Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Oct. 03, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. For more outlines, including zipped files of outlines from previous years, click on the link at the bottom of this note, and go to our website:

A GOOD SOLDIER SUPPORTS
HIS COMRADES
By Michael D. O'Neal                  Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church                  Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 10:1-12

Text: 2 Samuel 10:11

2 Samuel 10:11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.

Introduction: One of the reasons the attack on Sept. 11, 2001 was so devastating was that we were not prepared for it. We did not expect to be attacked on our own shores.

Our theme for the year is "Prepare for War in 2004." I want you to realize that in order to be a good Christian, you need to be a good soldier.

One of the characteristics of a good soldier is:

A GOOD SOLDIER SUPPORTS HIS COMRADES

I. A GOOD SOLDIER SUPPORTS HIS COMRADES BY PARTICIPATING IN THE CONFLICT

1 Chronicles 12:22 For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.

David was being chased by King Saul but was encouraged by those who came to HELP him.

Thank God for HELPERS in the battle; fellow soldiers who get in the conflict and

A. Just assist; they don't admire

B. Just assist; they don't advise

C. Just assist; they don't appraise what is being done

II. A GOOD SOLDIER SUPPORTS HIS COMRADES BY HIS PRESENCE IN A CRISIS

2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

1 Chronicles 12:23 And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.

A. He is in readiness
         
B. He is in rank
        1. 1 Chronicles 12:33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.

C. He is in reach

III. A GOOD SOLDIER SUPPORTS HIS COMRADES BY PROTECTING THEIR FLANK

2 Samuel 10:9-11 (Read) "... the front of the battle was against him before and behind ..."

A. He sees a gap or a need
       
B. He steps into the gap

C. He stays there until the battle is over
        1. Today is my 29th anniversary of pastoring. I'll let you know ahead of time that I don't plan to retire after 30 years. The battle will be fought until the Rapture.
        2. I'm here for the duration!

IV. A GOOD SOLDIER SUPPORTS HIS COMRADES BY PROMOTING CONFIDENCE

2 Samuel 10:12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

A. He stirs up courage in others
        1. "Be of good courage"
       
B. He shows confidence
        1. "let us play the men"
        2. "... the LORD do that which seemeth him good."

C. He sees a conquest
        1. Numbers 13:30 And Caleb stilled the
           people before Moses, and said, Let
           us go up at once, and possess it;
           for we are well able to overcome it.