SHIELDS OF BRASS

Instead of which King Rehoboam made shields of
brass and committed them to the hands of the chief
of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's
house. II Chron. 12: 10.
Six hundred years before, the Children of Israel had deceptively
borrowed jewels, silver, gold, from Egyptians.
NOW, the Egyptians spoiled the Israelites. Shisak came and
took away the treasures of the temple. "He carried also
the shields of gold which Solomon had made." V 16.
It is estimated that these shields alone were worth
$9,000,000. Sin always brings loss. "Be not deceived."
The king determined to carry on appearances—like many
church people do today. Some substitute brass for the
gold that they should have in life.

I. Some substitute profession for possession. Pharisees
made great and pious professions. Read Matt. 7:21-23.
"He that hath the Son hath life; he that hath not the
Son of God hath not life."

II. Some substitute books for THE Book.

III. Substitute for power. Money is given, songs are sung,
sermons are preached, but is it sounding brass.
IV. Help of man substituted for the help of God. Millions
turn to psychologists instead of God thru prayer.

V. Substituting the energy of flesh for the Holy Spirit.
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." Programs,
charming personalities, eloquent speech, education
are usurping the place of the Holy Spririt. Dr.
L. R. Scarbarough lists six costs for filling of Spirit:
A. A spiritual apprehension, and intellectual comprehension,
and inner appropriation of the Word of
God.
B. An obedience to the whole will of God.
C. In inner psychic enthronement of Jesus as Lord.
D. A compassion for men who are out of Christ.
E. Earnest and persistent prayer for this power.
F. A willingness to partake of the afflictions of gospel.
VI. Substituting religious activity for witnessing.