Facing the Lions
2 Samuel 23:20-22
1 Chronicles 11:22-25
Introduction: What would you do if you faced a lion? You say, “Run”! A full grown lion is a massive creature….with its large fangs, sharp claws, solid muscles, an intimidating roar! No wonder they are called “The King of the jungle”! Seeing a lion up close [outside of a cage] has to be a frightening experience….terrifying. This reminds me of a little boy that told his friend that God spoke to him when he saw a great big dog coming at him. His friend asked, “What did God say?” The little boy replied, “God said…RUN JIMMY…RUN!” But seriously, King David had some “Mighty Men”; one of which was named Benaiah. He faced and fought a lion. Consider (3) points to ponder as we FACE the LIONS:
1. We’ve got to FACE our LIONS! (1 Chron 11:22)
“Benaiah….who had done many acts; slew two lionlike men of Moab; also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.”
• What kind of lions are you facing? (1 Pet 5:8)
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.”
• Will you face your lions? “He went down..”
2. We’ve got to FIGHT our LIONS! (1 Chron 11:22)
“Benaiah …..slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.”
• Why fight? (2 Cor 10:3-5; Eph 6:10-12)
Paul writes, we are not not wrestling against flesh and blood but principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness.
• How fight? “With the Sword of the Spirit” (Eph 6:10-18)
3. We’ve got to have FAITH in Jesus, the LION KILLER! (1 Chron 11:22; 1 Pet 5:8-10)
“Benaiah….slew a lion”
• Jesus defeated death (John 11:25)
• Jesus defeated the devil (Heb 2:14)
Conclusion: Although we may not be looking for LIONS, they come looking for us. Therefore, we need to be ready to “FACE our LIONS,” and “FIGHT our LIONS,” with “FAITH in the LION”- killer, Jesus!
You facing any LIONS?
Love y’all,