The LORD Establishes David’s Kingdom

This week’s text describes how the LORD firmly establishes David’s kingdom. David chooses his capital, sees his household consolidated, and twice conquers his enemies. Those who oppose David are crushed. Those who bless him are blessed. As David experiences this success he is careful to give glory to God Who makes him great. The glory days of David’s kingdom are designed by God to portray in type the kingdom of Jesus. The parallels are numerous and significant.

This passage also reminds us that God still humbles the proud and exalts the humble. We are also warned through David’s example that times of personal success can be spiritually dangerous. Most importantly we are confronted with the challenge of how we will respond to Jesus Whom God has established as King of Kings and LORD of Lords.

David, King of All Israel

In this week’s text the Northern tribes who had been loyal to Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth come seeking David as their king. Their reasons for appointing David have application for us as we choose leaders for the church and may have implications for how nations choose rulers. These qualifications also point us to Jesus, the Son of David, who is the perfect King of Kings.

Our text also teaches us something about God’s ways and our need for patience – to ‘wait on the LORD’. David waited over ten years from the time Samuel anointed him as Saul’s successor to the day David is finally anointed as king over all Israel. David endured much hardship and suffering on his path to the throne. This is instructive for us as we have to be patient as we await the fulfillment of our desires and God’s promises. It also reminds us of how Jesus had to endure much suffering as He waited on the Father’s timing for His exaltation.

Easter Peace, Joy and Mission

Today I will be preaching from John 20:19-23 which describes the appearance of the risen Jesus to his disciples, which transforms them from fear and despair to peace and joy. Jesus also commissions them to continue His mission by bringing the good news of the forgiveness of sins to the lost world in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus in the Old Testament

Esther

Justification, Sanctification, and Baptism

Romans 6:1-14 teaches how baptism symbolizes our union in Christ, which serves as a reminder of how God has justified us and how He continues to sanctify us.

This passage clearly answers a few of the most important questions people have about the Christian faith:

1. How can a person be made right (justified) with God?

   Paul raises and answers the objection that if God saves us solely by grace through faith apart from works, then why shouldn’t we keep on sinning since that will magnify God’s grace all the more.

   This objection would only be made to a gospel in which our good works play absolutely no part in salvation. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said that if our proclamation of God’s Word doesn’t receive the same criticism, then we aren’t really preaching the gospel.

2. How does a Christian grow in holiness?

   This is perhaps of greatest concern among our congregation. Some begin with the law, but often become frustrated. Others want to cast away all rules and effort, but also fail to grow in holiness. Many are looking for formulas and experiences for ‘instant holiness’.

   Paul explains that while the gospel is solely of grace, this gospel of grace inevitably produces more fruit (holy conduct) than the law. We are transformed by the reality of our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. The key to holiness is to remember (and reckon) that we are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ. Then in light of that truth we are called to put off sin and to put on righteousness.

3. What is the meaning of baptism and which method of baptism properly reflects that meaning?

   Given that baptism symbolizes how God has justified us and reminds us of how He is sanctifying us, the only appropriate subjects for baptism are believers who are personally united with Christ by faith.

Satisfaction for the Thirsty

Spurgeon called Isaiah 55 a chapter of gospel invitation. He preached from this passage at least eighteen times.

Isaiah 55 pleads with the lost to abandon their worthless idols. The Lord offers abundant pardon and rich kingdom blessings to those who turn to Him.

Isaiah 55 also speaks to believers who sometimes waste their time and money seeking to find joy and satisfaction in worldly things instead of finding their fulfillment in Christ.

Isaiah 55 also points to Christ who offers Himself as our spiritual food and drink.

Liberty and Love

Are you strong?

Last week Paul began his discussion of the issues over which Christians differ by encouraging all of us to accept one another without judging in these difficult matters.

In this week’s text Paul focuses upon those who consider themselves strong - because they believe they have liberty to do things in which the weak cannot participate without violating his conscience.
Rather than looking down on the weak, the strong should forego the use of his freedom for the sake of those who don’t enjoy the same sense of freedom.
In so doing he is living out the gospel by imitating Christ who gave up His rights for us.