A Good Soldier Searches For P.O.W.S

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, Sept. 19, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.

A GOOD SOLDIER SEARCHES FOR P.O.W.S

By Michael D. O’Neal                     Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church                     Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 30:1-19

Text: 1 Samuel 30:19

1 Samuel 30:19 And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

Introduction: One of the favorite subjects of the authors of books, stories, television shows and movies on the theme of war is the effort
of one or more soldiers to go behind enemy lines to rescue prisoners the enemy has taken.

Rambo
Missing in Action 1,2,3,4, etc.

David wasn’t content until he had rescued everybody:

1 Samuel 30:19 And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

Our theme for the year is “Prepare for War in 2004.” I want you to realize that in order to be a good Christian, you need to be a good
soldier.

One of the characteristics of a good soldier is:

A GOOD SOLDIER SEARCHES FOR P.O.W.S

I. A GOOD SOLDIER SEEKS THE PRISONERS OUT

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

A. He considers the situation

B. He cares for their state

C. He calls for helpers

D. He charges into enemy territory

II. A GOOD SOLDIER SETS THE PRISONERS FREE

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

A. He frees them from being bound
         
B. He frees them from being blinded

C. He frees them from being beaten

III. A GOOD SOLDIER SUPPORTS THE PRISONERS IN THEIR WEAKNESS

Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

A. He sets their broken bones
   1. Using God’s word to set them straight
       
B. He stitches up their wounds
   1. Knit together by the love of the saints

C. He stands them up
   1. Lift up the hands that hang down

D. He sturdies them as they walk
   1. Strengthen the feeble knees

E. He stays with them until they’re strong
   1. The good Samaritan’s instructions to the church – “I’ll repay you when I return!”

IV. A GOOD SOLDIER SHOWS OFF THE PRISONERS WHEN HE GETS THEM HOME

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

A. It is a display of gladness
   1. Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
       
B. It is a display of gratitude

C. It is a display of the grace of God