Series BC Justice League of Bible Super Heroes:
In a world of chaos and destruction, many are called but few are chosen. Join us as we explore the events surrounding the lives of those biblical heroes; these are the true stories of the BC Justice League.
http://www.whatsyourstoryonline.com/: Quote: Stories are powerful. Stories give meaning to who we are and how we became who we are. Stories help us understand how life happens, and they give value to our experiences. Some of the most powerful testimonies to Christian faith come not from lists of accepted doctrinal beliefs (though they’re important) nor from recitations of biblical principles (also important), but from the enlivened re-telling of how God has acted, overtly or covertly, in each of our lives.
Video Illustration: Blue Fish TV small things
Sermon: David’s Story pt 2
Thesis: David’s story can be summarized like this: A nobody becomes a somebody who then becomes a fugitive and ends up in the end the King of Israel and called a man after God’s own heart – he did everything I wanted him to do.
Introduction:
There are 66 chapters that speak about David in the Old Testament. As a matter of fact, there are more references to David in the Bible than any other person.
David’s life story is an amazing story of the extremes one person can face in a lifetime: Last week we looked at his early years today let’s look at the middle years.
• The middle years extremes:
o From fame to shame
o From somebody to a fugitive
o From hero to fugitive.
o From hero of Israel to outlaw
o From celebrated to despised
o From loved to hated
o From man of honor to liar
o From security to insecurity
o From hero to villain
o From applause to boo’s
o From married to separated
o From royalty to fugitive
o From riches to poverty
o From sanity to insanity
o From respected to disrespected
o From loyal servant to traitor
• Summary of the extremes: His life is filled with mountain top experiences and low valley dramas. He is slaying giants one day and acting like a crazy man on another day. He is living in riches and then living in poverty. He would be in a palace one day and hiding out in caves on another day. He was respected one day and rejected on another day. He could play the harp and enter into the presence of God and then on another day fall into sin and alienate himself from the one He loved the most. The book of Psalms reflects on David’s highs and lows.
Quote: God's Patience with Our Failures
R. O. Blechman, Dear James: Letters to Young Illustrator (Simon and Schuster, 2009), pp. 30-34 | posted 9/20/2010 - R. O. Blechman is one of the most famous illustrators in the world. In his recent book, Dear James: Letters to a Young Illustrator, he shares a series of letters that he wrote to a younger fellow-illustrator. In one of the most poignant letters, Blechman addresses the reality of failure:
Preliminary drawings and sketches often are discouraging things, pale shadows of one's bold intentions. Seemingly nonsense, they're especially dispiriting for beginners … 'Is that what I did,' the novice might ask, 'and I consider myself an artist?! … Speaking for myself (but also for other illustrators, I'm sure), my trash basket is full of false starts and failed drawings … There should be a Museum of Failed Art. It would exhibit all the terrible art that would have ended up in trash bins and garbage cans, lost and unknown to the public life. Surprisingly, the Bible contains a "Museum of Failed Discipleship." Over and over again, the Gospels record the "false starts" and spiritual failures of the disciples. Thankfully, they also record Christ's willingness to encourage and challenge his flawed disciples. We tend to cover up our heroes' faults; and we're even more likely to gloss over our colossal flops. Instead, the Gospels allow us to see the disciples' failures—and most of those stories came from the disciples themselves. This honesty provides encouragement to us when we feel like saying, "Is that what I did, and I consider myself a Christian?" Our security is in Christ who continues to love us even when we stumble and fail. R. O. Blechman, Dear James: Letters to Young Illustrator (Simon and Schuster, 2009), pp. 30-34
T.S. - So let’s learn more about David’s Story – a real life BC super hero:
I. David’s early years – Could be summarized as from seclusion to fame or from a nobody to a somebody overnight.
a. See sermon one David’s Story
II. David’s middle years, from fame to shame – from a somebody to a fugitive.
a. When David does the right thing for God and becomes a somebody Saul gets jealous and forces David to become a fugitive.
i. David has the Spirit of the Lord on Him. He defeats the giant Goliath – He brings a great victory to Israel. Saul hears the praise for David Saul has killed his 1,000 and David has killed his 10,000. Saul hears this praise and the evil spirit stirs him up. He becomes jealous and his heart is prompted to strike out at the hero.
ii. Saul see’s David as a threat not a blessings – Is it not obvious why? When an evil spirit is leading our lives and influencing our interpretation of life we will always be in opposition to the people led by the Spirit and living for the Spirit of God. They will always be seen as a threat not an ally!
b. Scripture Texts for middle years: 1 SAMUEL 19-31
c. When you become a somebody for God remember you will become a target.
i. The truth of life is this: When you become a somebody people will scrutinize your every word - your every action of even lack of words or lack of action.
1. People love to tear somebody’s back down to nobodies!
ii. Saul became jealous of David’s success. Saul feared how successful David was – it was intimidating! Saul also realized that David could not be as successful as he was without God’s anointing.
1. Saul knew he could lose the Kingdom because of the anointing of the Lord on David.
2. He was not going to give up his kingship without a fight.
iii. Saul had a problem the people liked David (their hero) and Saul did not like that!
1. Not only was David successful repeatedly in battle – the people liked him – Saul’s own family liked him and this made Saul even more jealous of the popular new hero of Israel.
iv. We need to remember that the Spirit of the Lord had departed Saul and Saul was then gripped by an evil spirit:
1. Evil spirits cause the following in our lives:
a. Jealousy
b. Hatred
c. Anger
d. Fear
e. Torment
f. They will cause you to commit murder.
g. They will cause you to persecute and slay the innocent.
h. They will make your life a living Hell!
d. Somebody’s need to know that there are times in life that can become tough and they need to know who they can lean on for help.
i. What should a fugitive do and not do when he is under stress or pressure from the enemy?
1. Do you run to your spouse (I Samuel 19:9-18)?
a. You should but don’t be surprised if a non-loyal spouse lies about you and does not go with you when you are on the run.
b. A loyal spouse would have went with David not stayed in the palace.
c. A true loyal lover is one that stays with you through the good and the bad.
d. A true a loyal spouse is one who will not lie about you or stab you in the back.
2. Do you run to the Prophet of God (I Samuel 19:18-24)?
a. Yes! Good idea – because the Spirit of the Lord will protect you!
i. David saw the hand of God protect him!
b. The Lord did a miracle to deliver David but for some reason David left and went to Jonathan.
i. I am not sure why?
3. Do you run to your friends (I Samuel 20)?
a. Do you seek advice and help from them?
b. David sought the help of Jonathan – who at first did not believe what David was saying. He checked it out only to discover that His father threw a spear at him. His eyes where open and he helped his friend escape.
i. This is true friendship!
c. How do you know when you have an intimate friend?
i. Swindoll gives us four character traits of true intimate friends his book “DAVID” (53,54):
1. An Intimate true friend is willing to sacrifice (I Samuel 18:4)
2. An intimate true friend is a loyal defense against others (I Samuel 19:4, 5).
3. An intimate true friend will give you freedom to be yourself (I Samuel 20:41).
4. An intimate true friend is one who is always encouraging (I Samuel 23:15, 16).
4. Do you run to the priests – to God’s representatives – the ones with the ephod (I Samuel 21:1-9)?
a. Yes, you should but do not lie to them.
i. David lied to Ahimlelech?
ii. Our first flaw of our super hero is revealed.
b. David here collapses from the pressure of being a fugitive.
i. He succumbs to the pressure of evil!
ii. He deceives the priest and gets Goliath’s sword and some food.
c. The result of this encounter and lies cost the priests at Nob their lives in (I Samuel 22:6-23)
i. You cannot blame David for this Saul takes the responsibility.
ii. But David’s actions created a negative reaction to these men of God.
iii. Saul ends up killing the Priests of Nob and Abiathar flees with the ephod to David in the wilderness on the run.
1. Big mistake for Saul because now David has the ephod to inquire of the Lord what to do in his fugitive state (1 Samuel 23)
a. Max Lucado states, “David makes a habit of running his options past God. And he does so with a fascinating tool. The ephod…One priest by the name of Abiathar, however flees. He escapes with more than just life; he escapes with the ephod” (Page 91).
5. Do you run to your enemies? (I Samuel 21:10-15)
a. Never a good idea!
b. Especially when you act like you are insane. It’s rather degrading!
6. Do you run to a dark cave and then cry out to God? (I Samuel 22:1-5)
a. This is always a good move to make!
b. Find a safe place to get away with God and call out to Him!
i. See Psalm 142.
e. When you are under pressure- pray- but don’t be surprised by how God answers your prayers and who he sends to your aid (I Samuel 22:1-5, Psalm 34, Psalm 142).
i. How would you like to lead what God sent David?
1. Can I be honest with you this picture illustrates the church – believe it not they church is made up of these types of people too!
a. See power point picture
2. Pastor Mike are you saying, “We are a bunch of crazy people, misfits, people with issues?”
a. Well in a sense it’s all about how you see other people.
b. But to answer the question -- “Yes!”
c. Illustration: Eyes of a Doctor, Eyes of a Judge - Donald Sunukjian, in the sermon "The Eyes of a Doctor," PreachingToday.com | posted 7/12/2010: Let's suppose that on your way to work each morning, you usually stop at a Starbucks. You tend to get to the store at the same time each morning, and you usually see a young girl who gets there about the same time you do. On many mornings you find yourselves standing next to each other in line. In fact, you both order the same thing—double espresso with skim milk. She seems to be into the gothic culture—black hair, black clothes, knee-high jackboots, black fingernails, black lipstick, piercings in the nose, lips, ears, and eyebrows, and scattered tattoos. She usually has a backpack that she has to take off to get her money, and sometimes it seems hard for her to hold the backpack, get the money, and pay for the coffee all at the same time. She doesn't make too much eye contact with others. You wonder whether you should strike up a conversation with her—maybe offer to hold her backpack while she pays. You're not sure what to do with the whole gothic bit, and you don't know whether she'd give you a dark look and not say anything. Should you try to be friendly? Maybe find out what brings you both to the same Starbucks each morning? See if she ever tries any of the other specialty coffees? Move toward greeting her each morning? Learn about other parts of her life? Yes! By all means! Move into her world. Make a comment one day about how the barista probably already knows both of your orders as soon as you walk in the door. Offer to hold her backpack while she pays. A couple of days later, tell her your name and ask for hers. If she misses a few days, tell her you hope she wasn't sick the next time you see her. Why move into her world? Because with the eyes of a doctor, you see a hurt that God can heal. You see an anger and alienation. Maybe it's because of sexual abuse from a stepfather, a brother, or an old boyfriend. But you see the heaviness, the sadness. With the eyes of a doctor, you see a hurt that God can heal. …
ii. His family came 1st - You know the family where Dad forgot he had another son. You know the one where the older brother accuses David of having a conceited and wicked heart.
1. I am sure they came with positive words for David.
a. Way to go David! You have created a big mess!
b. You are so into yourself!
c. ILLUSTRATION Family: Johnny Carson, former host of NBC's The Tonight Show, once offered this cynical take on Thanksgiving: "Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often." Johnny Carson, during an episode of The Tonight Show
iii. The distressed came –and they were in trouble over life.
1. The Hebrew word -matsowq- means everyone who was in distress- ones disabled by their anguished hearts and emotions.
a. It means as Swindoll states, “What a group! ‘Everyone who was in distress’ came. The Hebrew word here, zuk, means not only ‘in distress’, but ‘under pressure, under stress.’”(74)
i. They were the stressed out depressed people of Israel!
2. Illustration: Helping Others Realize They Are "Meant to House the Fullness of God"
a. John of Kronstadt … was a nineteenth-century Russian Orthodox priest at the time when alcohol abuse was rampant. None of the priests ventured out of their churches to help the people. They waited for the people to come to them. John, compelled by love, went out into the streets. People said he would lift the hungover, foul-smelling people from the gutter, cradle them in his arms, and say to them, "This is beneath your dignity. You were meant to house the fullness of God." … Like John of Kronstadt, we can say to the broken, "Your brokenness does not define you. You are one in whom Christ dwells. You were meant to house the fullness of God." We welcome them like the prodigal son, restoring them to their true birthright, even if they have trouble accepting it.
i. James Bryan Smith, The Good and Beautiful God (IVP, 2009), p. 162
b. So here came hundreds of stressed out people to help David?
i. I don’t know about you but a few stressed out people can stress me out!
iv. The ones in debt-nasha- those taxed heavily and under huge credit card debts.
1. These where the ones who Swindoll states, “Could not pay their bills.”
a. So we have all the ones who cannot manage money and are under extreme agony because of their financial state.
2. Christians as God's "Plan A":There's over 2,500 verses in the Bible that deal with the issue of helping the poor, the sick, the hungry. God set it up that we are to address this issue and that he works through us. His Plan B? Well, I don't know what Plan B is. Plan A is the way he set it up. —Tony Hall, former U.S. ambassador for humanitarian issues, on the global food crisis.
3. Illustration: How to pray in a economic crisis: During one of the most volatile periods of the current economic crisis—a week in which global stock markets declined by $7 trillion—Philip Yancey received a call from an editor at Time magazine. The editor's question was simple: "How should a person pray during a crisis like this?" Here is a summary of what Yancey shared in response: The first stage is simple, an instinctive cry: "Help!" For someone who faces a job cut or health crisis or watches retirement savings wither away, prayer offers a way to voice fear and anxiety. I have learned to resist the tendency to edit my prayers so that they sound sophisticated and mature. I believe God wants us to come exactly as we are, no matter how childlike we may feel. A God aware of every sparrow that falls surely knows the impact of scary financial times on frail human beings. … If I pray with the intent to listen as well as talk, I can enter into a second stage, that of meditation and reflection. Okay, my life savings has virtually disappeared. What can I learn from this seeming catastrophe? …A time of crisis presents a good opportunity to identify the foundation on which I construct my life. If I place my ultimate trust in financial security or in the government's ability to solve my problems, I will surely watch the basement flood and the walls crumble. A friend from Chicago, Bill Leslie, used to say that the Bible asks three main questions about money: (1) How did you get it? (Legally and justly or exploitatively?); (2) What are you doing with it? (Indulging in luxuries or helping the needy?); and (3) What is it doing to you? Some of Jesus' most trenchant parables and sayings go straight to the heart of that last question. …The same week that global wealth shrank by $7 trillion, Zimbabwe's inflation rate hit a record 231 million percent. In other words, if you had saved $1 million Zimbabwean dollars by Monday, on Tuesday it was worth $158. This sobering fact leads me to the third and most difficult stage of prayer in crisis: I need God's help in taking my eyes off my own problems in order to look with compassion on the truly desperate. …What a testimony it would be if, in 2009, Christians resolved to increase their giving to build houses for the poor, combat AIDS in Africa, and announce kingdom values to a decadent, celebrity-driven culture. Such a response defies all logic and common sense — unless, of course, we take seriously the moral of Jesus' simple tale about building houses on a sure foundation.
a. Condensed from our sister publication Christianity Today, © 2009 Christianity Today International. For more articles like this, visit Christianity Today Philip Yancey, "A Surefire Investment," www.christianitytoday.com/ct (2-3-09)
v. Then the discontented ones, and angry ones
1. The word here is -mar nephesh -meaning they where the bitter ones-the angry ones.
2. Swindoll notes,” …means to be in bitterness of soul, to have been wronged and mistreated.”
a. And they most likely had attitudes!
f. Can you imagine this scenario- they start showing up in groups- David starts to notice that his cave is filling up with the malcontents of Israel.
i. The rejects, the complainers – I’m sure he started jumping for joy! NOT!
ii. Believe it or not these where the future leaders of the nation of Israel – the ones who would later be called “David’s mighty men of valor.”
1. David was not alone God sent him men who needed to be trained and raised up for the Lord!
a. Men who needed to be disciple and led closer to God.
2. How in the world do you lead a bunch misfits like this?
a. Psalm 34: Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left.
1I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
2My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
4I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
5Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
6This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
8Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
10The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
13keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
14Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
21Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
b. Ritter gives us some insight from Psalm 34 how David did this (3,4):
i. Many believe that this Psalm was penned in the cave after the 400 malcontents showed up.
ii. He led them in praise- Psalm 34:1
iii. He assured them of God’s protection- Psalm 34:7
iv. He drew their attention to the Lord so they would trust him.
1. To the distressed – Psalm 34:8
2. To those in debt – Psalm 34:9
3. To the discontent – Psalm 34:18
c. Ritter also gives us helpful advice on how to help people like this, “When presented the opportunity in the refuge of preparation, seize the opportunity to pour your life into people. God brings them into our lives for the purpose of being influenced for His glory and purpose. Discouraged people don’t need critics. They hurt enough already. They need encouragement. They need a word. They need a place to heal and a confidant; a comrade in arms, a caring, willing, and available someone (4).
i. Amazing how God heals us as we help others!
d. Ritter also reminds us of Psalms 78:72 “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
i. 70He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens;
71from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance.
72And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
g. David is chased by Saul and his army for years and yet David always takes the high road with this king.
i. There were times when David could have slain Saul but he refused.
1. He refused to do the road of revenge and instead sought to give the gift of mercy and forgiveness.
ii. Max Lucado stated, “See your enemies not as God’s failures but as God’s projects” (Page 49).
1. David did this.
2. He refused to lay a hand on Saul because he trusted in the Lord to deal with him.
iii. David’s willingness to honor others even his enemies is what also opened the door for him to become the King of Israel!
h. How does a somebody deal with another somebody like Saul?
i. David – fled
ii. David – loved and forgave
iii. David would not touch God’s anointed Saul
iv. David – sought counsel
v. David sought God’s direction and insight
vi. David cried out to God in prayer
vii. David did not allow the Bait of Satan to take root! No unforgiveness!
viii. David served on faithfully for the Lord even as a hunted fugitive.
T.S. – We often don’t understand how we deal with tough times in our life defines our destiny in this life. To many of us underestimate how God uses the tough times in life to shape our character for the next chapter of our life.
III. A fugitive becomes King and goes from on the run to running a kingdom.
a. The only way a fugitive can become king is to be willing to inquire of the Lord about life, be patient in life and live a life of humility. These three character traits will always propel a fugitive, a nobody into a leadership position for the Lord.
i. II Samuel 2:1: “In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. ‘Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?’ He asked. The Lord said, “Go up.”
1. Notice David was a successful leader because he always inquired of the Lord what to do.
a. He looked to the Lord for direction in war, in famine, and in life as a leader.
2. Max Lucado states, “…David modeled heaven’s therapy for tough days. The first time he faced the Philistines in the wilderness, “David inquired of the Lord” (1 Samuel 23:2). When he felt small against his enemy, “David inquired of the Lord” (23:4). When attacked by the Amalekites, “David inquired of the Lord” (30:8). Puzzled about what to do after the death of Saul, “David inquired of the Lord” (2 Samuel 2:1). When crowned as king and pursued by the Philistines, “David inquired of the Lord” (2 Samuel 5:19). David defeated them, yet they mounted another attack, so “David inquired of the Lord” (5:23). David kept God’s number on speed dial” (Facing your Giants Page 64).
a. This is why David became a successful King and went from fugitive to King.
b. The big question today for many here is, “How do I know what God wants me to do? – I don’t have an ephod like David did!”
i. Lucado states, “Maybe you have no Urim and Thummin stones, but …you have a Bible? Read it.”
1. I add use it like David did the ephod!
a. Read it – use it – listen to the voice of God through it!
2. Remember you have something David did not have -- the Bible which is said to be living and active. It has the power to tell you what to do, in every and any situation but you have to inquire of the Lord and know what the word of God says. Then you have to listen to it!
3. Lucado adds, “The words of the Bible have life! Nouns with pulse rates. Muscular adjectives. Verbs dating back and forth across the page. God works through these words. The Bible is to God what a surgical glove is to the surgeon. He reaches through them to touch deep within you” (Page 95).
b. Scripture Texts: II Samuel 1-5:5: Key verses:
i. II Samuel 2:4: “Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there anointed David king over the house of Judah.”
ii. II Samuel 3:1: “The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.”
iii. II Samuel 5:1-5: All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, `You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.'" When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.
c. Why would a fugitive become a King? Because he had the character! David modeled in his life the character traits of the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-26:
i. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
ii. David’s life reveals that he had these attributes in motion.
1. He was faithful to God.
a. In the quiet fields watching the sheep
b. In the midst of battle and wartime with giants
c. In the days of being a fugitive on the run
d. In the days of being a king over Israel and living in a palace (Note he does get into trouble for a while but he does eventually repent!)
e. In the days when some in his own family rebel against him.
iii. He had peace in the midst of fighting Goliath he was not an emotional wreck. While being chased as a fugitive by King Saul he demonstrated a heart at peace.
1. Because of his faith and trust in God he had peace-a few times he panicked but when he refocused on God he calmed down.
iv. He had integrity. And it was demonstrated through his acts of gentleness, kindness, goodness and self-control.
1. The way he dealt with his men.
2. The way he kept his word
3. The way he dealt with Saul
4. The way he stayed true to his beliefs in God
5. The way he dealt with Abigail
6. The way he dealt with the people who killed God’s anointed -even though they were out to get him- David demanded justice - rightness.
v. He had patience
1. David knew how to wait on the Lord! We will talk about this more later.
2. Do you know how to wait on the Lord?
vi. He had humility
1. I believe David could see that pride destroyed King Saul and therefore he would never let pride take root in his life.
2. He constantly gave himself reality checks – just read Psalms 3-41.
3. Do you have humility?
vii. He had a love for God
1. Psalms is full of David’s love songs to the Lord.
2. His worship was driven out of his love for the Lord.
3. He genuinely loved everything about the Lord even His correction.
4. Do you love God’s correction?
viii. He had the joy of the Lord and was not ashamed of it.
1. He danced before the Lord –out of pure joy!
2. He was not ashamed of his joy for the Lord even though others where.
3. His love for God drove Him into the arms of Joy!
4. Do you have the joy of the Lord?
ix. All these qualities set a fugitive on the path to becoming king.
d. David’s sin came because he stopped doing what he was supposed to be doing.
i. Scripture Texts: II Samuel 11,12:
1. The last few weeks we have been studying the life of David. We discovered that a nobody became a somebody, a somebody became a fugitive, a fugitive became king and the king grew the kingdom and now the king falls into sin.
2. Swindoll states, The Bible never flatters its heroes. All the men and women of Scripture have feet made of clay, and when the Holy Spirit paints a portrait of their lives, He’s a very realistic artist. He doesn’t ignore, deny, or overlook the dark side. Personally, when I step into this chapter in David’s life, I am forever grateful that God has finished writing Scripture. There is not a person I know who would want to have his failures and vices recorded for all generations to read and discuss and make movies about and write books on and preach sermons on down through the centuries “(179).
3. MacDonald states, “We can be thankful that Scripture deals openly with failure. The defects of the saints are not edited out. The dark sides of people who made a difference in their generations are there for all to see: King David’s adultery and murderous scheming, Elijah’s loss of nerve, Jonah’s vindictive spirit.”
4. The Bible is about real life. It shows us the good with the bad. This is was God’s intention when He had it penned for us. We need to use it to grow in life. It will give us insight and direction in what to do and what not to do. If we learn it’s lessons well we will save ourselves a lot of heartache.
ii. What causes kings or queens to fall? What causes leaders in the Kingdom of God to fall? A lesson from a fallen king - David’s life is set in Scripture to teach us what to do and what not to do in life (II Samuel 11).
1. When you become a king or queen in the kingdom there are things we need to guard against the first one is to make sure you are where God wants you.
a. Something has begun to deteriorate in our hero- “Our man after God’s own heart!” has started to digress from being God centered to self-centered!
i. All the years of doing what is right is about to be tarnished by the failure of the up and coming moment.
ii. F.B. Meyer states, “One brief spell of passionate indulgence, and then-his character blasted irretrievably; his peace vanished; the foundation of his kingdom imperiled; the Lord displeased; and great occasion given to his enemies to blaspheme!”
b. Success has a way of doing this to people. If they do not guard their hearts after they have become successful pride, ego, self-centeredness starts to rise to the forefront.
i. David did so well under hardship that he never saw the subtle temptation of success as a means that could destroy him. It was the good life that led the king’s heart away from the Lord. A strong warning to America today!
ii. Swindoll states, “Our most difficult times are not when things are going hard. Hard times create dependent people. You don’t get proud when you’re dependent on God. Survival keeps you humble. Pride happens when everything is swinging in your direction” (183).
2. The Second thing to guard against is the attitude of not being willing to here the warnings of those who are around you. II Samuel 11:3, “and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”
a. In other words “She’s Married!”
b. Watch it David she is already married –don’t be stupid –wake up and get your lust under control-quit drooling!
c. Swindoll states,’ I believe that the servant knew exactly what David was thinking. He could see her down there. He was a man as well. He knew his master. He’d seen the harem. He’d watched David operate with women, and so he warned him as he answered him” (187).
d. Indirectly he is saying how many wives do you have?
3. The third aspect to guard yourself against and watch out for is that when you open the door for sin to come in it will roar in like a flood.
a. David not only looked and lusted he invited it into his house with him.
b. This would have future impact upon his family, his nation, his position as king, and his position in the sight of the Lord.
i. At the time sin seems so insignificant -so what if I sleep with him or her- big deal!
ii. Some just fall into these situations and forget about God!
1. Because the flesh is in control!
4. The fourth lesson you need to learn about dropping you guard is that if you try to cover it up – God promises to expose you (Luke 12:1-3).
a. Luke 12:1-3 Jesus tells us, “1. Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
b. God sees every sin and every unrepentant sin and it will be exposed!
a. It will come out in the light!
b. Illustration from the movie we saw the other night. “Meet the Parents.”
c. Sin is always uncovered!
e. David’s life models for us how to receive revival through failure (II Samuel 12).
i. The proper understanding of the revival is:
1. In the New Testament, revival is a translation of the compound word anazao, which literally means, “again to live”. It is used in the spiritual sense of bringing life to a Christian who has fallen asleep, or rebelled against God.
ii. Nathan’s as a prophet of God models for us how to bring revival to a fallen king or queen. David models for us how to receive revival even after we have fallen. (The following information is taken and adapted from Dr. Wilkerson’s book The Seven Laws Of The Learner.) Step one in revival starts when God decides to send someone to the fallen person to point out their predicament.
1. II Samuel 12:1a – “The Lord sent Nathan to David…”
a. Nathan was commissioned by God to go to David.
i. Commissioned means to be given authority to carry out the task at hand. He was granted certain power and position by God to deal with the king.
ii. When Nathan appeared before the king he knew he was doing God’s will.
iii. Our direct commission from God is what gives us the right to confront in love when someone is wrong.
2. The key to seeing people restored is found in the fact that God still does love fallen individuals.
a. That’s demonstrated in the cross!
3. The Lord will send people to confront them and ask for a change of heart so He can restore them. It’s actually an act of love and not hate! Here this –let it sink in NOW!
a. But if you confront – you make sure you have God’s permission and if it’s in the church the permission of the leadership!
iii. Step two of igniting revival in a person’s heart is confrontation.
1. II Samuel 12:1b-9
2. A fallen person must come to the realization that they are wrong.
a. It’s the idea of pointing out a boundary that has been illegally crossed and violated.
b. Confrontation brings the individual face to face with the truth of their boundary violation.
c. Nathan in our passage did this with David. His confrontation helped David see himself in God’s true spotlight. And conviction flooded down upon David.
d. The Prophet lead David to discover his error by doing three things:
i. He confronted with a parable to drive home how unjust this person was (II Samuel 12:1b-6)
ii. He confronted through describing the nature of God (II Samuel 12:7-8).
iii. He confronted by listing specific sins (12:9-10)
e. Nathan knew that to be effective in confronting sin you had to be direct, specific and true. He did not beat around the bush he shared the truth in love right there and then!
f. Confrontation is not easy for anyone, but the Lord admonishes us to do it.
i. Just remember these valuable lessons:
1. Make sure God has commissioned you to be the confronter.
2. Always use the Biblical word for the sin they have committed.
3. Do not move beyond this step of revival unless the person admits their sin.
iv. The third step in revival caused by confrontation is it must be Biblical.
1. We should confront fallen individuals when we are sure they have broken clear Biblical mandates.
a. The Bible is God’s word. There are no absolutes without the Bible. But, with the Bible, we can all know whether an act is a sin or not.
b. The Word of God establishes those boundaries not man.
i. This is not about what you or I think!
ii. We see what happens when there are no absolutes in a society.
1. Look at this election.
2. Look at the court cases.
3. Men and women are deciding what they think is right and wrong.
c. The point here is to get the individual to admit they have broken God’s law to give them it’s Biblical name.
v. The fourth step in revival is to restore but let the individual know that there are consequences for their sin (II Samuel 12:10-14).
1. When a person disobeys God’s Word, they underestimate two things.
a. The seriousness of their sinful behavior
b. The negative consequences of that behavior to themselves, their family, their friends, their relationships, their church, and their community.
2. Confrontation that leads to revival helps the person see the past and it’s sinful acts, consequences help the person see the present and future harm of the sin’s results.
a. Nathan noted five categories of consequences.
i. Consequence to the individual.
ii. Consequence to the immediate family.
iii. Consequence to the Community- Israelite or Christian
iv. Consequence to the Community- non-Israelite or Christian
v. Consequences to the Lord God- His pain as a result of our sin. He experiences it too!
vi. The fifth step to revival is when the fallen one confesses (II Samuel 12:13) and experiences God’s grace.
1. Confession means to undeniably make known to others, one’s error or wrongdoing. David states in verse 13 “I have sinned against the Lord!’
a. Confession is the first step on the positive side of revival, and represents the hinge swinging between revival and rebellion.
b. David’s full confession is found in Psalm 51
i. Note especially verse 17a, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart…”
c. Many want to put the pressure on God for Revival when in essence revival has to do with our actions or lack of action when it comes to sin.
d. II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
1. In this passage of Scripture God makes it clear that there are 4 conditions to revival.
a. Will you humble yourself?
b. Will you pray?
c. Will you seek God’s direction?
d. Will you turn from your wicked ways?
ii. Dr. Wilkinson states, “But how could turning from my wicked ways be a condition of revival? I had always thought acts of repentance and obedience were the results of revival, not the conditions for it. I had incorrectly thought that when God finally decided, in his sovereignty, to send revival, then I’d finally have the power to overcome my sins. So ultimately, then, who was I blaming for my wicked ways? In my confusion, who did I feel was responsible for not sending revival and solving all my problems? God! I sought for away to escape full responsibility for my action-and found none. If I wanted God to hear, forgive and heal, then I must first turn from my wicked ways. Could revival be that clear? Could revival be within the grasp of any of us who choose to obey God’s conditions? Yes, II Chronicles 7:14 forever answers the question of who is responsible to act so that revival can and will occur” (353).
f. The later years extremes of David that I noted:
i. From a fugitive to a king
ii. From running for his life to running a nation.
iii. From the cave to palace
iv. From outlaw to the law giver
v. From little to much
vi. From disrespected to respected
vii. From saint to sinner
viii. From blessed to cursed
ix. From giver to thief
x. From man of honor to man of dishonor
xi. From lover to murderer
xii. From pure in heart to wicked heart
xiii. From rebuked to repentance
xiv. From repentance to forgiveness
xv. From father to fatherless
xvi. From functional family to dysfunctional family
xvii. From King to fugitive
xviii. From respect to disrespect
xix. From fugitive to king again
xx. From Secure in God to security in numbers
xxi. From Life to Death.
Conclusion:
David died leaving a mark in history for all of eternity to talk about and for us to learn from. We all need to leave an eternal legacy with our lives by being role models for others, by investing into others, and by giving sacrificially to God’s work.
See Scripture Texts: II Samuel 23, I Kings 2:1-12, I Chronicles 28, 29
Let us revisit a few passages I Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the lord looks at the heart.’
We have the Lord’s last words about David in Acts!
Acts 13:22 “…I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.”
Important point: But remember this about our imperfect hero – He sinned, he lied, he committed adultery, he stole and he committed murder – yet – he is known for being a man after God’s own heart.
So let me ask, “How would you’re life be summarized in the end by others? What would they say?”
How about by God what would He say?
For David it’s time to face death - the time when you heart stops beating. Death is evident for all - it’s when your lungs no longer take in breath - when you receive a flat line on the monitor and go from here to eternity. Truth is everyone dies! You will die! But what will your mark in history be?
David’s mark was summed up in Acts 13:22 where the Bible says “He was man after God’s own heart.” He went down in history noted as a man, a king who sought after the heart of God. We have been exploring David’s life and we have learned a lot.
• A nobody becomes a somebody
• A somebody becomes a fugitive
• This fugitive had integrity
• A fugitive becomes king
• A king falls into sin but finds revival
• A king dies with honor and the admonition of the Lord
This is David’s Epitaph:
“David a man after my own heart; he did everything I wanted him to do.” (GOD)
