A GOOD SOLDIER IS SMART
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:14-18
Text: Ecclesiastes 9:18
Ecclesiastes 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
Introduction: PREPARE FOR WAR IN 2004! That has been our theme this year! I’m not talking about the country’s war against terror. I’m talking about the Christian’s war against the world, the flesh, and the devil, especially the devil!
In order to be a good Christian, you need to be a good soldier.
2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
One of the characteristics of a good soldier is:
A GOOD SOLDIER IS SMART
Proverbs 20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
When I say that a good soldier is smart, I am saying that he is aware of some things:
I. A GOOD SOLDIER IS AWARE OF THE PRIORITY OF THE WAR
1 Samuel 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
Our cause, which we have stated repeatedly through the years, is
A. To Exalt the Savior as we
B. Evangelize the Sinner and
C. Edify the Saint
II. A GOOD SOLDIER IS AWARE OF THE PERSON AND PRACTICES OF HIS ADVERSARY
2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Read Gen. 3:1 – Satan’s first word spoken to man was positive (“yea”), reminding us that the devil deceives today through “good words and fair speeches” (Rom. 16:18).
Some of Satan’s practices and ploys:
A. Doubt
B. Deception
C. Dismay (fear)
D. Discouragement
E. Discontentment
F. Distraction
III. A GOOD SOLDIER IS AWARE OF THE PLACE OF BATTLE
Ephesians 6:12 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.
Our battlefield is
A. The message of God
1. Genesis 3:1
2. 2 Corinthians 2:17
B. The minds of people
(2 Corinthians 11:3)
IV. A GOOD SOLDIER IS AWARE OF THE PRICE TO BE PAID
2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
A man may suffer loss, in this battle, of:
A. Family
B. Friends
C. Fun
D. Fame
E. Finances
V. A GOOD SOLDIER IS AWARE OF THE POWER OF HIS WEAPONRY
2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds)
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
A. He takes the whole armor of God
B. He trusts wholly the God of the armor
VI. A GOOD SOLDIER IS AWARE OF THE PLAN FOR VICTORY
Ephesians 6:13-20
A. Put on the whole armor of God
B. Pray fervently and faithfully
C. Preach the gospel everywhere
VII. A GOOD SOLDIER IS AWARE OF THE PRIZE TO BE WON
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
A. Many converts
B. A millennial crown
C. The Master’s commendation
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Michael D. O’Neal (Proverbs 11:30), Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church |