Outnumbered! - Benedict Allmand-Smith

Date: 7th September 2025

Location: Trinity Baptist Church Charlesworth

Title:  Outnumbered!

Text: 2 Kings 6:8-23

Please listen to the audio of Benedict's sermon below:

https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/98251316534429

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Those Who Are With Us Are More Than Those Who Are With Them” 2 Kings 6:16

What kind of army would you want to be a part of? One with a righteous cause, a knowledgeable leader, and overwhelming power? In 2 Kings 6:8–23, we see that this is exactly the kind of army God’s people belong to – even when outnumbered.

1. The Secret Intelligence of Our General

The King of Syria was baffled. Every one of his battle plans was being countered before he could execute them. Why? Because God was revealing his movements to the prophet Elisha. The Syrian king sought the same, but was foiled by Divine knowledge.

God sees everything (Proverbs 15:3). While this is a fearful thought for unbelievers, it is a deep comfort for believers. Christ, our General, leads with perfect knowledge – of the enemy, of our weaknesses, and of the future. We are never at a disadvantage, even when we feel overwhelmed.

But how does He lead? Primarily, through His Word. Just as Elisha gave information to Israel’s king, Christ has given us Scripture – our marching orders. Through the Bible, our Lord instructs, equips, and guides us, even now from His heavenly throne. If we want victory in spiritual warfare, we must diligently search His Word, listen to His voice, and act in obedience.

2. The Unrivalled Forces of Christ’s Army

Despite Syria’s massive army surrounding Elisha, he was calm because he saw what his servant could not. Behind the visible threat was an invisible army – fiery chariots and angelic hosts sent from God.

We are often caught off guard spiritually – tired, distracted, or anxious – but Scripture calls us to watch and pray. Like Elisha, we should encourage one another and pray that our eyes would be opened to the spiritual reality: those who are with us are more than those who are with them.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the world’s hatred of truth, by temptation, or even by persecution? Take heart. The hosts of heaven are on our side. God sends His angels to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). With such backing, we can stand firm in truth and godliness – not shrinking back in fear, but confident like the psalmist: “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear” (Psalm 27:3).

3. The Call to Be Merciful

In the final verses, Elisha shows mercy to the very enemies who sought to capture him. Why? Because when you are part of the victorious army of God, with unmatched power and an unbeatable General, you can afford to be merciful.

This doesn’t mean compromising with sin, but showing love, patience, and kindness to those who oppose us. And the greatest mercy we can offer is the gospel of Christ.

Christ Himself modelled this mercy. At the cross, legions of angels stood ready, waiting for His command – yet He gave no signal (Matthew 26:53). He suffered and died to save those who did not yet love Him. This is our General – merciful, mighty, and matchless.

So, Christian – gird up your loins. Cast off lethargy. Fight for His kingdom. And be merciful, as your Saviour is merciful.