Lesson 1: Finding Answers In The Darkness Series

A. INTRODUCTION

1. “Are you lonesome tonight?” Universal.

2. “I’m so lonesome I could die!” Possible.

3. Two kinds of loneliness.

a. Solitude, a healthy experience where we choose to spend time alone with God.

b. Loneliness, negative emotions because of no friends or companionship.

4. God made people for relationships. “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him’” (Gen. 2:18, NLT).

5. The Bible recognizes the role of companionship, friendship and fellowship for maturity and well-being. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (Ec. 4:9-10, NLT).

6. Part of Jesus’ suffering from sin was loneliness. “Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Matt. 27:46).

7. Relationship based on total personality, i.e. intellect, emotions, and will.

8. Loneliness is a painful experience.

9. Bad relationships can leave you wounded.

B. LONELINESS IS LIKE BEING A PRISONER IN A HOLE OR CAVE

1. Cuts you off from life and others.

2. Easy to get lost and cannot find your way.

3. Shuts you up to yourself.

4. Lonesome.

5. Dangerous, snakes, spiders, pits.

6. People die in caves or holes.

C. DAVID IN CAVE AT EN-GEDI: 1 SAM. 1:1-22, PSALM 57

1. David was threatened with death, 1 Sam. 24:1ff.

2. Cave was not his choice.

3. David was pursued because he was chosen by God.

4. David couldn’t return to family, or temple.

5. David’s dignity stripped, considered a criminal.

6. David’s prayer, “I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings, until the danger passes by” (Ps. 57:1). “He will send help from heaven to rescue me . . . those who hounded me” (Ps. 57:3). “I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey, whose teeth pierce . . . whose tongues cut like swords” (Ps. 57:4).

“My enemies have set a trap for me . . . they have dug a deep pit in my path” (Ps. 57:6).

D. NIGHT OPPORTUNITIES IN A CAVE

1. God’s sovereignty sent Saul into David’s cave. Watch when people are directed into your “cave” (1 Sam. 24:3).

2. Friends can give wrong advice (v. 4).

3. It’s never right to do wrong to complete God’s purpose.

4. David saw God’s hand in the darkness, “The Lord forbid that I should do this” (v. 6).

5. David didn’t see Saul as his enemy but God’s opportunity (v. 4-8).

6. David used common sense, didn’t confront Saul in dark cave. “David . . . went out of the cave, and cried after Saul” (v. 8).

7. David respected the office of the king, but not the person of the office (v. 8).

8. David learned fear of God was more important than fear of enemy.

Your Prescription

1. Recognize the types of loneliness, i.e., personal, social, physical, cultural, vocational, cosmic, i.e., self-worth.

2. Not all loneliness is bad, especially if you are motivated to seek God for relief.

3. Look for good things in your “cave”.

4. Listen for the voice of God in the cave.

5. Find why God puts you in a cave.

6. Don’t give into loneliness, it will lead to depression.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.

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Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu

Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com