Intro: 

We have been in a series called “King-Sized Lessons,” learning lessons from each of these Kings. 

• Week one: King Saul - Insecurities 
• Week two: King David - The Heart 
• Week three: King Solomon - Wisdom 
• Week four: King Hezekiah - Trusting the Lord 
• Week five: Kings Jeroboam and Rehoboam 
• Week six: King Uzziah - Pride 

Today: King Jehoshaphat 

Today, we will learn lessons from King Jehoshaphat. I believe that King Jehoshaphat will teach us Strategies for Battle.

Someone asked me the other day if I had ever considered joining the armed forces. I thought it was a strange question. Were they asking that because they thought I missed my call? :) I am a big history person, and I’m fascinated by World War II. The strategy involved in winning that war is incredible. On June 6, we celebrated D-Day, the 80th anniversary of the troops landing in Normandy, France. 

Today, we are going to talk about the battles you are facing. King Jehoshaphat faced some battles in his life. I believe we can learn valuable lessons as we look at those battles. 

This message aims to help you identify your battles, understand how you entered those battles, and, most importantly, how to emerge victorious. These strategies are theoretical, practical, and applicable to your own lives. 

History: 

• The name Jehoshaphat means Yah Has Judged, Yah Governs. Etymologically, it comes from (1) the verb שפט) shapat), to judge or govern, and (2) יהו) yahu), the shortened name of the Lord. 
• He was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, in succession to his father. 
  • Rehoboam 
  • Abaijah (A-bi-jah) 
  • Asa 
  • Jehoshaphat 
• “So Jehoshaphat ruled over the land of Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother was Azubah (Azuba), the daughter of Shilhi (Shil-lie). Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight.”
• He did many great things for Judah. He sent out officials to teach the Book of the Law. He appointed judges and told them to rule with integrity. He removed pagan shrines and Asherah poles. He was a great king!
• His story is really defined by the two battles he faced. He did many great things in his life, but the battles stuck out the most. This means that you can be a person who loves the Lord and is committed to the Lord, but it doesn't mean that you won't have battles in your life. Right now, there are people in this room who are serving the Lord and committed to the Lord but are walking through battles.
• Ephesians 6:11-12 (NLT) - Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
• The devil has strategies. If he does, we need to be strategic when he attacks.
• We need to be aware of the war that we are in. 

Identify: 

• What is a battle? - Any obstacle that continues to exist despite adhering to God's principles and prevents you from fulfilling His intended purpose for your life. 
• I think it's important that we identify the battles in our lives. Some would call them struggles, addictions, or bad habits, but they really are battles. Until they are identified, you will never see victory in your life.
• Battles are usually about gaining access or territory. That’s what the enemy wants is access and territory in your life. 
• Examples: 
  • God's will is that we are healthy and whole. If a health issue prevents God’s will for your life, you are in a health battle.
  • God's will is for our families to be saved and serve the Lord. If someone is constantly struggling with their faith. You're in a battle. 

In 2 Chronicles 18 and 20 Jehoshaphat finds himself in two battles that he did not initiate. The first battle was the attack on Ramoth-Giliad. This was Ahab’s idea. Ahab entered into a military alliance with Jehoshaphat for the purpose of recovering the ancient Israelite city of Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians (22:1-4). This city was strategic in controlling the eastern caravan route. This was a city that Ben-hadad should have given back to Israel according to the terms of 1 Kings 20:34. The second battle was when three armies, the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Meunites, declared war against Judah. Here are some lessons learned from how these battles started. 

Some of the battles you facing are not battles you didn’t start. They stem from somewhere. 

How do battles start: 

1. Some are generational (past), - Abraham, Issac, and Jacob a. DADS: It’s important to identify and win the battle you are in, not just for you but because it affects your legacy. When you win battles, these are battles that your kids don’t have to fight. 
2. Some are by association (because of who you are connected to), - PUSH B-GROUPS 
3. Some are the enemy (we have an adversary) 

How to emerge victorious: 

When you find yourself in a battle: 

1. Seek the Lord - What the Lord says matters 
   1. Battle One: Micaiah (Ma-ky-ya) prophesies defeat for Ahab
   2. Battle Two: Jahaziel (Ja-hay-zel) prophesies victory for Judah 
2. Put on the right armor - What you do before the battle matters - 
   1. Battle One: Jehoshaphat put on royal robes and armor (natural)
   2. Battle Two: He called a time of fasting and prayer (the spirit)
3. Allow the Lord to fight for you. -How you respond in battle matters
   1. Battle One: Jehoshaphat cries out to the Lord, and he saves him.
   2. Battle Two: 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 NLT - “He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel (Ja-rule). 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!”” 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!”” 
      1. Take your position - You have to show up to the battle. Let the enemy know you’re not intimidated. To be timid inwardly. Praise!
      2. Stand still - Be still and know that He is God! You don’t need to defend yourself. - Stay planted
      3. Watch - If you can stand long enough, you will see how the Lord fights on your behalf.
   3. There are some battles you have to fight, and then there are some you just need to let the Lord fight for you. You didn’t start them and don’t have to finish them. 

(PICTURE ) When I was in Puerto Rico earlier this year we went on a prayer walk through Old San Juan. During the tour we came across La Rogativa (Ro-ga-it-va) La Rogativa is a famous bronze statue. Rogativa is a Spanish word derived from the verb “rogar” meaning to plea or to supplicate. A Rogativa is a large procession of people making a plea to God for help. 

British troups, led by Sir Abercrombie, took control of the city by naval blockade on April 30, 1797. The desperate governor of San Juan ordered a “rogativa.” The women, led by the bishop, marched through the streets that night. They started at the Cathedral. They sang hymns, carried torches and bells, and prayed

for their city’s deliverance. The British mistook the sights and sounds as evidence of the arrival of reinforcements. Considering themselves to be outnumbered, Abercrombie’s fleet abandoned the city promptly. 

Altar Call: There has been a battle for your soul.