Scripture Text: Isaiah 59:19
Theme: When the enemy floods the church with deception or division, the Spirit of the Lord raises up Christ as the true standard for His people.
In a battlefield where soldiers rally when a banner is lifted high. The banner tells them where to gather, who they belong to, and under whom they fight.
Isaiah uses that imagery to show us that when the enemy comes in like a flood, God Himself raises His banner, His standard, to protect His people and glorify His name.
1. The Reality of the Enemy’s Flood
“When the enemy shall come in like a flood…”
The enemy often overwhelms—false teachings, pride, divisions, worldliness.
Debates like Verbal Plenary Preservation, Perfect TR, or KJV-Onlyism—when elevated to gospel level—become floods that distract from Christ.
Gnosticism in early church is similar flood, secret knowledge, elitism, “we know better.” The same spirit resurfaces today.
We should not be surprised when floods come—Jesus warned that false teachers would arise (Matthew 24:24).
What “floods” are threatening our church or our own walk with Christ?
2. The Spirit of the Lord Raises the Standard
“…the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”
The “standard” (Hebrew nes) is the banner, rallying point, signal of victory.
This is not human cleverness, but God Himself taking action through His Spirit.
In Christ, God has raised the ultimate banner:
John 12:32 – Jesus lifted up on the cross draws all people.
Isaiah 11:10 – The Root of Jesse stands as a signal/banner for the peoples.
2 Corinthians 4:5 – We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord.
When arguments arise that exalt human opinions or translations above Christ, the Spirit raises Christ Himself as the banner: His cross, His Word, His gospel.
Our calling is to rally under that banner—not under a man, not under a version, but under the crucified and risen Lord.
3. The Standard in the Church Today
How does God raise this “standard” when floods come? Three ways:
Faithful Preaching of Christ
God raises pastors and teachers who center their sermons on Christ and the cross.
Humble Christlike Living
God raises up believers whose humility and mercy rebuke the pride of elitist teaching.
Unity of the Church in the Gospel
God raises congregations that refuse to be divided by non-essentials.
By way of application,
Am I rallying under Christ’s banner, or am I waving my own?
Do my words and actions promote unity under the gospel, or do they divide?
4. Fear of the Lord and Glory to His Name
“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.”
When God raises His standard, His glory is revealed from east to west.
The nations see not us, not our arguments, but Christ lifted up.
The end goal is not winning a debate—it is the glory of Christ across the earth.
The true church fears His name, not the name of a movement or translation.
Conclusion
The enemy will come like a flood. False teachings and divisions will always press in.
But we have hope, the Spirit of the Lord raises a standard. That standard is Christ lifted up, Christ proclaimed, Christ embodied in His people.
Our call is rallying under the banner of Jesus, not under man-made flags.
Illustration:
In a battle where soldiers, scattered and afraid, saw their flag rise again on the hilltop. It gave them courage, hope, and unity. In the same way, when the church feels overwhelmed, look up—Christ is our Banner.
Closing Prayer
Lord God, we thank You that when the enemy comes in like a flood, You raise up Your standard against him. Forgive us when we have lifted up ourselves, our ideas, or our preferences instead of Your Son. Teach us to rally under the cross of Christ, to live humbly, to preach faithfully, and to walk in unity. May Your glory be known from the rising of the sun to its setting, as Christ is lifted up in our lives and in our church. In His precious name we pray, Amen.
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