loved the Apostle Peter very much, but he loved the truth even more, insofar that he corrected Peter when he was heading in the wrong direction. He gave Peter instruction in his time of need, so he wouldn’t lead people astray.
Galatians 2:11-16 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Many people were contentious with Paul, and the gospel that He was preaching, but when they were, he dug in and held his ground. Like John the Baptist, he was unmovable in his convictions. He stood up for the truth, even when everyone else around him left.
2 Timothy 4:14-18 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
There is only one gospel, and soldiers of God must fight to defend it.
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
When the enemies attempt to corrupt the true faith, we must resist them with the sword of truth.
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
When the devil mounts another attack, he must be resisted.
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Just as the earthly soldiers defended the hill, Paul wanted to defend the gospel and please his heavenly commander.
1 Thessalonians 2:2-5 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Rebukes and corrections are done in the church, not to be lords over God’s heritage, but because you love biblical truth, and desire to protect it from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Are you a soldier that is ready to stand up for the truth? Will you defend the gospel of Christ at any cost? Will you repel borders, as they did at…..
……Little Round Top
Let’s think about these things for today, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow. Till then, bye bye everybody. ❤️
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Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 