Session #22

II Samuel 10-11:1-5
“Principles Of Temptation” • 2.19.08 • Autonomy, Authority And The Man Of God, Session #22
Intro.
- Coming into chapter 10, David continues to display a truly gracious spirit.
- News comes to him that the Ammonites have lost their King. In a kind move, David sends a group of delegates to the ruling family. They are initially received, but then doubt is cast upon David’s intentions.
• II Samuel 10:3-5 : “And the princes of the people of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, ‘Do you think that David really honors your father because he has sent comforters to you? Has David not rather sent his servants to you to search the city, to spy it out, and to overthrow it?’ Therefore Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of their beards, cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away. When they told David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, 'Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.’”
- These provocative actions bring war upon the Ammonites. The Ammonites employed the help of the Syrians but to no avail. David was a cagey military man, and the Lord was with him.
• II Samuel 10:18,19 : “Then the Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand horsemen of the Syrians, and struck Shobach the commander of their army, who died there. And when all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and served them. So the Syrians were afraid to help the people of Ammon anymore.”
- David is again successful and he is now in a place of total domination of his enemies.
- But the danger to David is not over and the next challenge will not be a military one.
• II Samuel 11:1,2 : “It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold.”
- David looked and before you know it, this man of grace falls before our eyes.
• II Samuel 11:4,5 : “Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, ‘I am with child.’”
- One of the most difficult truths that we have to contend with in this life is that grace does not insulate us from falling. If we are to be men under the authority of God, we must consciously remain in that position under the Lord.
- Unfortunately, while the Lord has given us everything in this world that we need for godliness, we are fighting an uphill battle against Satan and our flesh. As a result, we often need a good reminder of the problem of temptation.
- Notice a few principles that present themselves here.

I. Temptations Come After Times Of Victory (10:18,19)
II. Temptations Come When We Are Spiritually Stagnant (11:1)
III. Temptatons Require Our Energy To Continue (11:2-5)

Text

I. Temptations Come After Times Of Victory (10:18,19)

• II Samuel 10:18,19 : “Then the Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand horsemen of the Syrians, and struck Shobach the commander of their army, who died there. And when all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and served them. So the Syrians were afraid to help the people of Ammon anymore.” : David has had unprecedented success in the realm of military conquest. David must have been an incredibly gifted strategist and fighter.
- You can see that his forces were outnumbered and overwhelmed by the technological advancement of the Syrians.
- The Syrians were a powerful foe, who seemed to enjoy mercenary work, often allowing themselves to be contracted out on behalf of David’s enemies.
- Hadadezer had owed the Syrians a favor from back in II Samuel 8, when they had come to his aid. There have been several skirmishes, but it seems that this chapter ended the hostility and David gained a full upper hand in the conflict.
- But it’s something about what goes into a victory that always leads to an emotional letdown after the fact.
- The same thing can be said spiritually. You guys know what it’s like to have a “good day” in the Lord. Your kids learn a good lesson through your actions. Your wife deems you spiritual. Your work mates seem to be interested in Jesus all of a sudden!
- At these times, there is a spiritual high, that lends itself to a letting down of your guard.
- Before you know, the attack comes, from within or without.
- A prime example of what I am talking about comes from the life of Jesus. Jesus is in the desert, at the very beginning of His public ministry, and He has been fasting for 40 days and nights.
- It’s during this time, as it’s coming to an end, that Satan comes to tempt Jesus. As we know, Jesus stands victorious over the devil, but there is an interesting side note that comes about.
• Luke 4:13 : “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.”
- Notice that. Satan had lost the battle, but he was not giving up the war.
- David has won a monumental victory and he must feel pretty good. What an opportune time!
• I Peter 5:8,9 : “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
- Perhaps you have won a victory lately. Beware! Your enemy does not take a day off!

II. Temptations Come When We Are Spiritually Stagnant (11:1)

• II Samuel 11:1 : “It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.” : The spring time, which is about the same time there in Israel as here in California, was a time that Kings went to battle. Most scholars believe that it was March.
- Perfect weather in Spring and Autumn made for good fighting!
- Kings took the opportunity to advance their kingdom by taking territory and vanquishing enemies who chose not to surrender. This was a benficial thing for Kings to do.
- But it happened this spring that David decided to rest on his laurels. He had done enough.
- “I just need a little “me” time. I’m burnt out on fighting and living out in the trenches. I’ll just sit this one out. Joab, you take it.”
- Joab had a successful campaign, as he was a military man of might himself, but David remained at Jerusalem. These are significant words.
- David remained in a place of idle stand-still, twittling his thumbs, wondering what to do.
- He would soon discover plenty to fill his time with.
- In my years in ministry, I have encountered a few dozen people who are very active in serving the Lord, always at the studies, frequenting every opportunity for fellowship.
- At some time, these same people have come to me and said exactly what David might have said. I’m a little burnt out and I need some “me” time.
- Most of the people that I have encountered with that attitude never came back, and worse, many of them fell into various sins that ended up crippling them spiritually.
- There is a time in your life that is the right time to serve Jesus Christ: Right now, when you are able to draw breath.
- Paul is speaking to the church in Ephesus about walking as children of light in a world that is dark. He makes the allusion that we are to rise and let Christ shine on us.
- He practically sets this out with some very picturesque words.

• Ephesians 5:15-17 : “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

- The word “circumspectly” refers to walking with great care. In this world, we are to always be on our toes. We are to be men who are walking through a mine field.
- Fools walk with no concern for how or where they are walking. The wise make calculated steps forward into the things of God.
- Then Paul tells them that a part of walking wisely is to have a right view of opportunity.
- That is the word used for time, which is not chronos, but kairos, which means a window of opportunity. One could say that this verse says literally, “make the most of every opportunity.”
- David passed on his opportunity to assert his Kingdom personally and he paid for his stagnancy in a great and painful way.
- There may come a time when you are limited by health issues, but in this time, while there is opportunity, we are called by God to run and not grow weary!
- Does this mean that there are not seasons in a believer’s life that are less active than others?
- Yes, this is true, but even in those seasons, the man under the authority of Christ is looking for God to use him, redeeming the time of less activity by readying himself for battle.
- When you are a Christian, these seasons are few and far between, but God does ordain them for His people. That’s the difference. They are times that God ordains. We don’t ordain them.

III. Temptation Require Our Energy To Continue (11:2-5)

• II Samuel 11:2-5 : “Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, ‘Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?’ Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house.” : Temptations are viewed by so many Christians as having power in and of themselves. Let me clear that up: Temptations are driven.
- We are the drivers and the car can be stopped at any moment.
- Paul is writing the Corinthian church, explaining to them that the Old Testament, their Bible, had provided several examples of God’s people falling into temptation.
- He writes that their inclusion into the divine record is that we might be warned, lest we fall.
- But then he adds this comforting statement that is important for us as we consider the next part of David’s story.
• I Corinthians 10:13,14 : “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
- In light of this verse, consider with me the downfall of David. It is evening, which would be sunset. Often, this is when one would come out from there house and come up to their roofs.
- The cool evening air was a stark contrast to the heat of the day. As he walked on the roof, unbeknownst to him, there was beautiful woman bathing.
- Common temptation. Every man has faced this moment. You are minding your own business, flipping through channels, driving down freeways, sitting in a coffee shop.
- The “she” pops us, is on the billboard or coming in for her morning latte after a run.
- David has a way of escape. He can avert his eyes and go back into his house, open up his personal Bible scroll and get busy with some serious exegesis! Hey Dave, write a Psalm!
- Instead, he went from seeing to beholding! He examined her curves, and of course, she is never ugly! Satan never throws out the one with the more matronly body!
- Still David can turn, go back into his room, repent from his lust and be done with the episode.
- But seeing turns into beholding, which turns into inquiry. “Who is this woman?”
- The better question is “Who isn’t this woman!?” She is not your wife! In fact, she is another man’s wife. She is another man’s sister, mother, or example. David is seeing his way of escape.
- Even he, who is already guilty of polygamy, cannot extend himself to this woman, because she is married. It is forbidden in God’s law!
• Leviticus 20:10 : “The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death.”
- David ignores what he knows is God’s law, simply by beholding, then inquiring about her. Finally, David sent men who took her from her home and brought her to the palace.
- Don’t sob for Bath-Sheba. She came willingly and willingly lay with David.
- David, probably thought like most men, that this was over. He would go back to his royal life, and she would go back to her normal life. But things won’t end that cleanly. They never do.
• II Samuel 11:5 : “And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, ‘I am with child.’”
- All of this happened because David made it live. He gave it life with every step and and ironically, gave it life way beyond what he expected.
Conclusion
- Let me leave us with these thoughts. Temptations come after a spiritual victory, when you are spiritually stagnant. These are times when you are most vulnerable.
- But make no mistake: You give it life.
• Romans 13:12-14 : “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”
- The Lord would offer these instructions for us today. Make a covenant with your eyes not to look at woman lustfully. Recognize doors of escape and then run through them!

Perspective, Pt. 2

Luke 18:18-27
“Perspective: The Rich Young Ruler (Jesus v. Religion) • 2.17.08 • Kingsfield Church, Sunday Morning Service

Text
- Most of us would admit that wealth and power, influence and fame, truly fascinates us.
- Maybe it’s the Paparazzi, chaotically struggling for that one picture. Maybe it’s the millions of celebrity magazines and websites. Maybe it’s the way that seeing a celebrity just stops you in your tracks, or at least it does me.
- The moment that captures this phenomena to me was the only time I have ever been in the Staples Center.
- I was walking in the lobby with my brothers and my wife, eagerly anticipating the Laker game, when we came face to face with Donnie Osmond. It was a surreal moment as he stopped to look at us, and we stopped to look back at him.
- Nobody said anything, but you could almost read the thoughts that were playing out. Donnie, was wondering if we were going to mug him and we were thinking, “Man, this guy is so short!”
- I was not an Osmond fan, but just seeing him stopped me in my tracks.
- We imagine what their lives must be like. We imagine that they have it all and never have need of anything. They have nannies for their children, personal trainers for their bodies and body sculpting surgeries performed at will when their personal trainers fail to work miracles. What more could they need or want?
- In this section, we may very well gain a key to understanding the achilles heel of every man.
- This is a fine story to consider when we think about losing our perspective and gaining the perspective of Christ.
- I want us to consider this section through the persepectives that are available to us.

I. The Author’s Perspective (v.18)
II. The Inquirer’s Perspective (v.18-21)
III. The Lord’s Perspective (v.22-27)

Text

I. The Author’s Perspective (v.18)

- The author’s perspective, and not merely Luke, who is our primary author, but Matthew and Mark as well, put this story we are looking at today on the heels of another story.
- This story serves as the backdrop to what we are about to see.
• Luke 18:15-18 : “Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’”
- The Galilean crowd had brought their little infants to Jesus.
- The Disciples, acknowledging their Master’s important agenda, believed that Jesus should be focusing of something more important than these little infants.
- Jesus rebuked them and let them in on the secret: The Mighty Kingdom of Heaven is made up of people, like the who are dependant, trusting.
- I have a question: Were the disciples anti-children or were they pro-important people?
- I ask because right as Jesus says this, the Bible introduces us to an un-named character of great importance. Did they know that he was coming and want Jesus to have an audience with him?
• Luke 18:18 : “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
- In the gospel of Mark, we find that this man came running up to Jesus.
- The word translated “ruler” can mean anything from a noblemen, to a magistrate, to special counsel to the Pharisees. I imagine that his clothes betrayed his wealth.
- Later, we learn that he had great possessions, so that he was also filthy rich.
- Neither of these issues strike us, until you factor in Matthew’s comment, which tells us that this rich ruler, was also a young man.
- Let’s recap: Here is a man of authority, with great, extravagent riches, who amassed them at an early age in life! If anyone has it all, it’s this man, “The Rich Young Ruler.”
- Think of the top 10 desires of any person on Earth. If we were to take a survey of any number of people, all the lists would include at least one thing that is represented in this man.
- Most would contain at least 2, if not all three things: Wealth, Youth and Authority.
- This man is a man of means. He has the time and the people to make whatever he desired come to pass. He is the consumate self-made man.
- This is the man on the outside, what he is perceived as immediately, without hearing a word from him.

II. The Inquirer’s Perspective (v.18-21)

• Luke 18:18 : “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” : We mentioned a minute ago that this man ran up to Jesus. There is an eager desire to meet with Jesus.
- The man calls Jesus “Good” Master. It was enough to address Jesus as Master. That would have been appropriate and respectful for anyone to call a rabbi of Jesus’ following.
- To attach the word “good” was simply not done. The concept of goodness, referred to perfection, righteousness, which is why that word was reserved for God alone.
- The Rich Young Ruler suspected that Jesus was more than just another teacher. He could settle the nagging question of his heart, namely the question of eternal life.
- Eternal life, life after death consumes each of us who are honest enough to ponder it’s reality.
- Eternity is a part of the fabric of our humanity.
• Ecclesiastes 3:10,11 : “I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”
- Notice the thrust of his question: What shall I do to inherit.
- This man had never been turned down. He was used to getting his way and obtaining eternal life must be as simple as the rest of his transactions. This is just another “to-do” on his list.
- His coming to Jesus is curious to me, and it should be to you. Why would a rich young man with authority and means, have to come and ask this relative peasant about such a question?
- What drove him to this place, when he likely would have had access to any scholar he wanted to hear from?
- Why Jesus and not the Rabbis? Because the Rich Young Ruler recognized a depth of reality and authority that Jesus manifested in His ministry that was absent in the work of the Pharisees.
• Mark 1:21,22 : “Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
- Jesus taught with authority on God’s Word, because He was God in the flesh! He wrote it.
- At another time, Jesus had given the disciples some very difficult words to follow and as a result, several of His followers quit following Him.
- He turned to the disciples and asked them if they would stop following Him as well.
• John 6:68 : “But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
- Jesus’ ministry was a dynamic, polar opposite from anything that anyone had ever seen. There were authentic miracles and healings that defied explanation. The rumors of His power over life and death had spread out over the Galilean region.
- There was nobody like Jesus and this man rushed to his side for that reason.
- Jesus replies to this question with an observation of the man’s statement.
• Luke 18:19 : “So Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.’”
- This was not a rebuke, but a leading question. There is a reason that you call me good. Why do you perceive that? It’s because Jesus is God in the flesh and this man was right there.
• Luke 18:20,21 : “You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'!’ And he said, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth.’”
- Jesus lays out the commandments to the Rich Young Ruler. Curiously, Jesus only gives him half of the 10 commandments, namely the ones relating to our relationship, one with another.
- He is confident that he has done these things. As he understood the commandments, he had been faultless and Jesus doesn’t argue with him.
- He had followed the commandments as they pertained to men, but he had missed the other table of the law, which was his responsibility toward God.
- He had been taught by the religious leaders of that day that eternal life was to be had by following the law, looking like all the people around him. But this afforded him no peace.
- Religion does not bring peace, but a constant question and a consistent shadow of doubt.
- The law is meant to teach you that you need Jesus, the only one who ever followed the commandments in action and in heart.

III. The Lord’s Perspective (v.22-27)

• Luke 18:22 : “So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” : The Rich Young ruler came to Jesus with a smile and a sense of hope in his heart. He felt that he could probably close the deal and walk away complete, and at peace.
- He has come to right place, but is met with a challenge that he cannot meet.
- His one thought must have been what every religious person has ever held in their heart: He can have everything but this! For the rich young ruler it happened to be his riches.
- What would Jesus point to in your life?
- From the very beginning, religion has attempted to offer God the least possible, the least painful thing. Religion says, I’ll give you a day a week. Jesus says, I want every waking breath!
- Religion says I’ll give up this practice. Jesus says, take up my cross!
- It has always been this way. Think about the life of Cain, who offered a beautiful floral display which he had arranged for sacrifice unto God.
- The problem is that God had already demonstrated that a blood sacrifice was necessary if one was to offer anything for sin. Cain’s brother Abel, offered a blood sacrifice which was accepted while Cain’s was not.
- Matthew tells us that Jesus looked at him and loved him. Jesus saw beyond the periphery and the façade of security, and He saw a man that was lost.
- Take note that Jesus doe not treat this man like a second class citiizen or with an arrogant spirit. He has compassion and love for this man.
- It’s fascinating to me how we buy into the illusion of wealth or security that others would put up in front of us, but in the end, underneath it all, there is the truth and Jesus sees it every time.
- Jesus tells him that he lacks one thing.
- Sell all and give the proceeds to the poor. Notice what Jesus says: You will have treasure in heaven! What is Jesus saying here? Is He saying that you can’t be rich and get into heaven?
- That is not what is happening here. Jesus will never be a debtor to you. Salvation can only, will only come, by the grace of the Lord, through the vehicle of man’s faith in Christ.
- Is Jesus saying that this man will be saved by his work of liquidating his assets and then giving them charitably to the poor? Can that possibly be what is happening?
- That would be utterly inconsistent with the rest of the New Testament and would make Christ’s own work on the cross unneccesary!
- The issue is not salvation. It’s clearly establishing where his loyalties will lie. It’s about shedding the anchor of his soul and investing forward.
˚ “How is this man to follow Him? What stands in the way? All the things that have ministered perpetually to his own selfish life. Now, says Christ, put them all away. Do not dream for one single moment that if you are really bent on finding your life, and if you are coming after your King, that you can do so by manipulating the things that have ministered to the self life. By drastic, daring, courageous heroism, make an end of them.”

G.Cambell Morgan

- The salvation of His soul will come later, when He would come back and follow Jesus as one of His disciples. But he will not even get that far.
• Luke 18:23 : “But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.”
- Notice what did not happen here. The Rich Young Ruler did not object or attempt to coerce Jesus into another opinion or verdict. He heard the verdict and it was accepted without any argument. Jesus was right, He had put His finger on the issue.
- At hearing this, the rich man became very sorrowful. The Greek word here is much more powerful. This man wept as one who weeps when he loses a close family member. He was distraught.
- He could not pay the cost, an irony that hangs thick in the air. The man that could buy anything, could not buy the one thing that would bring him peace.
- When the Rich Young Ruler saw what Jesus pointed to, it was too much for him to give up. It was too costly in his eyes, to lose the temporal in order that he might gain the eternal.
- Let me ask you: What would Jesus point to in your life? Is it a career choice? Is it a relationship? Is it a matter of possessions?
- Jesus says to us, If you would be welcome in heaven, you must not have anything that would anchor you to this earth! There must not be another allegiance or competing love interest.
• Luke 18:24-27 : “And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ And those who heard it said, ‘Who then can be saved?’ But He said, ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’”
- The incredible Jesus perspective that rocks my world is right here. Mark tells us that he went away in this condition.
- Wait a minute Jesus! You have a guy who has resource, who is influential, who has the potential to underwrite all of your ministry needs. Now you can buy bread and not have to make it out of thin air!
- You might still need to get on a cross, but this man can make it a comfortable road until you get there!
- Ok, let’s leave the financial concept. Let’s move to the soul concept. Jesus, this man’s soul hangs in the balance.
- Will you not now go after him? Will you not see His heart, see how close and noble he is in his desire and just make an exception in this one case? Won’t you just soften your standard?
- He is that close, but close is never close enough when speaking about eternity.
- I don’t just want to get in; I want to be inside, a mile from the front door!
- Jesus lets him go. This is incredible, high drama, as angels and disciples watch in utter amazement. Jesus will not violate the Rich Young Ruler’s decision.
- The one who created the heavens and the earth, the God-Man, will not act on behalf of an individual who will not voluntarily co-operate with Him. Wow!
- God, for whom nothing is impossible, allows His mighty hands to be tied at the sight of a man who will not let go of that which He is enslaved to.
Conclusion
- As we come to end of this message, we now deal with our perspective. To the casual onlooker, know this: Every man needs Jesus! It doesn’t matter how they look, how they act or what they say. Their deepest need is Jesus Christ.
- To the inquirer, Jesus sees your heart and will not lie to you. There are things that you have loyalty to that are keeping you from following Him. If you would have eternal life, you must break free from these and follow Jesus, who is the source of life.
- Finally, to any in either condition, let us put to bed the notion today that there is any hope of salvation outside of the righteousness provided by Christ Jesus. Let us firmly place our hope there and never remove it.

Session #21

II Samuel 8,9
“Grace Extended” • 2.12.08 • Autonomy, Authority And The Man Of God, Session # 21
Intro.

- We have seen the establishment of David as the King over Israel. Now in chapter 8, we see the scope of his Kingdom.
- In this chapter, he defeats the Philistines, the Moabites, the Syrians who came to the aid of Hadedezer, the Ammonites and the Edomites.

• II Samuel 8:6 : “And David made himself a name when he returned from killing eighteen thousand Syrians in the Valley of Salt. He also put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the Lord preserved David wherever he went.”

- David’s Kingdom, militarily was very strong, and the position he was in was soon to be the zenith of his Kingdom.
- Now, with his enemies at bay and his cabinet in place, David turns his attention to more gracious activities. Chapter 9 begins with an inquiry.

• II Samuel 9:1 : “Now David said, ‘Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?’”

- David learns of the existence of Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. David brings Mephibosheth before him, and treats him in a wonderful way.

• II Samuel 9:7 : “So David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.’”

- David sets up Mephibosheth with a house that will be kept by Saul’s servant Ziba and his sons, and chapter 9 ends with a recap.

• II Samuel 9:12,13 : “Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table. And he was lame in both his feet.”

- Having talked about grace in theory over the last two weeks, we come now to a chapter where grace is extended in practice. What we see here is God’s grace extended through David.
- God makes David a vehicle by which grace is personified toward Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth is the perfect type of a grace recepticle. Think about the type.
- Mephibosheth has no future, for he is the son of a defeated King.
- He has no living, as he is permanently disabled being lame in both feet.
- Grace is shown and it’s a perfect picture in that it comes from the only one that can have grace, David.

- Yes, it’s a beautiful picture of how the King of Kings has been gracious to each one of us, who had nothing to offer Him, and yet He offered all that He is to us, namely by redeeming us with His own blood. That is the first type.
- However, as we discussed last week, grace is given to us as men and then we are to show what we have learned by living that grace out, extending it to others.
- That’s what I see here this week. What are the signs of that grace?

I. Grace Is Kindness (v.1)
II. Grace Is Restorative (v.7-9)
III. Grace Is Kinship (v.11-13)

Text

I. Grace Is Kindness (v.1)

• II Samuel 9:1 : “Now David said, ‘Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” : David, now fully established as King, with peace on every side, has the opportunity to make good on his promise to Jonathan, made some 20 years earlier.

- David’s heart is overflowing, having himself been the recipient of great grace.
- This action on the surface, sure seems simple, but consider the dynamics involved.
- David’s Kingdom had come at the expense of the house of Saul. Saul’s descendants would have had claim to the throne and could set themselves up, as Ishbosheth had attempted.
- To make any member of a rival family welcome in one’s royal presence was unheard of.
- In fact, most Kings would utter this sentence, “Is there anyone left,” not to show kindness but rather retribution. David however was motivated by love for and a promise that He made to Jonathan.
- Jonathan and David had made this covenant together when David was just beginning to realize that Saul had determined ill against David.

• I Samuel 20:14-17 : “And you shall not only show me the kindness of the Lord while I still live, that I may not die; but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever, no, not when the Lord has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.’ So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ‘Let the Lord require it at the hand of David’s enemies.’ Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.”

- Here, long after Jonathan’s death, David fulfills his promise, and it’s a promise of kindness.
- Kindness, mercy, goodness, all toward a man whose Grandfather had hunted, and sought the very life of David.
- Kindness is a gracious trait, a discernible piece of evidence, given to believers who are under the authority of God’s Spirit.

• Galatians 5:22,23 : “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

- It is not just to be a part of our character, but practiced in our actions as believers.
- Paul is explaining this reality to the church of Colosse.

• Colossians 3:12,13 : “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

- Grace extended out through me, should be seen in kind actions toward my brothers.

II. Grace Is Restorative (v.7-9)

• II Samuel 9:7-9 : “So David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.’ Then he bowed himself, and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?’ And the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, ‘I have given to your master’s son all that belonged to Saul and to all his house.’” : Mephibosheth has been brought in before King David.

- There is no doubt that Mephibosheth either was unaware or untrusting toward David.
- David had to tell him not to fear, which would have been normal for any man in his circumstances. But David does not want him to fear. He simply wants to bless him.
- Can I stop here and suggest that there are people who come to us that are fearful as well? We are Christians and they are not. They are coming in full weakness and fear of what we are going to say or feel about them.
- They know that they have sinned and felt the sting of shame. They perhaps come to us with their scenarios, and I am ashamed to say that instead of saying “Do not fear,” I have said, “You wretch! You deserve the wrath of God upon you for your evil doings!”
- David wants to dispense grace and mercy toward Mephibosheth, but how often we want to dispense punishment and wrath toward people.
- The disciples of Jesus were quick to have a non-merciful, destructive attitude toward people.
- At one point, having been offended by a group of Samaritans, James and John, the “Sons of Thunder,” asked Jesus if He wanted them to call down fire from heaven so as to consume them!”

• Luke 9:55,56 : “But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village.”

- “Don’t fear, I am here to dispense grace, not judgment toward you!”
- And here is this grace: It’s a full restoration of all the land that belonged to Saul.
- All the land, all that belonged to Saul was now placed in the hands of Mephibosheth.
- He came in with nothing, expecting a certain doom, and David rained down treasure and goodness toward Him.
- God’s grace is restorative. If it’s expression is through us, our hearts should follow in that same vein. Toward the sinner, our heart should be to restore him to the fellowship that Christ died to make a possibility for Him.
- And toward the brothers and sisters, with whom we share the glory of the hope of salvation, how much more are we to be restorative agents of God’s grace.

• Galatians 6:1 : “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

- In the Greek language, the word restore is an interesting one. It comes from the Greek word that means to mend. Like a broken bone, out of place and causing great pain, so is the brother who has sinned and fallen from grace.
- He needs to receive the mending power of God’s Word, applied to His situation that He might go from a broken state, to a state where he is again fully functional.
- A wonderful picture of this is seen in the book of Job, who was seen a restorer by his friends.

• Job 4:3,4 : “Surely you have instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands. Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees;”

- What an apt picture for those of us who would seek to extend grace to those around us.

III. Grace Is Kinship (v.11-13)

• II Samuel 9:11-13 : “Then Ziba said to the king, ‘According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will your servant do. As for Mephibosheth,’ said the king, ‘he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.’ Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet.” : Ziba, the servant of Saul accepted the job of being the caretaker for all of Mephibosheth’s property. No doubt, helping Mephibosheth physically was also included in the deal.

- David was kind to Ziba and his kids as well in this deal. He had after all had been Saul’s servant. But the level of grace shown to Mephibosheth was extraordinary.
- David was not just going to leave Mephibosheth in a good land. He was inviting him into the family, opening his own table to Mephibosheth, as if he were a natural born son of David.
- This is truly an exceptional picture of Christ’s work on our behalf. He has taken the initiative to invite us, not just to a peaceful accord, whereby we tolerate each other’s presence, but into a family, where we are accepted by Him.

• Romans 8:14-17 : “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”

- Paul makes the same kind of statement to the people of Galatia. The people of Galatia were battling with legalism and religion, but had missed the point about the law, which was like a teacher to a young heir.
- When the heir is young, he is similar in disposition to a slave, but when he is older, and fulfills the time, he is made heir of a great amount of wealth.

• Galatians 4:3-7 : “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

- The term “abba” is a tender term in the Aramaic language. Our closest equivalent might be Daddy, but the term is expressive of an intimate closeness.
- That is what the Lord has done for us and in kind, we are to open ourselves up to one another in the same bond as family in Christ.
- Mephibosheth was always at David’s table, eating the King’s good food and ever welcome, despite his physical condition.
- Does everyone feel that openess from you? They may not and it may not come naturally to you, but I pray as you consider this wonderful topic of grace, that you might open your heart to the possibilities of how God might channel His grace through you.

Conclusion

- God’s grace was kind, restorative and adoptive in nature toward David. David responded to grace by mirroring what he had received from God toward Mephibosheth.
- Will you commit yourself to kindness, being good and merciful toward the people that are around you?
- Will you be a restorative agent to those around you who have fallen prey to the enemies ploys and schemes?
- Will you open your heart to another, treating him, being concerned about him, as though he were a member of your own family?
- If you will, you will be practicing the kind of grace that God has had toward you!

Session #20

II Samuel 7:18-29
“The Davidic Covenant, pt. 2” • 2.5.08 • Autonomy, Authority And The Man Of God, Session #20

Intro.
- David has just heard the most amazing promises from the Lord.
- These words, spoken through the prophet Nathan, speak of God’s grace toward David, his descendants and the people of Israel. Upon hearing these words, David responds to the Lord.
• II Samuel 7:18-21 : “Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said: ‘Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord God; and You have also spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord Gord? Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord God, know Your servant. For Your word’s sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them.”
- David is overwhelmed at the grace of the Lord, and it’s well that he should be.
- This section ends with a prayer that asks for the Lord to bring His will to pass.
• II Samuel 7:28,29 : “And now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You; for You, O Lord God, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.’”
- We have camped here for a spell, because the great theme of grace is being unfolded for us.
- Last week, we discussed God’s grace from spiritual promotion to the everlasting covenant of eternal decree. Today, I want to finish this chapter with observations about David’s response to God’s grace.
- Before we do that, grace seems to be one of the most polarizing subjects in the church.
- Every one of us has a reaction to the concept of God freely giving something good to those who deserve the opposite.
- For those on one end of the theological spectrum, grace is incredibly unfair. It bothers us when we see it active towards others who are undeserving in our minds and it has the tendency to burden us when we consider it toward ourselves, in that we want to earn it.
- On the other side, the reaction to grace is used as a reason to become arrogant and dispassionate toward others who are not currently aware of God’s grace toward them.
- What is God’s intention in providing grace for His people? David had a great response that would be instructive to us today. I believe that we can observe 3 effects of the grace of God.

I. Invites Intimacy (v.18a)
II. Inspires Humility (v.18b-21)
III. Initiates Worship (v.26,27)

Text

I. Invites Intimacy (v.18a)

• II Samuel 7:18a : “Then King David went in and sat before the Lord” : One commentator mentioned something really telling. He noted that the first few verses of chapter 7 saw David as the King. This second half of chapter 7 sees David as the Lord’s servant.
- In fact, David refers to himself as a “servant” 10 times between verses 18 and 29!
- The word “before” here is suggestive. The word denotes a close intimacy.
- Remember that David has always had a close relationship with the Lord, but he has not had a major experience with him for several years.
- Grace is the key to this type of intimate access to the Lord, and only grace can bring this to pass. God invites this and David takes advatage.
- It’s rare for men to consider the type of closeness that the Lord wants with each of us.
• Romans 5:1,2 : “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
- If it was true for David, how much more for you and I, men who have been redeemed from the law of sin and death, for the glory of God?
- And yet, how often the grace of God embarasses us. We feel embarrassed by His goodness, because we know our own hearts, For those in that condition, grace often pushes us away.
- That is not the intent of God’s grace.
- Let me ask you a question: Are you taking advantage of the place of intimacy that you can have with the Lord? It is our choice to experience it. However, if you are at all like me, you would rather try to earn it.
- I’m reminded of the story of Mary and Martha who played host to Jesus on several occassions. On one of those occassions, Martha worked herself into a frenzy, while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus.
- Martha was infuriated at the lack of attention that Mary was paying to her chores and played tattle tale, exposing Mary as a sloth. Expecting a rebuke, Jesus surprised Martha.
• Luke 10:41,42 : “And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’”
- I pray that you would choose the good part as well.

II. Inspires Humility (v.18b-21)

• II Samuel 7:18b-21 : “and he said: ‘Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord God; and You have also spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord God? Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord God, know Your servant. For Your word’s sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them.” : The grace of the Lord caused David to look at his life, and take stock to see what it was that impressed the Lord. It couldn’t be his family!
- David sees that in all ways, that God has kept him and delivered him to a destiny.
- In His grace, God has promised a long line after David’s time. Again, it’s acknowledged here by David that his line would continue.
- “Is this the manner of man?”, meaning that man cannot promise such things. He has no authority. We have no authority to speak beyond this day much less, our lifetime.
- But God has done this for David. From what motivation? From David’s righteousness?
- David acknowledges that this action comes from His decree, according to all that is in the heart of God.
- When we consider the ocean of grace that has been extended to us, we cannot help but be humbled at the pure incentive and initiative of the Lord toward His children.
- David picks up on this theme in the book of Psalms.
• Psalm 8:1-4 : “O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?”
- Indeed, what are we aside from His grace? We are nothing, and yet He sets the value on His people, by redeeming you and I with the blood of His son Jesus.
- We can and must say the same thing as David: Lord, because of Your heart and Your Word, You have accomplished this!
- This is the first way in which grace humbles you. It’s God’s heart and solely from His own initiative, without any kind of motivating factor outside of Himself.
- But the second humbling factor is that grace is not isolated to ourselves. This is where David’s heart goes next, to the people to whom he belongs, national Israel.
• II Samuel 7:23,24 : “And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name--and to do for Yourself great and awesome deeds for Your land--before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods? For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever; and You, Lord, have become their God.” : Notice that David says that they are the one nation on the earth, uniquely, that God went to redeem for Himself.
- God did this so that His name would be great, redeeming a valueless people in a priceless way, among an idolatrous people.
- God had redeemed them from Egypt, the nations surrounding them in the time of Joshua and, interestingly their gods.
- Even though God’s people were generally monotheistic, the people around them were polytheistic and henotheistic. They had many gods and those gods were territorially strong.
- God redeemed His people from the power of Egypt, to the supposed power of the gods of the Canaanites. God’s grace had extended to an entire people.
- I am not the only person that God has been gracious to. God has been gracious to all of His people. I mention this because it is here. David, in acknowledging God’s grace to himself, also was drawn to consider the Lord’s grace to his brethren.
- I’m not sure why David was drawn to this in his response to the Lord. When I muse upon the grace of the Lord, I admit that I don’t think much about you guys or this church, or the body of Christ.
- But the lesson here seems to be that I should. And why would that be important?
- The reason it seems would simply be that we might extend grace to each other! Consider these statements:
• Ephesians 4:25-32 : “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another. ‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”
- We are to live in grace toward each other. Grace is not just to effect my relationship with the Lord. Grace is meant to heal potential and real rifts that we create or have with one another.
- Grace teaches me that if I understand it and embrace it, that I must then practice it!

III. Initiates Worship (v.26-27)

• II Samuel 7:26-29 : “So let Your name be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is the God over Israel.’ And let the house of Your servant David be established before You. For You, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore Your servant has found it in his heart to pray this prayer to You.” : The thrust of this section is a true conception of worship, namely affirming who God is and affirming what God has promised.
- David speaks out in a heart of gratitude for what God is going to do for Him.
- This is an interesting concept, in that so much of our worship is based on what God has done for us. David has mentioned that in his prayer, when he says that the Lord has kept him this far.
- But here David worships the Lord for what He is going to do on David’s behalf, way before it ever happens! David affirms his faith in what God promises by choosing to worship now, as though it were fulfilled. How often do you worship the Lord for promises that He has given you?
- David responds as if this was done, and truly, with God, it’s as good as done, even if it is long in the fulfillment.
- David says “Let Your name be magnified forever!”
- The word “magnified” is a picturesque word. The Hebrew word literally means “growth.” David is saying let your name grow and grow forever.
- Understanding the grace of God should lead us to worship the Lord and desire that His name, His reputation and His truth be on display forever and ever.
- David often speaks of blessing the name of the Lord and magnifying the Lord in the Psalms.
• Psalm 34:1-3 : “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.”
- A true understanding of grace will overflow our hearts with grateful worship unto the Lord, just as it did for David here.
Conclusion
- As we contemplate the grace of the Lord, I pray that you will first understand that God wants to have an intimate relationship with you. The door is open and I pray that we will not neglect the privilege.
- His grace should humble you and remind you that it’s all from Him, every good thing, every blessing, and every ounce of mercy. It’s all from His heart. He has placed you in a body where you show how much you’ve learned, by how much you practice.
- Finally, grace should awaken praise and worship in your heart toward God, for His past goodness to you, as well as the future that is guaranteed in Him.