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The Weapon of Worship
Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. He brought Israel out of Egypt. He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. He led Israel safely through, but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings. God gave the land of these kings as an inheritance— a special possession to his servant Israel. His faithful love endures forever. —Psalm 136:4, 11-15, 17, 21-22
Big Idea: Giving thanks turns our worship of God into a weapon for good.
Big Question: What does the weapon of thanks produce?
Main Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. —2 Chronicles 20:1
“O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 12 O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” —2 Chronicles 20:6, 12
Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” —2 Chronicles 20:15b-17
Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. 21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. —2 Chronicles 20:20b-21a
This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” —2 Chronicles 20:21b
At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. —1 Chronicles 20:22, 24
1.) Giving thanks breaks the power of the enemy over me
My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! 10 I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised. 11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? —Psalm 56:9-11
On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. —2 Chronicles 20:26
2.) Giving thanks can turn my greatest burdens into Godly blessings
3.) Giving thanks can build the testimony of the power of God
Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. 28 They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord. 29 When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. 30 So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. —2 Chronicles 20:27-30