Now Unto The King

Temple Baptist Church - 4-29-2012

1 Timothy 1:13-17

Introduction:

A. As we finish the doctrine of salvation in this first chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul gives a summation of that doctrine that is to be so diligently protected in the local church. Along with God’s Word, the doctrine of salvation has been subtly attacked from within the church and viciously attacked from without.

1. The attack of works plus faith – That man can earn merit with God either for or after salvation through his goodness and obedience.

2. The attack of Calvinism – Jesus Christ died for the select elect and not for the sins of all humanity.

3. The attack of universalism – Everyone has his or her way of salvation and all lead to the same eternal goal, heaven.

B. Verse 15 destroys all three of these attacks:

1. Works – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!” Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Sinners, not the righteous! The saving is done by Christ Jesus.)

2. Calvinism - “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!” John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (The world, not to the select elect. John 3:16, 1 John 2:2)

3. Universalism - “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!” John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation! John 10:9)

C. We saw what Paul was in verse 13: hopelessly and helplessly lost in unbelief; we saw how Paul was saved in verse 14: by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord; and we saw who Paul continued to be in verse 15: still the chief of sinners but saved through he marvelous grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

D. Paul finishes his dissertation on biblical salvation with a Doxology in verse 17. A Doxology is an expression or hymn of praise. Paul sums up the doctrine of salvation with the word “now” and begins to glorify our Saviour by:

1. Describing salvation’s Sovereign – “unto the King” The word “King” is capitalized in this verse referring to THE King, not to a king. Here we find that the “free will” of man does not contradict the “absolute sovereignty” of God. To the contrary, free will actually glorifies His sovereignty. Jesus is the absolutely sovereign Potentate of the Universe! “I AM THAT I AM” completely and mysteriously gives His description. 

2. Setting forth salvation’s Attributes – “eternal, immortal, invisible”

a. Salvation is eternal! We are hid with Christ in God, already seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, and positionally “as He is” while remaining in this present evil world.

b. Salvation is immortal! As eternal speaks of unending or eternity, immortal speaks of incorruptibility or the absence of defilement caused by change. Perfectly pure and uncorrupt throughout all eternity! “Where we will never grow old” he old song says. We will be unchanging in both our person and personality. As we will not age, we will not decay spiritually either. You can say, “Well Glory” if you like!

c. Salvation is invisible! 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Though we cannot see heaven, we know that it awaits our coming. Eye may not see, ear may not hear, heart may not be able to conjure up, but the Spirit has revealed to you and I another “country” where we will live forever.

3. Glorifying salvation’s Author – “the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” 

a. His Wisdom – God knew before He set the stars in the sky that man would fall and need a Saviour. Jesus Christ, as a “lamb slain from the foundation of the world,” came to save those who could not save themselves and gave to them eternal life because they could not keep themselves. Oh the matchless, marvelous, wonderful, gracious wisdom and knowledge of Him who died for us!

b. His Honour – Biblical salvation honors Jesus Christ alone! If we could be good enough to be saved, then honor goes to us for our goodness; if we could be good enough to remain saved, then honor once again goes to us for our goodness but eternal salvation through Christ along honors only Him!

c. His Glory - Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Conclusion: And all God’s people said, “AMEN!”

Can I Be A Man After God’s Heart After Great Failure?

Temple Baptist Church - 4-29-2012

2 Samuel 12:24-24

Introduction:

A. We have seen in King David some of the characteristics that made him not only great in the sight of his people but a man after God’s heart.

1. David was a man of Character

2. David was a man of Integrity

3. David was a man of War

4. David was a man of Worship

B. Would it not have been wonderful if the story had stopped at this point? Not really! I do not preach much about Mary, the mother of our Lord, on Mother’s Day because many of our precious women cannot relate to her nor do I preach too often on Joseph, the supposed father of our Lord, on Father’s Day because most of us men cannot relate to his life of which nothing bad is said. 

C. Here is the reason, most of us—both men and women—have things in our past that are failures of one sort or another. The Bible does not stop with the preceding list of wonderful characteristics of David because you could not relate to him. The Bible is like no other religious book because of its stark reality. His does several things for us:

1. It shows us the veracity of our Bible because of its honesty.

2. It shows us both the pitfalls and penalties of sinfulness.

3. It gives to each of us hope. Though we are human, we see that God used another human just like us.

D. We find the concluding statement concerning the life of David in the New Testament where God said it all. 

Acts 13:22-23 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. (23) Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.”

E. David failed God as greatly as any man in the Bible and yet God forgave and restored him: Certified Reusable! What do we need to do after great failure and forgiveness? I want to give you 5 simple things about David from our text that I pray will be a blessing to each of US!

1. Put the past in a right perspective and behind you. Verse 24. “And David comforted Bathsheba” As with Pilate, we often have to place a placard over our heads with this inscription: “What I have written, I have written!” I wish with all of my heart that I had done differently but I did not and now it is done and cannot be changed. We cannot go back neither can we make the wrong right but it is done! It is over and now, we have before us the rest of our lives. I often tell people that “today is the first day of the rest of your life and what you do with it is up to you.” Put the past in a right perspective: it was sin but, thank God, it is over.

2. Accept the complete forgiveness and restoration that God has provided for you. Verse 24. “And David comforted Bathsheba his wife” Verse 15 refers to Bathsheba as “Uriah’s wife” while verse 24 calls her “his wife!” There is a great truth to be found in this verse. While David’s taking of another man’s wife was sin, she has now been recognized BY GOD as David’s wife and the bed is undefiled! If I is failure within or with a marriage, who you are now married to is your husband or wife! God will and has forgiven your failures just as He did David’s. Sin is to be confessed and repented of and God faithfully restores the penitent. This verse does not justify sin but leads to the next point:

3. Pick your life back up and go on for the Lord. Verse 24. “And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon” God did not tell David to leave Bathsheba nor did he condemn him for having another child with her. Leave your sin in the past instead of lying in the “dust” of failure and causing that past failure to dictate your future. Life goes on, even after great failure such as David’s. “Solomon” means “peaceful” which comes from the root word “shalom” which we know to mean peace.

4. Know that God can and will bless your life afterward. Verse 24b-25. “and the LORD loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah” The Lord placed His “stamp of approval” on the conception and birth of Solomon, a beautiful type of Christ! Verse 24b says that the “LORD loved him.” This son was born out of a beautiful union between man and wife. In verse 25, God said to call Solomon “Jedidiah,” which means “beloved of JAH.” JAH is on Old Testament word for the LORD which means “The LORD, most vehement!” Simply stated, Jedidiah means “beloved of the LORD most vehemently,” with all of God’s heart!

5. Know that God can and is willing to use you for His glory. Verse 25. “And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet” When David sinned, God sent Nathan to let him know that the Lord was displeased. After confession and restoration, God once again sent the man of God to David as a sign of God’s approval. David was once again “a man after mine own heart” in the sight of God!

Just How Important Are We?

Temple Baptist Church 4-25-2012

Philippians 1:21-26

Introduction:

A. This has been a wonderful portion of Scripture dealing with the life of a saved man and his right perspective both of now and eternity.


1. To live is Christ. Our lives should be sold out for our wonderful Savior. He gave all for us and we should give all for Him. We have been bought with a tremendous price and our bodies now belong to Him.

2. To die is gain. Why should the child of God fear:

a) Being with Christ

b) Being in Heaven

B. Paul said that to go is “far better” but staying was more needful. Sometimes, we live our lives for self instead of for Christ and others without realizing just how important that we are in the Lord’s service.

C. No doubt Paul was tired of the persecutions and prisons that he frequented making heaven a much more desirable option but who would fill his shoes if he died? Most believers have no concept of the dire situation that has been building for several decades:

1. More men of God are quitting the ministry than are surrendering. Bible Colleges that were once filled with mature men who had been saved and surrendered to the ministry are now declining in both age and numbers.

2. More missionaries are leaving the foreign fields than are surrendering to go. It seems that missionaries today only go to the field for 2-4 terms and then remain in the United States in some capacity. They can speak the language and are familiar with the culture making them more efficient in the work but opt to leave their field for home.

3. More workers in the local church are now taking their place on the pews instead of taking on more responsibility. We are all familiar with the old 80/20 rule that has now even gotten worse. It meant that 80 percent of church members do nothing while 20 percent do everything.

4.  More and more families that were once faithful to their local church are now in and out. They are inconsistent in their faithfulness to the church because their priorities have changed.

D. As I thought upon Paul’s statement, “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you,” it struck me that Paul has been dead for almost 2,000 years. Who was it that took his place? Who took the place of those who replaced his replacements when they died? Who will replace the faithful people who once attended Temple Baptist that are with the Lord or who will replace the unfaithful people who once attended Temple Baptist that sit at home now instead of being in their place.

E. Let me sum all of this up by saying that you and I are important!

1. You are important to your Lord. We are important to the Lord. He did not save us to sit and do nothing. We are all important. Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 deal with spiritual gifts within the body. They are both diverse and important to the work and wellbeing of the local assembly.

1 Corinthians 12:14-18 For the body is not one member, but many. (15) If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? (16) And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? (17) If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? (18) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

2. You are important to your church.

a. Your presence is important! Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

b. Your abilities or gifts are important! You are needed in Sunday School, the choir, special singing, and filling positions when others are sick, on vacation, or at work. The church is in constant need of work or repair.

c. You faithful giving is important! The bills get paid and missionaries receive their support on a regular basis. Our people are givers but the economy is affecting all of us. Prices keep climbing but the paychecks remain either the same or less as hours are cut at the work place.

d. Your willingness to come visitation is important! Laurens County needs the gospel and I know of no other bible preaching church in this county that has a door to door visitation.

3. You are important to your family.

a. You are important to your spouse. What a joy to see husbands and wives coming to church together. What a joy to see Christian homes where the Lord is preeminent.

b. You are important to your children and grandchildren. If we as parents and grandparents are unfaithful in front of our children and grandchildren, they will certainly follow our inconsistent examples. They need to see us parents and grandparents faithful to the Lord.

God’s Pattern Of Grace

1 Timothy 1:8-16

(Temple 4-22-12)

Introduction:

A. For the past couple of weeks, we have been looking at the proper use of the Law. The Law is good if it is used lawfully but many in our day have an unscriptural view of the Law. We saw that there are those:

1. Who call separatists Legalists. Biblical sanctification is not keeping the Law or adding Law to faith. It is spiritual growth through desire and obedience to God’s Word.

2. Who are “justified” by keeping the Law. The Bible declares that they have “fallen from grace.” Law and Grace are like oil and water in that they cannot mix in any degree or one destroys the other. If it is works, it is no more grace, otherwise works is no more works. If it is grace, it is no more works, otherwise grace is no more grace. Salvation must be one or the other.

B. In verses 8-11, the work of the Law is explained:

1. Sinners Exposed – vs 9-10

2. Salvation Explained in the Gospel – vs 11

C. Again I want us to be reminded that 1 & 2 Timothy plus Titus make up what are referred to the Pastoral Epistles. They were written to promote sound doctrine in the teachings of the local church. The doctrine of Salvation can be quickly compromised in the religious workings of the local church if not careful. Look at the spiritual darkness of the Bible Belt for an example of what happens when man’s religion supersedes the clear teachings of the Bible. Baptist churches as well as churches in other denominations have drifted far from the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus.

D. Three things that we need in this area are:

1. A Proper Perspective of a Sinful Past. Verse 13

2. A Proper Testimony of a Patterned Salvation. Verses 14-16

3. A Proper Realization of our Self-righteous Present. Verse 15

E. In verses 12-16, the Bible gives us an example of biblical transformation from Law to Grace.

1. Sinful Past – 13

2. Ignorance and Unbelief – 13

3. Gracious Salvation – 14

4. Amazing Love – 15

5. Pattern of Salvation – vs 16

F. In Acts 9:1-22, we find the “pattern” of Paul’s conversion:

1. A Continuation - Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest. (Man, left to himself, will continue in sin. They must be reached for Christ.)

2. A Confrontation - Acts 9:3-4 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: (4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (Saved people know where, when, and how that they were saved. You do not grow or graduate into salvation; you are born into the family. I have a Birth Certificate that tells me where, when, and how or who delivered me.)

3. A Convicting - Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Without Holy Ghost conviction, there can be no salvation.)

4. A Confession - Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (The confusion of Lordship in verse 5 turned to a confession of Lordship in verse 6.)

5. A Change - Acts 9:8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. (No change means no conversion!)

David: A Man Of Great Forgiveness

2 Samuel 12:13-23

(Temple 4-22-12)

Introduction:

A. In the past couple of weeks, we had a vivid look at possibly the darkest periods of Israel’s history as the greatest king their nation ever had sinned a great sin. We also saw that with that great sin came great consequences and with confession came great forgiveness.

B. God forgave King David and greatly used him for the rest of his life. There are some tremendous lessons to be learned from David’s fall and restoration: though God does not condone or excuse our sinfulness, He will forgive us and allow us to rise again from the dust of failure to be greatly used of God once more.

C. This morning, I want to look at David’s forgiveness: the basis, the requirements, and the fullness of it. I personally believe that Psalm 51 is a record of David’s penitent prayer made somewhere between verse 6 where he said, “I have sinned against the Lord” and “David arose … and worshipped” in verse 20. This is for two reasons: 1) David sought for his child’s life and 2) after the child’s death, went into the house of the Lord and worshipped His God. Both of these acts require holiness.

Psalm 51:1-17

1. The Basis of God’s Forgiveness. (Love, mercy, propitiation)

a. Verse 1 - “According to thy lovingkindness” - Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (God’s forgiveness is founded in His great love for His children.)

b. Verse 1 - “According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies” - Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23) They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (God’s forgiveness is founded upon His great mercy toward His children.)

c. Verse 1 - “Blot out my transgressions” - Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (God’s forgiveness is founded is His precious blood shed for His children.)

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

2. The Requirements of God’s Forgiveness.

a. Verse 4 - “I have sinned against the LORD.” – Realization - Psalms 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. (Technically, David had also sinned against Uriah, Bathsheba [though she was not without guilt, David’s was the greater sin], and against all Israel but his sin against God caused all of the rest to fade into the distance. In this verse, we see that God will accept our tears but not our excuses! David did not blame the woman as Adam did nor did he blame his failure on society, heredity, or environment. David took full responsibility for his actions.)

b. Verse 3 - “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” – Confession – 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalms 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Confession and forgiveness are both Old and New Testament doctrines. The Apostle Paul quoted the last part of verse 4, “that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest” in Romans 3:4. Confession is both acknowledgement to God and agreement with God on sin. )

c. Verse 17 - “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” – Humility - 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (The great “King” became just a man before both God and Israel. No pride, no special privileges, and no excuses! “I have sinned!” He lay unashamed upon his face before his God.)

d. Verse 17 - “A broken and a contrite heart.” – Godly Sorrow - 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (David’s sin had broken his heart. Godly sorrow works repentance and repentance a change of heart and actions.)

3. The Fullness of God’s Forgiveness. (In verses 16, we find that David realized that there was no sacrifice for the sin of adultery. The penalty for this particular sin was to be stoned! David understood this and he bypassed the Levitical sacrifices by throwing himself completely upon the mercy of God. In our text we find David’s desire in these words: purge me, make me to hear joy, hide thy face from my sins, create in me a clean heart, renew a right spirit within me, cast me not away, take not thy holy spirit, restore unto me the joy, uphold me, deliver me from bloodguiltiness, open my lips and my mouth. )

a. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” - Complete Remission - Psalms 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

b. “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.” - Complete Restoration - Psalms 51:8-12 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. (9) Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. (10) Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (11) Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. (12) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

c. “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” - Certified Reusable! - Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (I am still glad that the Potter does not throw the “clay” away! If you sin, get right—get up—get going!)

To Die Is Gain - Part 2

Philippians 1:20-24

(Temple 4-18-12)

Introduction:

A. Paul called death “gain” in verse 21 and “far better” in verse 23. This certainly is not the world’s view of death nor is it generally the view of the believer. Though we are saved and know it, we still enjoy this life and are, for the most part, not ready to leave it anytime soon. As one man said, “If I knew where I was going to die, I probably would not go there.” I believe that most of us wouldn’t go there either.

B. At the same time, all of us know that our eternal life will be far better than this present one. This life is good but there are many hard places that make us long for heaven. Last week, we saw that heaven was “gain” and “far better” because it to be “with Christ.” More is said in our songs about what heaven looks like than what it will be like to be with Christ. Jude 24 speaks of being in His presence with exceeding joy. Psalms says, “In his presence is fullness of joy.”

C. Heaven is also “gain” and “far better” for many more reasons. I do not know all there is to know about the place where God lives but the Bible does give us some insight. I want to look at just a few things about heaven tonight:

1. Heaven’s Place

a. Heaven is a place of great mystery. Paul called it the “third heaven.” The first heaven is our atmosphere, the second heaven is the universe above us, and the third heaven is where God lives. Isaiah 14:13 For thou has said in thing heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (There are things that we can know about heaven and I will deal with some of them but there is so much that we know nothing about.)

Ezekiel 28:14-16 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (15) Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (16) By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

b. Heaven is a place of great beauty.

(1) Walls of Jasper

(2) Gates of Pearl

(3) Foundations of Precious Stones

(4) Street of Transparent Gold

(5) Palaces Of Ivory

(6) River As Clear As Crystal

(7) Tree Bearing 12 Manner of Fruits

(8) Lighted By The Glory of God

c. A Place of Great Joy

Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

d. A Place of Great Worship

Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Revelation 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

e. A Place of Great Accommodations

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

e. A Place of Great Size

Revelation 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

2. Heaven's Pleasure

a. No More Sea

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

b. No More Tears

Revelation 21:4a And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

c. No More Death

Revelation 22:4b and there shall be no more death,

d. No More Sorrow

Revelation 21:4c neither sorrow, nor crying,

e. No More Pain

Revelation 22:4d neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

f. No More Night

Revelation 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

g. No More Sin

Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

3. Heaven's People

a. They Are Blood Bought

Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

b. They Are Obedient

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

No more remembrance of sin No more politicians

No more worries about uncertainties No more taxes

No more sleepless nights No more IRS

No more bills to pay No more doctors to see

No more racism No more hospitals to visit

No more tear dimmed eyes No more arthritis

No more fear No more ibuprofen

No more loneliness No more broken bones

No more heat by day No more Dr. Kevorkian’s

No more cold by night No more incurable diseases

No more hunger No sightless eyes

No fat bodies No more suffering

No diets No cripples

No more jails to build No retarded children

No more poverty No more headaches

No more nursing homes to preach in No more death

No more disappointments to weep over No more storms

No more Discouragements to hinder No more thorns

No more dismal failures No more chiggers

No more wicked thoughts to fight No more mosquitos, ticks, fleas

No more filth to see No law officers

No more temptation to sin No more guns

No more fighting No more devil to annoy

No more wars No more funeral homes

No more hurt feelings No more heartaches

No more strife and contention

No more confusion

WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE

David: A Man Of Great Restoration

2 Samuel 12:13-20

(Temple 4-15-12)

Introduction:

A. The last time I preached on David, we studied one of the darkest periods of the Bible where the man of God committed and tried to cover his sin. The Bible says, “Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth!”

B. David was a man whose heart panted after God. Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. (He loved the Lord with all of his heart and desired to serve Him as long as he lived.)

C. The Severity of God’s Chastening. A tremendous lesson is to be learned here. If you are saved, the Lord will never leave you alone! (So many who profess salvation never experience the chastening hand of God and continue in their sin. No chastening, no salvation! David’s exposure and humbling; the death of his child; the rape of his daughter by a son; the murder of his son by another son; the overthrowing of his kingdom by a son; the death of another son; etc. The sword never left David’s house.)

D. The Greatness of God’s Love. God certainly loved David and the severity of his chastisement showed the greatness of that love. The Lord hates our sin but His love never diminishes or changes. The Lord knew how, when, and where to get David’s attention. God could have let David go and destroyed him but, instead, he chastened a man whom He loved and restored him.

E. Three reasons God sent Nathan:

1. Because of David’s sin. It was a sin of great proportions: adultery and murder!

2. Because of David’s security in sin. He took Bathsheba as soon as her mourning period was over and continued to cover his sin for at least 9-12 months.

3. Because of David’s self-righteousness in judgment. David ordered the person to death who simply took another’s lamb. David took another’s wife and had him killed.

F. It was not the failure that made David great in the eyes of the Lord for all sin is abominable to Him, but it was David’s reaction to that chastening that showed his true character. Men of great Christian character can get out of God’s will, but it takes a man of character to admit, repent, and get “back on the horse” after he has fallen.

G. No matter how great the sin, He is still a forgiving God and is willing not only to cleanse, but to also use the sinful. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

H. There are some amazing statements in 2 Samuel 12 that show such character in David. (It also needs to be noted once again that David’s sin with Bathsheba is not mentioned in the New Testament where God’s commentary on David’s life was that he was a man after God’s own heart. When you get right with the Lord, you are RIGHT with the Lord!)

1. David Was Submissive To The Man Of God When Rebuked – vs. 7-13 I can tell a lot about your spirituality by how well you take rebuke. Many get mad and will not hear it while others rebel against the Lord’s rebuke, but King David submitted to the prophet of God. Over the years, there have been times when I have to reprove and rebuke someone. It was not done because I took pleasure in it, but because it became a necessity! Most who were rebuked left never to return but thank God for a few who got it right. (Those who got right instead of getting mad became blessings to both the church and this pastor.)

2. David Made No Excuse For His Sinfulness – vs. 16 He simply got it right with God. The natural thing to do is to either excuse or justify sin. You will never get right with the Lord without confession, which is agreement with God.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3. David Laid Aside His Pride Before God And Man – vs. 15-18 David fasted and lay on his face before the Lord and his servants. As a king, most men would have had a hard time with the humility that it takes to get right with the Lord but David cared nothing for his position at this point.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

4. David Accepted The Chastening Of The Lord Without Complaint – vs. 16 He knew that what he did was flagrantly wrong and that God, in His righteousness, rewarded him rightly. He took it like the man that he was.

Hebrews 12:11-13 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

5. David Repented Of The Sin With Fasting And Supplication – vs. 16 True repentance is both confession and forsaking. David fell on his face before the Lord for the life of his child.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

6. David Went To The House Of God And Worshipped Instead Of Getting Mad At God – vs. 20 It is certainly embarrassing to have face God’s people and because of this, many will never come back to God’s house. David made confession, fasted and prayed, and then went to God house and worshipped the Lord.

7. David Continue To Serve The Lord – vs. 21-23 Many of God’s children get completely out of both the sanctuary and service of the Lord after such failure. I know of many families that are out of church this morning because they would not get something right and left never to return.

8. David Used His Experience To Teach Others – vs. 24-25 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean one? Our failures can be used by God as well as our victories. Examples of failure and restoration can be used to keep family and friends from falling into the same pitfalls.

Psalms 51:12-13 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.