Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Reflections on II Samuel 20-22

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today’s passage tells a few more stories about David, and records one of his songs.  Consider:

  • Sin and consequences – Sheba rebels and must face the consequences. Saul sinned, and his descendants faced the consequences.  When you are tempted to sin, remember that there are consequences for you and the people around you.
  • God as our refuge – David praises the Lord for helping him against his enemies. He calls God not only his refuge, but also his rock, fortress, deliver, shield, stronghold, and savior.  When has God been these things to you?  In what situation do you need him to be these things to you now?

II Samuel 20-24: Sin and Salvation

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(20) Summarize this chapter.

What was Sheba’s sin, and what were the consequences?

How would you describe Joab from this chapter and earlier chapters?

(21) What was Saul’s sin?  What were the consequences?  What was their solution?

What does their solution tell you about sin?  How might their solution point to Jesus?

Do you think their solution was God’s will?

(21, 23) What do 21:15-22 and 23:8-39 tell you about David’s success in battle and as king?

What spiritual principle is there for us to recognize?

(22-23) According to David, what was the ultimate source of his success as king?  How is David saved from his enemies?

Which verses in chapter 22 especially speak to you?

How might 23:1-7 point to Jesus?

(24) What was David’s sin?  What were the consequences?  Does that seem fair?  Can you think of contemporary examples?

How might this principle relate to Adam and Jesus?

How would you further describe Joab from this chapter?

How do David’s last actions in the book point to Jesus?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

10 Things You Should Know about Sanctification – Sam Storms
We all hear a great deal about Christian sanctification, but what precisely is it, and how does it work? Today we look at ten things about this crucial biblical truth.

When You Feel Dead On The Inside – Jedidiah Coppenger
So what do you do when you feel dead on the inside? What do you say to your loved ones when they feel this way? I’ve found that people who reflect on the following 10 diagnostic questions find the life and energy they’ve been missing more quickly and deeply than those that don’t. The way you answer these questions will determine what steps you need to take next.

Reading Out of Love for Others – Tim Challies
Reading is a solitary pursuit. You grab your book, you kick back on the couch, and the hours roll by. But even though reading is a solitary pursuit, it is not necessarily a selfish one. Reading can actually be an important way to love others. Here are five ways to love others in your reading.

What We Need to Learn from the Early Church – Tim Keller (TGC)
The earliest church was seen as too exclusive and a threat to the social order because it would not honor all deities; today Christians are again being seen exclusive and a threat to the social order because we will not honor all identities.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Sermon Songs: Mark 1:21-28

On By BrianIn Mark Hymns

MusicNotes

He spoke with great authority
His teaching – hear and obey
Submit with all humility
Amazed at all He does say
He cast out the unclean spirit
Be in awe of His great power
He is our hope now believe it
Spread forth His fame ev’ry hour
Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart ev’ry word
Tell me the story most precious
That I might live what I’ve heard

(Some words by Fanny Crosby, to the tune of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”)

Reflections on II Samuel 18-19

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Absalom is killed and David returns to Jerusalem.

  • Pardon – As David returns to Jerusalem he pardons those who had sided with Absalom. He even makes Absalom’s general Amasa his new general.  Do you pardon those who hurt you?  Who do you need to forgive and reconcile with?
  • Revenge – Joab has a different heart than David. Rather than spare Absalom, he kills him.  Later he will kill Amasa who was to take his place as general.  What do you do when people cross you?  Are you seeking vengeance on someone?

Reflections on II Samuel 15-17

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Absalom proclaims himself king.  Note:

  • Pride – Absalom wants everyone to be impressed with him – riding a chariot with 50 men running before him. He proudly seeks to take the kingdom from his own father.  What does your pride look like?  What will you do about it?
  • Loyalty – Absalom proclaims himself king, and many of David’s officials follow him. Yet many also remain loyal to David.  Are you loyal toward your leaders?  Associates?  Friends?  Family?  Church?  Can they count on you?

II Samuel 15-19: Hurting and Helping

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(15-19) In 12:10-12, Nathan predicted several consequences to David’s sin.  How do we see these predictions come true in chapters 15-19?

(15-19) What words would you use to describe Absalom?

What evidence do you see of his pride?

What contrast do you see in David?

How does Hushai use Absalom’s pride to help David?

(15-19) David’s sin and Absalom’s pride doesn’t just cause hurt to themselves.  Who else is negatively affected by their sin, and how?

What principle or warning do you see for our own lives today?

(15-19) In midst of this mess, we see numerous examples of loyalty and friendship.  How do each of the following show loyalty to David, and how are they an example for us?

  • His servants –
  • Ittai the Gittite –
  • Abiathar and Zadok –
  • Hushai –
  • Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai –
  • Joab –

How do you need to be a better friend?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Spiritual Disciplines and the Sinkhole Syndrome – Donald Whitney (Ligonier)
Pursue the Lord with a relentless, lifelong, obstacle-defying passion. Resolve never to let your daily life keep you from Jesus daily.

Lay Aside Every Suitcase – Tim Challies
A suitcase is a perfectly good thing that may just kill you in an emergency evacuation. It is a perfectly good thing, but it isn’t good enough to risk your life for. And our lives are full of good things that may just slow us down, that may just hinder us from matters that are far more important—matters of eternal consequence.

Thank God For Your Job (Doesn’t Matter What Your Job Is!) – Tim Challies
As you enjoy rest from your labors, why don’t you take a bit of time to thank God for your labors. No matter what they are, they are evidence of his kindness and mercy toward you.

How to Help Your Children Become Better Sermon Listeners – David Prince
These thoughts are certainly not exhaustive and you may have other creative ways that come to mind, but the key is to not act like getting them in the building is the end of your parental responsibility.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Sermon Songs: Mark 1:14-20

On By BrianIn Mark Hymns

MusicNotes

He came proclaiming the gospel
Sin and death overcoming
Turn from your sin and your idols
Believe in Jesus your King
Passing along by the seaside
He called to four: “Follow me”
Commit to join them at His side
Fishing for more to be free
Chorus
Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart ev’ry word
Tell me the story most precious
That I might live what I’ve heard

(First 3 lines of chorus by Fanny Crosby, to the tune of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”)