Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed about 20 Philistines despite being outnumbered. This caused great fear among the Philistine army, who began killing each other. When Saul and his men arrived, the Philistines were already defeated. Though Israel was weak in numbers, God gave them a great victory over the Philistines through the faith and actions of Jonathan. Worship and obedience to God lead to divine empowerment even against overwhelming odds.
1. Stone
Creek
www.rossvillechurch.com
March 4, 2012 781 Salem Road, Rossville, GA 30741
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2. During Saul's reign the
Philistines came against
Israel with overwhelming
forces.
Saul began with 3000
men in his army;
They have deserted
until only 600 remain.
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3. The Philistines held every advantage.
But Jonathan had his faith
in the True and Living
God.
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4. Two killed twenty in the first battle.
1 Samuel 14 13 And Jonathan climbed up upon his
hands and upon his feet, and his armor-bearer after
him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armor-
bearer slew after him. 14 And that first
slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer
made, was about twenty men, within as it were an
half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.
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5. 15 And there was trembling in
the host, in the field, and
among all the people: the
garrison, and the spoilers, they
also trembled, and the earth
quaked: so it was a very great
trembling.
We can put the devil in the
phone booth dialing 911.
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6. There are no limitations on God, when He chooses
to move in behalf of His people.
God can use any man or woman
who is submitted to His Holy Spirit
to do great exploits.
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7. 16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benja-
min looked; and, behold, the multitude melted
away, and they went on beating down one another.
17 Then said Saul unto the people that were with
him, Number now, and see who is gone from us.
And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan
and his armor-bearer were not there.
God made the Philistines tremble with fear.
God made them turn on one another.
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8. 18 And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the Ark
of God. For the Ark of God was at that time with
the children of Israel. 19 And it came to pass, while
Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was
in the host of the Philistines went on and increased:
and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.
Saul had his priest seeking instruction from
God, but when the commotion among the
Philistines continued and even increased --
Saul stopped him, so he could do something.
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9. Not very many people, even Christians,
understand the Power of worship and prayer.
Have you ever gotten up in the morning and
skipped morning worship and Bible study
Because you had too much to do?
When there is much to do,
we need God's Power most of all.
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10. Ephesians 6 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in
the Lord, and in the Power of His Might.
Worship God for Who He is.
Savior and Lord Provider Protector
Healer Wisdom Righteousness
Worship God for what He has done.
Worship God for what He is going to do.
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11. Psalms 50 14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay
thy vows unto the most High: 15 And call upon Me
in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou
shalt glorify Me.
Psalms 69 30 I will praise the Name of God with a
song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox
or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
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12. Psalms 107 21 Oh that men would praise the Lord
for His Goodness, and for His Wonderful Works to
the children of men! 22 And let them sacrifice the
sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His Works
with rejoicing.
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13. Hebrews 13 NIV 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us
continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise -- the
fruit of lips that confess His Name. 16 And do not
forget to do good and to share with others, for with
such sacrifices God is pleased.
Do you want to offer unto
God great treasure?
Express your gratitude
with the words of
your mouth.
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14. 1 Samuel 15 22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as
great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in
obeying the Voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is
better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of
rams.
People debate -- works or worship.
There's no debate; we worship God and do
good works as we obey His Voice.
Jonathan obeyed the Voice of God, and the
nation enjoyed a great victory.
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15. 20 And Saul and all the people that were with him
assembled themselves, and they came to the battle:
and, behold, every man's sword was against his
fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.
When Saul and his 600 men arrived on the
battlefield, the Philistines were killing one another.
He will do the same for us.
Wait on God; never cut and run;
Never give up!
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16. 21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the
Philistines before that time, which went up with
them into the camp from the country round
about, even they also turned to be with the
Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
When they deserted, many of Saul's army had
defected and joined the Philistine army.
That happens in the church as well;
Backsliders often fight against God.
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17. 22 Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid
themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard
that the Philistines fled, even they also followed
hard after them in the battle.
Others leave the church and just hide out;
Do nothing.
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18. 23 So the Lord saved Israel that day: and the battle
passed over unto Bethaven.
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