November 14, 2018: SOAP #3268:  Psalm 149; 1Corinthians 15, 16

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 149:6 May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,
7 to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron,
9 to carry out the sentence written against them.
This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD.

Observation:  This passage is regarding a high honor for ALL saints.  Not just apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers…this is for all believers!  It is the honor of enforcing the victory Jesus won on the cross!  We do not need to defeat the enemy; he is already defeated!  We are like the troops left behind in a conquered land to enforce the victory.  How are we to fulfill this honor?  What is available for us to use?

Application:  In these verses I have two powerful weapons:  praise and the double-edged sword of the Word of God.

The praise flows from my heart but becomes powerful “in my mouth.”  It is declared praise into the realm of the enemy!  It is hearable praise!

The Word resides in my heart and mind but becomes effective when I take it “in my hands” and put it into action.  A sword is a beautifully designed instrument that is useless until it is in the hand of a warrior.

The indwelling Holy Spirit exalts Jesus and inspires me to praise Him!  And He powerfully motivates me to spiritual warfare and anoints me to use the tools/gifts described in God’s Word.  He helps me fulfill Psalm 149:6-9.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, use me to enforce the great victory Jesus won on the cross.  Anoint me and flow through me to bring glory and honor to my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus, my Lord. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!