We are locked in a great war with the Philistines of evil. Every weapon within reach must be used. Preaching, teaching, praying, giving—all must be thrown into battle, and talents we've thought too small for service must now be employed.

Coulter and axe and mattock can all slay Philistines! Rough tools can deal hard blows, and killing need not be elegant—so long as it's done effectually. Every moment of time—in season or out of season! Every fragment of ability—educated or untutored! Every opportunity—favorable or unfavorable—must be seized, for our foes are many and our force but slender.

Most of our tools need sharpening. We need quickness of perception, tact, energy, promptness—in a word, complete readiness for the Lord's work. Practical common sense is shockingly rare among those who lead Christian enterprises. We might learn from our enemies if we would, and so make the Philistines sharpen our weapons.

This morning, let the Holy Spirit sharpen your zeal by showing you this: See how the false religions compass sea and land to make one convert—are they to monopolize all the earnestness? Mark how pagan devotees endure tortures for their idols—are they alone to exhibit patience and self-sacrifice? Observe the prince of darkness himself—how persevering in his endeavors! How unabashed in his attempts! How daring in his plans, how thoughtful in his plots, how energetic in all!

The devils are united as one man in their infamous rebellion, while we believers in Jesus are divided in our service of God, and scarcely ever work with unanimity.

O that from Satan's infernal industry we might learn to go about like good Samaritans, seeking whom we may bless!