Introduction:-  1 Tim.6:11-14      Paul exhorting Timothy     2 Tim. 4:7-8  Paul’s own testimony!

1. 1.       2 Samuel 23:8-12 v.9-10                1 Chronicles 11:9-10 & 12-14.

1. a.       Eleazer = God helps.              David = Beloved.
2. b.      Joined David at Cave of Adullam. 1 Samuel.22:1-3. Became part of David’s family.
3. c.       Eleazar,  placed himself under the authority of an anointed man – Received an anointing from whom he was under. Chose a “Man of God “ to lead you.

1. 2.       The enemy!  The place!  The time (harvest)!

1. a.       Philistines = Enemy never gives up easily! Came ready to take the crop!
2. b.      Ephes-Dammin = The boundary of blood – location in Judah = Praise.
3. c.       Barley Harvest. – People had worked hard, sweated and laboured to get a crop.
4. d.      Barley = Poor man’s food = THE CROSS!

1. 3.       Isaiah.59:19b. nkj.  “When the enemy comes in, --  like a flood, of the Lord will lift up a standard against him”

1. a.       The men of Israel retreated from the battle – They ran away
2. b.      2 - Stand on their ground.  David and Eleazar –Swords in hand
3. c.       No retreat for anointed men and women.
4. d.      You want this crop! This land!  Not while we are alive
5. e.      Eleazar held on to his  sword, killing Philistines until it froze in his hand
6. f.        His sword became part of him – would not let it go until victory was theirs.
7. g.       Israelites only return when  the battle is over to claim the spoils (typical of some Christians who are not prepared to stand and fight for themselves, seek only after blessings)

1. 4.        Ephesians.6:10-18. Armour of God – Apply daily.

Conclusion:- Are we defending  our fields and crops? The fruit of our labours?

a. Your family!  Faithfulness!  Children etc against the devil’s schemes?                                             

b. Yourself!  Men, women young or old, against falling into sin.                                   

c. Your marriage! Very important field and crop!                                                                 

d. Your church!  The place where you serve the Lord and receive His Word!

Eph.6:13-14  Stand---- WILL WE TAKE OUR STAND – John.10:10

Senior Pastor Terry Brinded                                                                                        2011-11-13