Victory Has a Voice | Jentezen Franklin
Monday, March 25
Key Scriptures
1 Kings 20:1-13; Proverbs 18:21; 1 Corinthians 15:54
Introduction
In Pastor Jentezen Franklin's sermon based on 1 Kings 20, the application is clear: we as believers can take control of their narrative by declaring victory in the face of challenges. Through resisting the enemy's attempts to steal joy and peace, we can maintain faith in God's promises and experience inner strength.
Today, we’ll talk about speaking words of faith and trust, instead of echoing the lies of the enemy. Victory is attainable through Jesus Christ.
- Give the group a quick recap of Sunday’s message. What do you remember from the message?
- How did Sunday’s message challenge you?
Through discussion, let’s explore points of the sermon and a closer look at Scripture.
Here are some of the key points from the message that we’ll discuss today:
- If you’re facing resistance, it’s because the devil knows who you are.
- Don’t let the devil control the narrative.
If you’re facing resistance, it’s because the devil knows who you are. The devil is afraid of people who pray, praise, preach, sing, lift Jesus up, and set captives free!
As Paul concludes his letter in Ephesians, he grounds us in the truth of the adversities we face. Beyond what is immediately visible, there's an ongoing spiritual conflict. He revisits the topic of the devil, including various leaders, powers, and spiritual entities under the devil's influence. Paul's intention in discussing this is to alert us to their antagonism.
Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Satan doesn’t play any games; he wants every precious thing in your life. You will experience attacks and trials when you obey God. But be encouraged; it’s a sign that you are doing the right thing!
We have the armor of God at our disposal, but it lies upon us to take it up, don it, and wield it confidently against the forces of darkness. Paul continues..
Ephesians 6:14-17 NIV
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- Based on what you read in this passage, how would you describe our spiritual enemy to another Christian? Which of the six pieces of armor do you find most helpful and why? Which piece are you prone to neglect?
- What does it mean to “stand firm” in our faith, especially when facing adversity?
Don’t ever be afraid to take up the armor of God and pray, praise, preach, and lift Jesus up! Only the power of God can defend us and deliver us from the power of the devil.
Not let’s turn our attention to First Kings chapter twenty.
In the book of 1 Kings 20, we witness a high-stakes confrontation between Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, and Ahab, the king of Israel. The tension arises from treaty negotiations, with Ben-Hadad making audacious demands, seeking to extract everything precious from Ahab and his people. Initially, Ahab agrees to these terms (as seen in verse 4), but later, upon consulting with the elders, he receives counsel to resist Ben-Hadad’s demands (verse 8).
Meanwhile, Ben-Hadad mobilizes his forces, preparing for an imminent attack on Samaria. However, in a surprising twist, an unnamed prophet steps forward, delivering a divine message directly from the Lord. This bold prophet declares victory for Israel (verse 13), and astonishingly, events unfold precisely as foretold (verses 19-21). This unexpected turn of events serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty—His ability to shape outcomes beyond human expectations and to intervene in the affairs of nations.
1 King 20:1-4, 7-8, 12-13, 19-21 NIV
1 Now Ben-Hadad king of Aram mustered his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he went up and besieged Samaria and attacked it. 2 He sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, saying, “This is what Ben-Hadad says: 3 ‘Your silver and gold are mine, and the best of your wives and children are mine.’”
4 The king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king. I and all I have are yours.” …
7 The king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said to them, “See how this man is looking for trouble! When he sent for my wives and my children, my silver and my gold, I did not refuse him.” 8 The elders and the people all answered, “Don’t listen to him or agree to his demands.”…
12 Ben-Hadad heard this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he ordered his men: “Prepare to attack.” So they prepared to attack the city. 13 Meanwhile a prophet came to Ahab king of Israel and announced, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Do you see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, and then you will know that I am the Lord.’” …
19 The junior officers under the provincial commanders marched out of the city with the army behind them 20 and each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen. 21 The king of Israel advanced and overpowered the horses and chariots and inflicted heavy losses on the Arameans.
As we transition from reflecting on the powerful narrative of King Ahab's confrontation with Ben-Hadad to considering the empowering message of taking control of our own narratives, let's explore how these stories intertwine to offer guidance and inspiration for navigating our own journeys of faith.
- How does the intervention of the unnamed prophet change the course of the conflict?
- Have you ever experienced a moment in your life that you felt was guided by divine intervention? How did it impact your faith?
In times of adversity, remember don’t let the devil control the narrative. For Ahab, it took the elders to convince him not to relinquishing their people and possessions. Then the prophet delivered the assurance from God that the victory would be theirs. The elders and the prophet were instrumental for God in altering the story's direction. If you can change the narrative, you can change the outcome! Don’t let Satan, your circumstances, or the world control the narrative of your life. Stop echoing the adversary's words and begin affirming what God declares about you!
- Let's consider a scenario: imagine you have a friend seeking your advice. They continually absorb the negative thoughts and reports. How would you advise them to redirect their perspective from the enemy's harmful narrative towards embracing the truth of God in their life?
- What specific promises or declarations has God made about you in Scripture? How can we internalize and declare these truths daily?
The Enemy wants you to lay down and submit to his narrative. He wants to get you into a place of where you no longer have hope. When this happens, you must decide whether to accept defeat or fight back.
Closing
Whether you’re normally a fighter or a runner, there will come a time when you must fight for your family, your business, or your life! God will defend his people. Begin to pray and praise because victory has a voice!
- Are you currently facing any attacks or adversity? What Scriptures can you declare over that situation?
Prayer & Application
Control the narrative of your life and give victory a voice by declaring that Jesus is with you and all things are working out for your good.
Take time in group to pray over areas of your lives that need “prayer attention”. Begin to speak life over our circumstances, situations, family, and over each member of your group.
Resources
‘The Power of a Proper Perspective’ message on YouTube and audio podcast.
YouTube
Podcast
Find daily devotionals based on the message on the Free Chapel App