Category Archives: Sermon Notes & Announcements

Sep 12, 2021. I Thessalonians 4:13-18

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RAPTURE REALITY.  I Thessalonians 4:13-18.  9/12/2021. #10.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 [New King James Version]

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

  1. The Rapture blues
    1. The Thessalonica church misconstrued end times issues
      1.  Paul did not have time to fully instruct them
      1.  They thought that the Rapture would come quickly
      1.  Some had passed away: what happens to them?
      1.  There was a rumor that the Rapture had already come and they had missed it
    1. Paul 1st addresses the issue of saints who had died
      1.  NT uses “sleep” for believers who die (John 11, I Corinthians 11, 1 Cor. 15)
      1.  Thessalonica’s were grieving that their deceased loved ones had missed the Rapture completely
      1.  Paul seeks to comfort via understanding and hope
  2. A resurrected Lord who resurrects his own
    1. Paul uses 2 arguments to assuage their fears:
      1.  Jesus died and was resurrected (death is not end)
      1.  The same Jesus who died will resurrect believers and bring them with him at rapture of live believers
    1. When Christ returns for his church the dead will be raised first before those who are alive
    1. Christ will shout and the trumpet shall sound, retrieving us
    1. Rapture facts:
      1.  Rapture = comes from Latin, rapto (caught up)
      1.  Acts 1:7 we don’t know when Rapture will come
      1.  Several events will precede the Rapture: wars, pestilence, and lawlessness (Matthew 24:3-14) along with great persecution and earthquakes, a rapid increase in knowledge and movement of man (Daniel 12:1-4), false Christs and rise of Antichrist (Daniel 7:8), and men will be proud and wicked (2 Tim. 3:1-13)
      1.  The coming of Christ will be denied and mocked by unbelievers (II Peter 3:1-9)
      1.  II Thessalonians 2:10-11 God will send a strong delusion to those who had rejected the Gospel after the Rapture so deniers will believe a lie
  3. Consoling the grieving
    1. Paul expected the Rapture to come soon (“we which are alive and remain…”)
    1. Paul states that the inevitability of the Rapture should provide us great comfort to hurting believers
      1.  Christ is returning for his own
      1.  The time of our sojourn here is very short
      1.  Our faithfulness will be reward for eternity
      1.  Focusing on Christ’s return brings comfort
      1.  I Corinthians 15:50-58 we are comforted concerning those who preceded us in death and in the value of our labors for Christ
    1. Our response to the hope of the rapture
      1.  Faithfulness and patience (I Peter 5:5-7; Galatians 6:7-10)
      1.  Serving Christ until he comes (Luke 19:11-27)
      1.  John 14:1-6 take comfort in Christ’s return
    1. The Thessalonica would be relieved at this teaching, though
    1. some would use it to sit around and wait (II Thessalonians 3)
    1. Matthew 6:31-34 focusing on today’s tasks in light of eternity
      1.  It is immaterial when the rapture will come
      1.  By faithfully hopefully serving we will be ready

Key Verse: Matthew 24:3-14

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Sep 12, 2021. II Samuel 17:15-29

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ESCAPE BEYOND THE JORDAN.  II Samuel 17:15-29.  9/12/21.  #39.

2 Samuel 17:15-29 [New King James Version]

15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, “Thus and so Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and thus and so I have advised. 16 Now therefore, send quickly and tell David, saying, ‘Do not spend this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily cross over, lest the king and all the people who are with him be swallowed up.’ ” 17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed at En Rogel, for they dared not be seen coming into the city; so a female servant would come and tell them, and they would go and tell King David. 18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom. But both of them went away quickly and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down into it. 19 Then the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth, and spread ground grain on it; and the thing was not known. 20 And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” So the woman said to them, “They have gone over the water brook.” And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. 21 Now it came to pass, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well and went and told King David, and said to David, “Arise and cross over the water quickly. For thus has Ahithophel advised against you.” 22 So David and all the people who were with him arose and crossed over the Jordan. By morning light not one of them was left who had not gone over the Jordan. 23 Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb. 24 Then David went to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. 25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the army instead of Joab. This Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Jithra, an Israelite, who had gone in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 26 So Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead. 27 Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, 29 honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

  1. David warned
    1. Hushai and Zadok the priest had set up a spy network which included a place to hide before going to David
      1.  Hushai goes to Zadok and explains his advice and that of Ahithophel
      1.  Hushai is not sure which advice Absalom will follow, so he warns David to flee across Jordan
    1. A woman hides the 2 messengers in a well as she spreads grain over the cover of the well
      1.  A boy had seen Ahimaaz and Jonathan leaving the area quickly, so he told this to Absalom
      1.  When Abs.’s men ask her where A and J are she tells them that they had already crossed the brook
    1. The woman faced the same dilemma as Rahab the Harlot
      1.  Rahab decided to lie rather than expose the spies
      1.  This woman lies to save Hushai’s messengers
      1.  A deception to prevent evil is not held to account
    1. Hus. sends advice for David and all his men to flee
      1.  David’s troops need rest, but they are not safe
      1.  All of David’s troops escape over Jordan at night
  2. David escaped and Ahithophel’s disgrace
    1. Abs. missed his golden chance to crush his father’s forces
    1. Ahithophel’s plan had been rejected
      1.  He wanted to take 12,000 men and immediately attack David, killing him
      1.  Ahithophel knew that Hushai’s plan would fail
        1.  He probably suspected Hus. as a spy
        1.  Ahithophel’s desire for revenge was thwarted
      1.  Ahithophel puts his house in order and then hangs himself
    1. Why did Ahithophel commit suicide?
      1.  Ahithophel had put all his desires into killing David
      1.  His plan and position as chief advisor were rejected
      1.  The more time that passed, the stronger David would become (Abs. had to be successful quickly)
      1.  When David wins, Ahithophel would be executed
    1. 3 main reasons for suicide:
      1.  Medical condition of depression or imbalances
      1.  Situational condition of misery or pressures
      1.  Self-inflicted trauma due to poor choices
    1. When people don’t seek the Lord, then suicide is possible
  3. God provides for David
    1. David arrives safely over the Jordan
    1. Absalom chose Amasa to be his general (Amasa had violated Abigail, Joab’s cousin and David’s niece)
    1. Barzillai, the Gileadite from Mahanaim (territory of Gad and Reuben) met David with provisions of food and drink
      1.  Barzillai was the father of Adriel, husband of Princess Merab, Saul’s daughter
      1.  God had moved Barzillai to help David
    1. Even though David was being punished for his affair with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah, he was still God’s choice to remain on the throne and to head the line to the Messiah
      1.  David had confessed his sins and repented
      1.  Judgment was not up to Absalom or Ahithophel
    1. God had not forced Amon or Absalom to act wickedly, but he had allowed them to choose their own wicked path
      1.  Providence allows wicked men to fulfill the will of God (pharaoh, Haman, Herod, Judas, Antichrist)
      1.  Habakkuk 2 God will use evil men and then punish them

Sep 5, 2021. I Thessalonians 4:9-12

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A WORTHY LIFE.  I Thessalonians 4:9-12.  9/5/2021.  #9.

I Thessalonians 4:9-12 [New King James Version]

9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

  1. The primacy of love
    1. The Thess. showed much Christian love in body and to others
      1.  Not only had they learned grace and patience in the short time, but had demonstrated charitable love
      1.  Paul wanted them to continue to grow in this trait
    1. Four categories of love: agape’ (chartable and self-sacrificing), phileo (affectionate), eros (physical; romantic), storge’ (conceptual, non-personal; i.e., love of country or nature)
    1. Paul emphasizes both brotherly love (affection) and charitable love here = both liking brethren and sacrificing for them
      1.  Titus 2:3-5 wives are to have affection for husbands
      1.  Matthew 22:34-40 – the greatest commands = to love God with all being and to love neighbor as self
      1.  John 13:34-35 Christ’s disciples are to love one another (foundation of relationships)
    1. Love, the motivation of kindness, charity, giving, and forbearing, is the motivation of worship and ministry
  2. The Christian lifestyle
    1. Beyond not sinning (immoral, lying, cheating, hating…), there is a proper way for believers to conduct themselves
    1. Christians are not to be obnoxious, boisterous, controlling, demanding, prying, meddling, imposing, or unfriendly
      1.  This may take some personality adjustments
      1.  The fall adversely impacted personalities also
      1.  Undesirable personality traits can be controlled
    1. Salvation brings the indwelling of Holy Spirit, who can alter irritating and boorish personality flaws as Word is applied
    1. Paul highlights 3 aspects: quiet life, taking care own business, and working with your hands
    1. Aspire (aim) to live a quiet life
      1.  aspire = phileo + timeo (to love honor or worthiness) => to desire to live a worthy life or to reach a higher standard
      1.  Quiet life = tranquil and peaceable (not raucous, narcissistic, or disquieting)
      1.  Going about own business with dignity and honor
    1. Minding your own business
      1.  Not a busybody in other people’s affairs (I Peter 4:15 = lit., “working around” => meddling)
      1.  Some things are our affair and need our intervention (confronting grievous sin but not minor transgressions [Ephesians 5:11; I Peter 4:8] or intervene to protect and help others [Philippians 2:3])
    1. Work with your hands
      1.   I Timothy 5:8 taking care of own family (II Thessalonians 3)
      1.  A man is responsible to support self and family, pay his taxes, give to Lord, and help others
    1. 3 categories of legitimate charity
      1.  James 1:27 those who are unable to support self
      1.  I Timothy 5:9-16 elderly or infirmed family members
      1.  I Thessalonians 5:14 those feeble in mind and body
  3. Walking properly
    1. 2 categories of walking properly: righteousness and appropriateness (dignity, non-offensive, decently)
    1. We are to walk becomingly (euschemonos = with a good scheme or standard) = not embarrassingly
    1. Our testimony begins with our deportment and image (do we attract people or repel them?)
      1.  A believer can be winsome or repulsive
      1.  Can draw people to Christ or drive away
    1. To have a good lifestyle of holy living = lack nothing

Key verse: Matthew 22:34-40

34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Sep 5, 2021. II Samuel 17:1-14

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THE HUSHAI HUSTLE.  II Samuel 17:1-14.  09/05/2021.  #38.

II Samuel 17:1-14 [New King James Version]

1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. 2 I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king. 3 Then I will bring back all the people to you. When all return except the man whom you seek, all the people will be at peace.” 4 And the saying pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel. 5 Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he says too.” 6 And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel has spoken in this manner. Shall we do as he says? If not, speak up.” 7 So Hushai said to Absalom: “The advice that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time. 8 For,” said Hushai, “you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are enraged in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field; and your father is a man of war, and will not camp with the people. 9 Surely by now he is hidden in some pit, or in some other place. And it will be, when some of them are overthrown at the first, that whoever hears it will say, ‘There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 And even he who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt completely. For all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men. 11 Therefore I advise that all Israel be fully gathered to you, from Dan to Beersheba, like the sand that is by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in person. 12 So we will come upon him in some place where he may be found, and we will fall on him as the dew falls on the ground. And of him and all the men who are with him there shall not be left so much as one. 13 Moreover, if he has withdrawn into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city; and we will pull it into the river, until there is not one small stone found there.” 14 So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.

  1. Ahithophel’s advice
    1. Ahithophel’s advice was always wise and effective
    1. Absalom asks for Ahithophel’s advice:
      1.  Strike David while he is weak and vulnerable
      1.  Ahithophel will lead 12,000 men against David’s troop with the goal of killing David
      1.  Once David is dead, all of Israel will turn to Absalom
    1. Absalom and his men were pleased with Ahithophel’s advice
      1.  It was sound reasoning based on the situation
      1.  David’s men were in no condition to fight a superior force while Israel watched David flee
      1.  All the momentum was on Absalom’s side
    1. Had Abs. attacked immediately, apart from divine intervention, David would have been overwhelmed
  2. Hushai’s gambit
    1. Abs. calls Hushai in to give his advice
      1.  Absalom should have suspected that Hushai was working for David
      1.  God was working to overthrow Ahithophel’s counsel
    1. Abs. informs Hushai of Ahithophel’s advice
      1.  Asks for Hus.’s opinion
      1.  Hushai states that Ahithophel’s advice is not good now
    1. Hushai provided many reasons for caution:
      1.  David is a mighty man of war
      1.  David’s army is full of mighty veteran men
      1.  David’s men are enraged like a bear deprived of her cubs and would fight like madmen
      1.  David would not be with his army, but hidden somewhere, so Ahithophel could not get at him
      1.  When David’s veteran troops defeat the first wave of attackers, the rest of Abs.’s army will flee
    1. Hushai’s advice
      1.  Gather all the people to you from all of Israel
      1.  Attack as one massive unit
      1.  All of David’s men would be crushed
      1.  If the last of David’s army hid in a city, Israel will pull down its walls and cast the stones into the river
    1. Hushai describes an absolute glorious victory for Absalom
      1.  Leaves visions of grandeur in minds of rebels
      1.  The intoxicating narrative is embraced by all
  3. Wishful thinking fantasies
    1. Hushai’s advice is a pie-in-the-sky illusion
      1.  Plays on Abs. and his men’s egos
      1.  Their initial success leaves them over confident
    1. Hushai plays on their ego
      1.  Turns the goal of defeating David into the vision of humiliating all his followers
      1.  Hushai is buying time for David to regroup
    1. Hushai’s advice was unrealistic (only the gullible follow)
      1.  Not all or even most of Israel would flock to Abs.
      1.  Abs. greatly overinflates his popularity and support
      1.  Abs. imagines that all of Isr. wants David gone
    1. Politicians, generals, and business leaders tend to exaggerate their assets and minimize their challenges
      1.  Overconfidence usually end in ruin
      1.  Absalom needed a realistic assessment of his position
      1.  “One rebel is worth ten yanks”, “they will flock to me”

God uses man’s pride against him to destroy him

Aug. 29, 2021. II Samuel 16:15-23

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AHITHOPHEL’S REVENGE.  II Samuel 16:15-23.  8/29/2021.  #37.

II Samuel 16:15-23 [New King James Version]

15 Meanwhile Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem; and Ahithophel was with him. 16 And so it was, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” 17 So Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” 18 And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his I will be, and with him I will remain. 19 Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father’s presence, so will I be in your presence.” 20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give advice as to what we should do.” 21 And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the top of the house, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

  1. Hushai’s Gambit
    1. David’s friend and advisor, Hushai, greets Absalom with “Long live the King!”
      1.  Absalom is suspicious: “Why did you not go with your friend, David?”
      1.  Hushai would be expected to remain loyal to David
    1. Hushai states that he will faithfully serve whoever is king
      1.  This is not loyalty, but opportunist
      1.  A man who switches loyalty, like one who betrays a spouse, cannot be trusted
    1. Absalom’s initial intuition was correct
      1.  By accepting Hushai, Absalom brings a spy into fold
      1.  Even Hushai’s explanation reeked of deceit
    1. It is not wise to casually blow past intuition and discernment
      1.  David did not follow initial instinct with Amnon
      1.  David did not follow instinct with Absalom
      1.  Absalom doesn’t follow instinct with Hushai
    1. Just as David deceived Bathsheba and Uriah, Absalom deceived David, and now Hushai deceives Absalom (sowing and reaping)
  2. Ahithophel’s revenge
    1. Ahithophel’s advice was so wise it was as if from God
    1. Absalom asks what they should do first
    1. Ahithophel advises to violate David’s concubine before Israel
      1.  David had left behind 10 concubines to take care of the palace
      1.  II Samuel 12 Nathan predicted that since David violated Bathsheba is secret, God would allow David’s neighbor to violate his marriage bed in public
        1.  David left concerned in Jericho knowing the prophecy
        1.  To have a son do this added to the shame (as Reuben did to Jacob; I Corinthians 5)
      1.  Ahithophel argues that this act would show Israel how much Absalom despised David (no reconciliation between father and son possible, so Absalom’s men would feel confident and strengthened by the act)
    1. A big tent was put on the spot on the palace roof from which David watched Bathsheba bathe
    1. This is Ahithophel’s revenge
      1.  Bath. was Ahithophel’s granddaughter
      1.  Just as David saw his godaughter naked while on the palace roof and then violated her, he advises Absalom to violate David’s conscious at the same spot
      1.  Ahithophel has obviously been seething about this for years while at the same time being chief advisor
      1.  Ahithophel never turns vengeance over to God
    1. God had already pronounced judgment on David
      1.  It was not up to Ahithophel to punish David
      1.  God used Ahithophel’s plot to fulfill prophecy
  3. Downward slope
    1. One sin begets another
      1.  Once the downward spiral begins, many people become entrapped in the folly
      1.  David’s initial sin started a domino effect
    1. Each player in this drama was still responsible for his acts
    1. No corrupt ruler can rule well
    1. Notice the bitterness David caused in family and nation
    1. Yet, God chose David and other flawed people to do his will

Aug 22, 2021. I Thessalonians 3:6-13

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GOOD REPORT.  I Thessalonians 3:6-13.  8/22/2021.  #7.

I Thessalonians 3:6-13 [New King James Version]

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— 7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

  1. Timothy brings good news
    1. Timothy had finally returned from Thessalonians
      1.  They were still holding onto their faith & love
      1.  They remembered Paul fondly & desired to see him again
    1. Timothy’s news was like a balm over Paul’s anxiety
      1.  Proverbs 25:25 refreshed by good news from afar
      1.  Paul had expected the worse, but received a great blessing
      1.  The news lightened their affliction since the fruit of their labor was worth the price paid
    1. The fruit of faithfully serving the Lord is worth any price
      1.  Trials at the time may seem overwhelming, but the reward of service is far greater (1 Corinthians 3)
      1.  We will not know the full impact of our service to the Lord until we stand before the Lord
      1.  Paul was allowed to see a glimpse of the result of his labor when Timothy returned to him
    1. The thought of the reward for the fruit of our labor should comfort us despite evil around us (I Corinthians 15:50-58)
      1.  Faith remembrance makes us immoveable
      1.  The power of hope of reward strengthens us
    1. Paul rejoices in what God did in 3 weeks in Thess.
  2. Thankful & Hopeful
    1. Paul was thankful to the Lord, for he knew that the short time he had with the Thessalonians was not enough to fortify them
      1.  The Spirit of God used what Paul gave them & magnified its impact & power
      1.  God had put a hedge around the new believers
    1. Paul had underpinned the new church with continual prayer (not to be underestimated or minimized)
    1. Paul still wanted to return to complete the Thessalonians training
      1.  There is no indication that Paul was ever able to return to the city
      1.  Paul tried to fill in the gap through his 2 letters to them & sending Timothy to help them
    1. Paul prayed that the Lord would direct him to the Thessalonians
      1.  Some prayers are not answered because God has a different plan
      1.  Some prayers are not answered because we take a side trip off the path God lays out for us (Paul’s defiance of God’s command not to go to Jerusalem may have prevented him from seeing the Thessalonians and other churches again, just like Moses’s disobedience stopped his entry into Canaan)
  3. Growing in faith until the trumpet sounds
    1. Paul also prayed that their love and holiness would continue to grow
      1.  Once Paul no longer could directly influence the Thessalonians, he had to leave them totally in God’s care
      1.  All our teaching & training must end & we then leave rests in God’s care & responses of trainees
    1. Paul looks forward to when the Lord comes
      1.  There will be an accounting of both our ministry and of those who received our ministry
      1.  Paul couldn’t hover over seedlings he planted
      1.  Our impact will be seen when Lord returns
    1. Paul could encourage & pray for Thessalonians, then wait for results

Part of faith is trusting the Lord with the results

Aug 22, 2021. II Samuel 16:5-14

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SHIMEI’S RANT.  II Samuel 16:5-14.  8/22/2021. #36.

2 Samuel 16:5-14 [New King James Version]

5 Now when King David came to Bahurim, there was a man from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei the son of Gera, coming from there. He came out, cursing continuously as he came. 6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David. And all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 Also Shimei said thus when he cursed: “Come out! Come out! You bloodthirsty man, you rogue! 8 The Lord has brought upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the Lord has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son. So now you are caught in your own evil, because you are a bloodthirsty man!” 9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head!” 10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’ ” 11 And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the Lord has ordered him. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day.” 13 And as David and his men went along the road, Shimei went along the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him and kicked up dust. 14 Now the king and all the people who were with him became weary; so they refreshed themselves there.

1. Shimei’s rash act

                a. Shimei was a relative of Saul

                b. When David flees from Jerusalem, Shimei comes out to curse David

                                a1. Shimei sought revenge for taking Saul’s throne

                                a2. Shimei thought that this was God’s judgment

                c. Shimei does a foolish thing

                                a1. David is still king and God’s anointed

                                a2. David is traveling with an army

                                a3. It was not Shimei’s place to chastise David

                                a4. Vengeance belongs to God alone

                d. We almost never prosper when we act rashly

                                a1. Nothing could accomplish nothing by ranting

                                a2. When we are upset, it is not time to send anemail, text, or phone call

                                a3. A. Lincoln used to write letters when angry & then tear them up without sending them

                e. We are to refrain from assigning God’s judgment on people

                                a1. It is not up to us declare if any event a judgment of God (disease, fires, earthquakes, disasters…)

                                a2. David’s judgment = from his sin, not Saul’s fall

                                a3. Pv. 24:17-19 God will stop punishing if you gloat

                f. It is ironic that Shimei called David “a man of bloodshed”

                                a1. Saul was far bloodier than David, even having Doeg kill the priests & their family

                                a2. Shimei was not David’s judge

2. Off with his head

                a. Abishai, brother of Joab, wanted to take off Shimei’s head

                                a1. Why should this dog live?

                                a2. Abishai was offended by what Shimei did

                b. “What am I to do with you sons of Zeruiah?”

                                a1. Joab had murdered Abner & Amasa as revenge

                                a2. Joab knew all about Bathsheba & Uriah & other indiscretions of David

                                a3. David’s nephews were impulsive (Asahel died through pursuing Abner in battle)

                                a4. David could not control his nephews, but he could not get away from them

                                                b1. David needed Joab’s skills & insight

                                                b2. Joab was popular among the troops

3. David’s humility of the moment

                a. David shows grace by instructing Abishai to leave Shimei alone, for God may have told him to curse David

                                a1. David felt that he probably deserved to be rebuked

                                a2. At this point, David felt humbled

                b. David receives the rebuke, but later tells Solomon to make sure that Shimei does not go down into the grave in peace

                                a1. David’s momentary humility is not forgiveness

                                a2. David does not transfer Shimei to God’s accountability where it belonged

                                a3. David carried the hurt of Shimei’s rebuke to grave

                c. David stops at this spot to rest

                d. David is a mixed bag

                                a1. He is gracious to Shimei at one moment & not later

                                a2. He is foolish with his sons & family

                                a3. He is foolish with how he handled Joab & army

                                a4. David does not seem to learn these lessons

                e. By not learning from our errors we are repeat the errors

Aug 15, 2021. I Thessalonians 3:1-5

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APPOINTED TO AFFLICTION.  I Thessalonians 3:1-5.  8/15/2021.  #6.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 [New King James Version]

1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

  1. Faith check
    1. Paul was very concerned about faith of Thessalonians believers
      1.  They were new to the faith
      1.  Paul was ushered out of Thess. after 3 weeks
      1.  Paul had not finished instructing them in walk
      1.  Paul had been hindered to return
    1. Paul was beside himself with concern
      1.  He knew that the new church would be under tremendous persecution and pressure
      1.  Paul feared that the Thessalonians would collapse under the trials (some may not have completely come to faith yet)
      1.  Paul had not yet fully equipped them for attacks
    1. Twice Paul states that he could not endure (bear up under or abide in) the strain of not knowing the fate of the Thessalonians
      1.  Paul sent Timothy to check on the church
      1.  Timothy was faithful, knowledgeable, and willing
    1. Paul had moved on from Berea and was now in Athens
      1.  Apparently, Timothy was excluded from Thess.
      1.  Paul suspects the worse
    1. Timothy was directed to instruct them and encourage them
      1.  Add to their training
      1.  Assure them that they could thrive under trials
  2. Trials are part of the job description for believers
    1. The Thess. were concerned about Paul
    1. They knew the trials that Paul faced in Phil. and Thess.
    1. Paul instructed church concerning affliction
      1.  They were not to be shaken by the trials
      1.  Trials were a normal part of spiritual warfare
      1.  Paul had instructed them that they were appointed (set in place, assigned to lie in it)
        1.  A part of the Christian faith
        1.  I Peter 4:12-19 persecution to be expected and even embraced
    1. Paul had told them to expect tribulation
      1.  Knowing trials would come is different than experiencing trials
      1.  Paul was concerned that the church was not yet grounded enough to endure great trials
    1. Trials are to be expected and endured
      1.  Facing persecution should not have caught the church off guard on unaware
      1.  Paul predicted what actually came to pass
      1.  Suffering tribulation is part of the Christian walk
  3. Tempted to quit
    1. Not knowing how the church was fairing caused concern
    1. Paul was concerned that the “tempter” would tempt them to back away from the faith
      1.  Paul’s work among them would be in vain
      1.  Paul wants to see fruit from his labor
    1. Three types of withdrawing from the faith:
      1.  Those who are not yet saved backing away
      1.  Those who are saved being intimidated into silence and inaction
      1.  Those who are saved conforming to the world
    1. Trials of faith have been common from the beginning: Abel, Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Jeremiah, Stephen, Paul…
    1. Paul needed to know their condition and to shore up their faith, so they could be fortified in the battle

Key verse: I Peter 4:12-1912 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Aug 15, 2021. II Samuel 16:1-4

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ZIBA TAKES ALL.  II Samuel 16:1-4.  Aug 15, 2021.  #35.

II Samuel 16:1-4 [New King James Version]

1 When David was a little past the top of the mountain, there was Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth, who met him with a couple of saddled donkeys, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins, one hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 And the king said to Ziba, “What do you mean to do with these?” So Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink.” 3 Then the king said, “And where is your master’s son?” And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.’ ” 4 So the king said to Ziba, “Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.” And Ziba said, “I humbly bow before you, that I may find favor in your sight, my lord, O king!”

  1. Ziba makes his move
    1. Ziba was Jonathan’s servant in charge of his household
      1.  After Jonathan died in battle, David gave all of Jonathan’s possessions to Mephibosheth
      1.  Mephibosheth was lame due to his nursemaid dropping him when she fled from the Philistine hoard
    1. Ziba meets David at the top of the ascent
      1.  He has two donkeys loaded with bread and raisins
      1.  David asks what the meaning of the supplies were
        1.  Ziba states that they are for David’s men
        1.  Ziba desires to ingratiate himself to David
  2. The Mephibosheth mystery
    1. David asks Ziba where Mephibosheth was
      1.  Mephibosheth ate at the king’s table as kindness to Jonathan’s household
      1.  Being a descendent of Saul, it was important that Mephibosheth to openly show loyalty to David
    1. Ziba claims that Mephibosheth stayed back in Jerusalem, hoping to be restored to his grandfather’s throne
      1.  David is upset, especially after the kindness he showed Mephibosheth
      1.  David then gives all of Mephibosheth’s land to David
    1. II Samuel 19 later when David returns to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth comes out to meet David
      1.  Mephibosheth is in sackcloth with ashes on him:  he has not bathed, shaved, or groomed since David left
      1.  When asked why he did not go with David, he said that since he was lame he had to wait for Ziba to saddle his donkey and bring him to David
    1. David does not know what to believe
      1.  Mephibosheth was obviously not leading a rebellion
      1.  Since Mephibosheth came out to meet David, it is odd that he could not have come on his own to David earlier or had someone else help him
    1. The truth probably is that Mephibosheth was afraid to go with David in case Absalom won the conflict
      1.  Mephibosheth sat out the conflict until he saw what would happen
      1.  When David won, Mephibosheth reappears to declare his loyalty to David
    1. Ziba had obviously lied to David
      1.  Mephibosheth was not guiltless either
      1.  David decides to split the land between Mephibosheth and Ziba, since both men were suspect
      1.  Mephibosheth claims that he is not interested in the land, only in David’s safe return
  3. Another Proverbs 18:13 problem
    1. As with Amnon, Absalom, the woman of Tekoa, and other issues, David does not wait to investigate Ziba’s claims before he makes a snap decision
      1.  Decisions made on partial information or mere appearances are almost always wrong
      1.  David never learns the art of inquiry
    1. Decisions should be made on the best information available
      1.  Investigation to find the facts
      1.  Appearances and statements may be false or partial
      1.  There are always missing facts
    1. Justice, fairness, and potential harm demand due diligence

Aug 8, 2021. I Thessalonians 2:17-20

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COSMIC WARFARE.  I Thessalonians 2:17-20.  8/8/2021.  #05.

I Thessalonians 2:17-20 [New King James Version]

17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

1. Untimely departure

                a. Once again Paul expresses regrets for having to leave them abruptly

                                a1. This was not by Paul’s choice

                                a2. Paul assures them of his longing for them

                b. Paul still wants to go back the see them

                                a1. Even though Paul was ejected from Thessalonians he felt that he could return to see them

                                a2. Paul wanted to finish the job he started in discipleship

2. Satanic warfare

                a. Paul made some actual attempts to return to Thessalonians but Satan hindered him

                b. There are several hindrances to ministry:

                                a1. Sin and self-will (Samson, Peter, Ahab…)

                                a2. Not seeking leading of Spirit (Romans 8:4)

                                a3. Interference of the world (1 John 2:15-16)

                                a4. Interference by our own flesh (Matthew 26:41)

                                a5. Opposition by satanic forces (Ephesians 6:11-12)

                c. Paul does not tell us how Satan interfered with him

                d. At times it is hard to discern why we face obstacles and struggles

                                a1. Sometimes, opposition is merely the normal trials of life (Matthew 5:45; I Corinthians 10:13)

                                a2. Sometimes, we resist the will of God or allow distractions to derail us (Luke 10:41)

                                a3. There are times we are opposed by demons and forces of darkness

                e. Paul was sure that Satan was hindering him

                                a1. Satan has been given certain powers and dominion (1 Peter 5:8)

                                a2. Jude 9 Even the Archangel Michael relied upon the Lord to rebuke Satan

                                a3. Luke 4 Satan directly opposed Jesus

                f. James 1:12-25 – not every temptation or opposition is from Satan, we sin most effectively on our own

                                a1. Genesis 3 we cannot blame Satan for our sin

                                a2. A spiritual person knows when Satan is blocking them and oppressing them

                g. God allows spiritual warfare to strengthen our faith (Job 1, Daniel 10, Ephesians 6, 1 Kings 19)

3. Light at the end of a dark tunnel

                a. Paul states that the battle is worth it

                                a1. Thessalonian believers are Paul’s joy and crown

                                a2. Christ’s coming motivates us to endure

                b. Philippians 4:4 Paul refused to be discouraged, for the glory, joy, and hope of God’s mercy, calling, and reward swallows up the trials and struggles of life

                c. Our hope in the returning Christ encourages us

                d. Paul did not focus on satanic opposition, but his calling and the return of Christ

Key verse: James 1:12-25

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. 19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.