David’s Charge To Solomon

1 Chronicles 28:9
Near the end of his life, King David gave a solemn charge to his son Solomon pertaining to the building of the temple - 1 Chr 28:1-10. Of particular note are David’s words in verse 9 ‘"And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” David’s charge included three things; Solomon’s duty toward God, motivation for Solomon to fulfill his duty and promises regarding whether or not Solomon fulfilled his duty.

What David charged Solomon in 1 Chr 28:9 has application for us today, in regards to our service to God. Using the verse as our text, consider first what is our duty? Are we not also charged to know God? David tells Solomon to “...know the God of your father”. Nothing is more important in life than to truly know God - Jer 9:23-24 “Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."’ God is displeased when people do not know Him. As was the case in Hosea’s day - Hos 4:1,6 “Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land;” – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” As was also the case in Paul’s day - Ro 1:18-28 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.”

Yet God has made Himself known through creation - Psa 19:1-3 “A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.” God has made Himself known through revelation, and the sending of His Son - He 1:1-2 “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”; Jn 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”, 18 “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.”; 14:7 “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."’; 17:1-4 “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” -- Have we made a serious effort to know God?

We are charged to serve God with a loyal heart (NKJV). With a whole heart (NASB, ESV). With wholehearted devotion (NIV). With what Jesus described as the greatest commandment - Mt 22:36-38 ‘"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We are charged to serve God with a willing mind (NKJV). “cordially and sincerely, cheerfully and freely,” - Gill. “neither in a hypocritical manner, nor through force and constraint, nor with loathing and weariness” - ibid. This is the kind of service God expects today of all Christians in their giving - 2 Co 8:12 “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.”; 9:7 “Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Also of elders in their shepherding - 1 Pe 5:1-2 “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;” -- Are we committed to serving God completely and willingly? To know God and serve Him with sincerity and zeal, such is our duty!

In our continuation of this lesson we will note that from “David’s Charge To Solomon” we can also learn what can serve as our motivation as God searches our hearts.

The Samaritan's Religion - Continued

2 Kings 17:24-41

One final point to be made about the Samaritans religion, is that it was a religion of “compromise”. In the case of the Samaritans they had God and they had “gods”; they liked the latter best - 2 Kin 17:41a “So these nations feared the LORD and also served their carved images.” They gave God lip service, but they gave the “gods” their true service.

Such can happen to Christians today. When they seek to serve God, while also trying to serve the world. But this is impossible according to Jesus - Mt 6:24 ‘"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” When people try to serve both, the world always wins.... It shows up in how their jobs, their recreation, etc., takes precedence over their service to God. It shows up in how they seek to rationalize their conduct. But God cannot tolerate “compromise”. He requires total commitment to Him, no matter the price. As taught in the Old Testament - De 6:5 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”, 14-15 “You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you, for the LORD your God in your midst is a jealous God, lest the anger of the LORD your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth.” As taught by Jesus Himself - Lk 14:26,33 ‘"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” – “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” To compromise with the world is to commit “spiritual adultery”! - Ja 4:4 “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” Thus we need to heed Jesus’ admonition: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...” - Mt 6:33

I believe it is easy to see the error of the Samaritans’ religion.... They had a religion of “fear, form, and compromise”. But unless we are careful, our religion can easily become like theirs! If with honest introspection we must confess that our religion is closer to the Samaritans’ than it should be then let Elijah challenge us to give up “a religion of compromise” - 1 Kin 18:21 “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word.” Let Paul challenge us to give up “a religion of form” - Ro 2:28-29 “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” Let John challenge us to give up “a religion of fear” - 1 Jn 3:18-19 “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”

Have you accepted the Savior’s tender invitation (Mt 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."’), which is received today by obedience to His gospel? - Mk 16:15-16 “And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”; Ac 2:36-39 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."’

The Samaritan's Religion

2 Kings 17:24-41

Following the conquest by the nation of Assyria, most of Israel was deported to Assyria. In their place, Assyria imported captives from other countries to live in Samaria, the main province of Israel at that time - 2 Kin 17:24 “And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel. And they took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities.” In our text, the religion of those who were imported is described at length... - 2 Kin 17:24-41. There are several characteristics of their religion we would do well to take note of, so let’s begin by reading the passage itself. With this passage fresh in our minds, how might the Samaritans’ religion compare with our service to God today?

In some cases, the comparisons may be a little too close for comfort! To begin with, note that their religion was a religion of “fear”. This is evident by the following statements:
1) “So they feared the Lord...” - 2 Kin 17:32 “They also feared the LORD and appointed from among themselves all sorts of people as priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the shrines of the high places.” “They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods...” - 2 Kin 17:33. “So these nations feared the Lord, yet served their carved images...” - 2 Kin 17:41. That they had the wrong kind of fear is implied in vs. 34: “...they do not fear the Lord” -- Is this a contradiction? No, for remember that there is a proper fear of the Lord. This is taught by Jesus and His apostles - Mt 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”; Ac 10:34-35 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”; Ph 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” As taught by Solomon in the Old Testament - Pro 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”; 14:26-27 “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”; Ecc 8:12-13 “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.”; 12:13-14 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” This “fear of the Lord”... is the kind of awesome reverence towards God that motivates us to turn away from evil and serve God faithfully at all times. Is not the kind that never thinks of God when things are going well, and then trembles at the prospect of facing God.

So the Samaritans had the wrong kind of fear. They would have never thought of God, had it not been for the lions - 2 Kin 17:25-26. When they did think of Him, it was only to tremble before Him. This is like so many people today who think of God only when they are ill, forgetting Him when they are well. They think of God during their calamities, but not during their joys; when faced with problems, but not when enjoying prosperity. Like some sailors who in a storm pray fervently to God for deliverance, making promises, but then get drunk or engage in immorality as soon as they get to land. If we turn to God only when things go wrong, our religion is no different than the Samaritans’! But with the proper kind of fear (awesome reverence), we will draw close to God through obedience; and when we do so, we will find Him to be so gracious and loving that we will serve Him out of love and not just a fear of judgment - 1 Jn 4:16-18 “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

We also notice that the Samaritans’ religion was a religion of “form”. Their hearts were not in their service to the Lord, as was evident by the fact they continued to serve their “carved images” - 2 Kin 17:33-34 “So they feared the LORD but also served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away. To this day they do according to the former manner. They do not fear the LORD, and they do not follow the statutes or the rules or the law or the commandment that the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel.” What service they rendered to the Lord possessed “form”, but not “substance”.

Such worship is often common today. Where there is “form”, but not “substance”. Now, there is a need for “form” in religion, possessing both a physical and spiritual nature, as man needs physical ways to express his spiritual devotion. Thus God has provided physical expressions even in New Testament worship, even though it is much more spiritual than that found in the Old Testament. The Lord’s Supper, singing, prayer, giving, etc., they all have “form”. But to go through the “form” without the “substance” (i.e., the right spirit, attitude) is “hypocritical” - Mt 15:7-9 “You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"

Christians are guilty of such worship if they sing “Give Me The Bible”, but they never read it. Sing “Here Am I, Send Me”, but are not willing to go or do. Sing “Wonderful Story Of Love” with bored expressions on their faces (Pro 15:13 “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.”). Worship that is both “form” and “substance” will emulate the example of David, “I will praise You with my whole heart...” - Psa 138:1. “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” - Psa 146:1-2. “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is beautiful.” - Psa 147:1. Is our religion one of simply going through the “form”? Or does it have “substance” as well? If not, then our religion is no more pleasing to God than that of the Samaritans!

There is one final point about the Samaritans religion that needs to be made. We will make that point and examine what can happen to Christians today in the same manner.

This is a Day of Good News (continued)

2 Kings 7:9

Despite the consequences of keeping silent, many Christians do not tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ. Why is this so? Here are some possibilities and reasons why many keep silent. For some, it may be they are starving themselves. They may have experienced the joy of salvation in the past, but through negligence they have failed to grow, and have forgotten the blessings of salvation - 2 Pe 1:8-9 “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.” In a real sense, they have returned to a state of spiritual famine! Therefore, they have little or nothing to share with others. Those who are enjoying the blessings of salvation will want to tell others. Even as David did in his psalm - Psa 32:1-11. And as Philip did when he found Jesus - Jn 1:43-46 -- Don’t you have any “good news” worth sharing?

For some, it may be out of fear or discouragement. If fear keeps us silent, remember that:
First place in the list of those consigned to the lake of fire are the “cowardly” - Re 21:8 “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."’ God does not want us to be fearful - 2 Ti 1:7-8 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,”. Boldness can come through prayer - Ac 4:29,31 “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” – “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”; Ep 6:19-20 “and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” If discouragement keeps us silent, then remember:
1) The principle of sowing and reaping - Ga 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” The example of our Lord Jesus - He 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” -- Fear and discouragement, as problematic as they may be, can be overcome with faith and perseverance!

For many, it may be the idea that it is too complicated, as though in order to teach someone, one needed a master’s degree in interpersonal communication. Four years of Bible in college, or some other specialized training. In reality, our task is really quite simple.... To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ - Mk 16:15 “And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
1) Which can be presented in the simplest of terms - 1 Co 15:1-5 “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”; 2:2 “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
2) Note that in the book of Acts, the gospel was normally presented in just one lesson!

We are not obligated to teach the non-Christian beyond the “first principles”
1) Only if they accept the “first principles”, will they be ready to receive the “second principles”.
2) For example, why teach people about “Christ’s church” (its organization, work, worship, etc.), if they are not willing to obey Christ elementary commands pertaining to faith, repentance, confession and baptism?
3) Such “second principles” can be left to those “pastors and teachers” who are especially gifted in that area – see Ep 4:11; Ro 12:7; 1 Co 12:29; Ja 3:1.
Sharing the “gospel” is easy, provided we follow the words of Peter - 1 Pe 3:15 “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;”
1) Give the Lord a special place in your heart.
2) Prepare yourselves to be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have.
For example, that Christ died for your sins and rose again – see 1 Co 15:1-4, and that you responded to the gospel as proclaimed by Peter and the apostles - Ac 2:36-38. Follow the words of Paul - Co 4:2-6 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison-- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”; Ep 6:19-20 “and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Pray for opportunity for it is the Lord who provides the opportunity and He gives it to those who are prepared and praying. Pray for wisdom - Ja 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Pray for wisdom to make the most of the opportunity; to say the right thing in the right way at the right time. Pray for boldness to have the courage to speak when given the opportunity; to say what people need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear.

Brethren, if we are silent with regards to the “good news” (the gospel), then the words of the four lepers is true of us:
“We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell...” - 2 Kin 7:9. Yes, “let us go and tell” a world that is spiritually starved about the feast God offers through His Son Jesus Christ...! Let us share with others what we ourselves have found! Let them experience the joy, the peace, and the love that only God can give! Indeed, “This Day Is A Day Of Good News” because it is the “day of salvation”, and no one should receive the grace of God in vain! - 2 Co 6:1-2 “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Will we who have been so richly blessed accept the responsibility Christ has placed on us? If our fervor has died down, then we should remember the words of Jesus:
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place; unless you repent.” - Re 2:4-5

Are you in need of repentance?

This is a Day of Good News

2 Kings 7:9

In the period of Israel’s history known as “The Divided Kingdom”, (ca. 931-722 B.C.) the nation was divided into two parts. There was the kingdom of Israel in the north with Samaria as its capitol and the kingdom of Judah in the south with Jerusalem for its capitol. The weakened condition of both kingdoms left it open to attacks by other countries. Some near by (e.g., Syria Moab, Ammon). Others from afar (e.g., Assyria, Babylon). We read of one siege of Samaria in 2 Kin 6:24-29 orchestrated by Ben-Hadad, king of Syria which brought a terrible famine upon the city of Samaria. “Afterward Ben-hadad king of Syria mustered his entire army and went up and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria, as they besieged it, until a donkey's head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove's dung for five shekels of silver. Now as the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, saying, "Help, my lord, O king!" And he said, "If the LORD will not help you, how shall I help you? From the threshing floor, or from the winepress?" And the king asked her, "What is your trouble?" She answered, "This woman said to me, 'Give your son, that we may eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.' So we boiled my son and ate him. And on the next day I said to her, 'Give your son, that we may eat him.' But she has hidden her son."’ Among those suffering in the famine were four lepers.... They discuss their plight - 2 Kin 7:3-4a “Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, "Why are we sitting here until we die? If we say, 'Let us enter the city,' the famine is in the city, and we shall die there.” In desperation they decide to surrender to the Syrians - 2 Kin 7:4b “And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die."’ To their surprise, they find the Syrian camp abandoned - 2 Kin 7:5-7 “So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, "Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us." So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives.” At first, they splurge in their newfound riches - 2 Kin 7:8 “And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, they went into a tent and ate and drank, and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and went and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent and carried off things from it and went and hid them.” Upon reflection, they knew they should tell others what they found, and did so - 2 Kin 7:9-11 “Then they said to one another, "We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king's household." So they came and called to the gatekeepers of the city and told them, "We came to the camp of the Syrians, and behold, there was no one to be seen or heard there, nothing but the horses tied and the donkeys tied and the tents as they were." Then the gatekeepers called out, and it was told within the king's household.” -- There is a valuable lesson we learn from the four lepers, especially when they said:
“This day is a day of good news...!

In our study, we shall notice some parallels between the lepers then, and ourselves now. We shall note the consequences of keeping silent when we have good news to share. We shall also note why some people may be keeping silent today. We begin, then, with looking at some parallels of then and now. In each case there is a famine. Then, it was a famine for food. Now, it is a famine for the blessings only God can provide! Our famine is related to the problem of sin - Ro 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. Yet God provides the free gift of salvation - Ro 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In each case, there is an abundance freely available. Then, there was plenty of food in the Syrian camp. Now, there is an abundance of spiritual blessings in Christ! - Ep 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,”; Re 22:17 “The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”

In each case, there are those that found what they needed. Then, it was the four lepers. Now, it is the Christians who have experienced the joys of salvation! But here is where the similarity often ends. The lepers knew what was right, and did it. They knew they would be wrong by keeping silent. They knew punishment would befall them if they kept the good news to themselves. -- So they went back to the city and told the good news! Many Christians are not like these lepers.... Despite it being “a day of good news”, they remain silent! While many die of spiritual starvation, they feast on the gospel! -- Do they not consider that what they do may be wrong?

We will do well to learn from these lepers. What they said of themselves at first, may be true of us: “We are not doing what is right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent.” What else they said may also be true of us: “If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us.” In their reasoning among themselves, they considered the consequences of keeping silent in a day of good news. Have we considered the consequences of keeping silent with the good news of the gospel?

Consider the consequences of keeping silent. We fail to keep the great commission. Jesus wanted His disciples to observe ALL that He commanded - Mt 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."’ Included is the command to “Go and make disciples...” -- Keeping silent is not what Jesus commanded!

We fail our mission as the people of God. As the privileged people of God, we are to proclaim the praises of God - 1 Pe 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” Especially in regards to:
1) How God “called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”.
2) How we “who had not obtained mercy...now have obtained mercy”.
-- How can God’s “own special people” do this while keeping silent?

We will answer to God for failing our mission. Just as God told Ezekiel, whom He made to be “a watchman for the house of Israel”. Ezekiel was to warn the wicked - Ezek 3:17 ‘"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” If Ezekiel failed to warn the wicked, the wicked would die for his own sin, but Ezekiel would also be held accountable! - Ezek 3:18-21 “If I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul. Again, if a righteous person turns from his righteousness and commits injustice, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die. Because you have not warned him, he shall die for his sin, and his righteous deeds that he has done shall not be remembered, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the righteous person not to sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning, and you will have delivered your soul."’ Today, the church is God’s “watchman” to the world! We are to take the gospel to every person! - Mk 16:15 “And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Those who have not heard will die in their own sin, but we will be held accountable if we gave them no warning!

Next week we will continue this lesson looking at what our resposibility is to sharing God's word with those that have not heard it yet.

Part Two - Elijah the Tishbite

1 Kings 17-21, 2 Kings 1-2

The flight for his life was another challenge Elijah faced as his life was threatened by Jezebel. He was forced to flee to Beersheba in Judah - 1 Kin 19:1-3 “Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.” We read of his despondency and desire for death - 1 Kin 19:4 “But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers."’ We read of his journey to Horeb. The provisions by an angel - 1 Kin 19:5-7 “And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, "Arise and eat." And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you." He was strengthened for 40 days and nights - 1 Kin 19:8 “And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.”
In his discouragement and the Lord’s response despite his success, he feels all is lost - 1 Kin 19:9-10 “There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

1Ki 19:10 He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."’ We now read of the lesson from the Lord - 1 Kin 19:11-12 “And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” But Elijah’s despondency remains - 1 Kin 19:13-14 “And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."’ The Lord’s new duties for Elijah - 1 Kin 19:15-17 “And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death.”
1) Anoint Hazael as king over Syria
2) Anoint Jehu as king over Israel
3) Anoint Elisha as prophet in his place
He is not alone, there are many others! - 1 Kin 19:18 “Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."’ Elisha becomes Elijah’s servant - 1 Kin 19:19-21 “So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, "Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you." And he said to him, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.”

We now come to his message to Ahab and Ahaziah. Elijah rebukes Ahab regarding Naboth. Jezebel has Naboth killed so Ahab can have his vineyard - 1 Kin 21:1-16. Elijah announces shameful deaths for Ahab and Jezebel - 1 Kin 21:17-26. Ahab’s humility delays judgment - 1 Kin 21:27-29. Elijah rebukes Ahaziah for inquiring of Baal. Injured, Ahaziah son of Ahab, sends an inquiry to Baal-Zebub - 2 Kin 1:1-2. Elijah is sent to turn the messengers back to Ahaziah with a rebuke and a prophecy concerning his death - 2 Kin 1:3-8. Three companies of soldiers are sent to bring Elijah to the king
1) Two are consumed by fire from heaven - 2 Kin 1:9-12
2) The third is spared by the plea of its captain - 2 Kin 1:13-15
In person, Elijah again rebukes Ahaziah and foretells his death - 2 Kin 1:16-17
Then Elisha accompanies Elijah from Gilgal to Bethel, and on to Jericho - 2 Kin 2:1-5. The ‘sons of the prophets’ at Bethel tell Elisha that Elijah is about to be taken away. The ‘sons of the prophets’ at Jericho tell Elisha the same thing. Elisha accompanies Elijah across the Jordan River - 2 Kin 2:6-10. Elisha refuses to stay in Jericho. Fifty ‘sons of the prophets follow them down to the Jordan. Elijah strikes the river with his mantle; he and Elisha cross on dry ground. Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah is transported to heaven - 2 Kin 2:11-18. A chariot of fire with horses of fire appears. Elijah is taken by a whirlwind to heaven, witnessed by Elisha. Elisha returns, the ‘sons of the prophets’ fail to find Elijah. A remarkable end for a remarkable man! And yet we recall that he was “a man with a nature like ours” (Ja 5:17).

What can we learn from a man like Elijah and his message...? First we can note the power of prayer. This is the application made by James - Ja 5:16-18 “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” Encouraging us to pray for one another, extolling the value of prayer by a righteous man, in referring to the example of Elijah and the three and half year drought. Whose prayer was answer providentially, not supernaturally - 1 Kin 18:41-45. Do we believe in the power of prayer? When God is One who hears prayer? - Psa 65:2 “O you who hears prayer, to you shall all flesh come.” When Jesus taught the power of believing prayer? - Mk 11:24 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” When James wrote concerning the prayer of faith? - Ja 5:15 “And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” When John wrote the value of prayer according to God’s will? - 1 Jn 5:14-15 “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

Second, note the providence of God at work. God provided time and again for the needs of Elijah. By the Brook Cherith, through the ravens that brought him food. At the house of the widow at Zarephath. Fleeing from Jezebel, when an angel brought him bread and water. Do we believe in the providential care of God? Promised by Jesus to those who seek first God’s kingdom? - Mt 6:31-34 “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Proclaimed by Jesus to those who leave all to follow Him? - Mk 10:29-30 “Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” Promised by Paul in his writings? - Ph 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”; 2 Co 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

Third, note the need for commitment. Elijah was the prophet of commitment. He was willing to ‘stand’ for the Lord in the face of adversaries - 1 Kin 17:1 “Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word."’ He called on Israel to make the right choice - 1 Kin 18:21 “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word.” Are we willing to make a commitment for the Lord? To choose the right Master? - Mt 6:24 ‘"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” To serve the One who has the power to free us from sin? - Ro 6:16-18 “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” To love the Father instead of the world? - 1 Jn 2:15-17 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” To serve the Lord with zeal? - Re 3:15-16 ‘"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Fourth, note Elijah’s challenge of overcoming discouragement. Elijah was not beyond becoming discouraged and depressed. He wanted to die, feeling that he had failed - 1 Kin 19:4 “But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers."’ He had been zealous for the Lord, but thought none had listened - 1 Kin 19:14 “He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."’ The Lord’s response was to put Elijah to work, and reveal that he was not alone - 1 Kin 19:15-18 “And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."’
Do we find ourselves getting discouraged and depressed? Even the apostles were not immune to such emotions - 2 Co 7:5 “For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn--fighting without and fear within.” Yet God, who comforts the downcast, is the God of all comfort - 2 Co 7:6 “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,”; 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” The solution remains the same: remember you are not alone, and get busy in service to the Lord!

Fith, note the consequences of sin. The terrible consequences of sin are illustrated time and again. The drought on Israel. The judgment on the prophets of Baal. The deaths of Jezebel and Ahab. Do we truly appreciate the consequences of sin? The physical toll that is often experienced even in this life?
1) The absence of God’s providential care in our lives.
2) The effects of immorality and worldliness on our bodies and our minds?
The spiritual toll that will be experienced in this life and the one to come?
1) Separation from God now so that He will not hear our prayers - Isa 59:1-2 “Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.”
2) Eternal separation from God if we remain in our sins - cf. Ro 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”; Re 21:8 “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."’

The sixth and final observation is the hope of righteousness. Elijah illustrates the hope of the righteous who persevere to the end. He was translated to heaven, so death had no power over him. He appeared in glory when Jesus was transfigured, conversing with Him - Lk 9:28-32. What is the hope of the righteous today who persevere to the end? The dead will be raised incorruptible, the living changed, so death no longer has any power - 1 Co 15:50-54 “I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."’ They shall receive rest, and be glorified together with Christ! - 2 Th 1:7-12 “and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The life and lessons of Elijah the Tishbite is a wonderful story written for our admonition - 1 Co 10:11 “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” Written for our learning, that we might have patience, comfort and hope - Ro 15:4 “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” May his life inspire us to heed his lessons. The power of prayer. The challenge of discouragement. The providence of God. The consequence of sin. The need for commitment. The hope of the righteous.For just as Elijah consumed the soldiers with fire from heaven, so the day will come...

“...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 2Th 1:7-8

Are you ready for that day? Hear again the words of Elijah...
“How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him...”

Elijah The Tishbite - Introduction

Elijah The Tishbite
1 Kings 17-21, 2 Kings 1-2

A remarkable event in the ministry of Jesus was His transfiguration.... Transfigured before Peter, James and John - Mt 17:1-2 “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” Joined by Moses and Elijah, then exalted by the Father - Mt 17:3-8 “And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” Followed by questions related to Elijah - Mt 17:9-13 “And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead." And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?" He answered, "Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.”

We might also ask questions about Elijah.... Why did he appear with Moses and Jesus? Of all the prophets of the OT who could have appeared, why him? Elijah was certainly a remarkable individual.... He was “the grandest and the most romantic character that Israel ever produced.” - Smith. “mightiest of all the prophets” - Keil & Delitzsch. “the most eminent of the prophets” - Wesley. Yet he is described as “a man with a nature like ours” - Ja 5:17 “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.” “of the same constitution, a human being just as ourselves are.” - Clarke. “a mere man, subject to the same weaknesses and infirmities as other men.” – Barnes. -- He appears to have suffered from discouragement and depression.

How did such a man become the greatest of prophets? What lessons might he offer us in our service to God? Let’s take a closer look, beginning with Elijah the man. His name Elijah means “Yahweh is my God.” - Barnes. In the NT, some translations render his name as “Elias” - Mt 17:3 (KJV) Of his origin; “This prophet is introduced as abruptly as Melchisedek--his birth, parents, and call to the prophetic office being alike, unrecorded.” - JFB. He is called “the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead” - 1 Kin 17:1 “Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word."’ His origin is uncertain. Some think “Tishbeh” was a city in Galilee; others, in Gilead. Some have even supposed that he was an Ishmaelite, not an Israelite, sent to rebuke and shame the apostate Israel - JFB. Some have even opined that he was an angel of God, though this can be countered by James’ statement (Ja 5:17) – Clarke.
As to his appearance he is described, “A hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist.” - 2 Kin 1:7-8; see John, Mt 3:4. “That is, he wore a rough garment, either made of camels’ hair, as his successor John Baptist’s was, or he wore a skin dressed with the hair on. Some think that the meaning is, he had very long hair and a long beard. The ancient prophets all wore rough garments, or upper coats made of the skins of beasts: They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, says the apostle, He 11:37.” - Clarke. “His costume was that of a thorough ascetic. Generally the Jews wore girdles of linen or cotton stuff, soft and comfortable. Under the girdle they wore one or two long linen gowns or shirts, and over these they had sometimes a large shawl. Elijah had only his leather girdle and his sheepskin cape or ‘mantle.’” – Barnes.

Even in his day, Elijah would have been considered “strange”. Yet we can’t help but be impressed by this remarkable man as we consider Elijah and his ministry. Starting with the judgment of drought; the proclamation to Ahab - 1 Kin 17:1 “Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word."’ Note the wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel - 1 Kin 16:29-33 “In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.”

Returning to the prophecy sworn by “the Lord God of Israel...before whom I stand” - 1 Kin 17:1 we continue looking into his ministry. By his word there will be neither dew nor rain for three years. Then there is God’s care of Elijah by the Brook Cherith - 1 Kin 17:2-7 “And the word of the LORD came to him, "Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.”
At the widow of Zarephath - 1 Kin 17:8-24:
1) The miracle of the bin of flour and jar of oil
2) The raising of the widow’s son
His reappearance before Ahab:
1) Commanded by the Lord -1 Kin 18:1-2
2) Arranged by Obadiah - 1 Kin 18:3-16
He was falsely accused of being a “troubler of Israel” - 1 Kin 18:17-18.

Then there was the Challenge on Mount Carmel, challenging Israel and her false prophets - 1 Kin 18:19-20 “Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel.” The 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah. Supported by Jezebel, Ahab’s wife. The challenge to Israel - 1 Kin 18:21 “How long will you falter between two opinions?” “If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” Then the test between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The test explained - 1 Kin 18:22-24 “Then Elijah said to the people, "I, even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD, but Baal's prophets are 450 men. Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, he is God." And all the people answered, "It is well spoken."’ The prophets of Baal go first, and fail - 1 Kin 18:25-29 “Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it." And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, "Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened." And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.” Elijah’s remarkable victory - 1 Kin 18:30-39 “Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come near to me." And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been thrown down. Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD came, saying, "Israel shall be your name," and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs of seed. And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, "Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood." And he said, "Do it a second time." And they did it a second time. And he said, "Do it a third time." And they did it a third time. And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water. And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back." Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, "The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God." Then the prophets of Baal were executed at the Brook Kishon - 1 Kin 18:40 “And Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape." And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.” The drought comes to an end as Elijah prays - 1 Kin 18:41-46 “And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain." So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." And he went up and looked and said, "There is nothing." And he said, "Go again," seven times. And at the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea." And he said, "Go up, say to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.'" And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.”

It is hard to find a place in this lesson and Elijah's life to find a short break. However we will do so at this point and continue in the next part starting with the flight for his life. This was another challenge Elijah faced as his life was threatened by Jezebel. Then we will look at some comparisons and application of Elijah's life to our own.

Part Two - Prove Yourself a Man

1 Kings 2:1-3

“When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, "I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,”.

Acknowledge God’s role in your life. Trust in Him and let Him direct your paths - Pro 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Fear Him, and honor Him with your possessions - Pro 3:7-10 “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” Accept His chastisement in your life - Pro 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Let the Lord be your confidence, and He will bless you - Pro 3:25-35 -- As Jesus said, seek first His kingdom and righteousness - Mt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Such are the things involved in proving oneself to be a real man (cf. 1 Kin 2:2-3). If Solomon were your father, he would also counsel you regarding the opposite sex. Take heed to your relationships. Avoid the harlot. The woman who would entice you, but destroy you in the end - Pro 5:1-14. The adulteress who would destroy your reputation and friendships - Pro 6:23-35. Who destroys even strong men through her seductions - Pro 7:1-27 -- A single act of passion can alter and destroy one’s life!

Love your wife. Rejoice and be enraptured with the wife of your youth - Pro 5:15-19 “Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” The Lord will know those who look elsewhere for love - Pro 5:20-23 “Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.” The Lord would have you live joyfully with your wife - Ecc 9:9 “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.” -- God loves marriage, and will bring to judgment those who defile it - He 13:4 “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

Finally, if Solomon were your father, he would have you “Prove Yourself A Man” by counseling you to take heed to your character. Avoid debt and sloth. Debt enslaves, especially when cosigning for another - Pro 6:1-5 “My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger, if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, and save yourself, for you have come into the hand of your neighbor: go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor. Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber; save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”; 17:18 “One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.” Laziness will bring poverty - Pro 6:6-11 “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”; 10:4 “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”; 13:4 “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” -- So Christians are to be industrious, and avoid indebtedness - Ro 12:11 “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”; 13:8 “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

Know what is an abomination. There are things that God hates - Pro 6:16-19 “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”; 8:13 “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” Even our worship can be an abomination - Pro 15:8 “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.”; 28:9 “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” -- Thus we need to know what is the Father’s will that pleases Him - Mt 7:21-23 ‘"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'”

Other points could be made, but these go a long way to proving one to be a man...
Taking heed to one’s counselors (who will you listen to?)
Taking heed to one’s goals (what will you do?)
Taking heed to one’s relationships (who will you love?)
Taking heed to your character (whom will you become?)

If we have earthly fathers who offer spiritual guidance in becoming men, thank God for such a wonderful blessing! Benefit from the counsel and instruction they offer! But if we do not have such fathers remember that you have a Heavenly Father - Psa 68:5 “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” One who has provided much guidance and counsel in His Word - Josh 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Let the Word of God, passed down, preserved, and proven by generations of fathers and sons, be your guide to “Prove Yourself A Man”...

Prove Yourself a Man

Prove Yourself a Man
1 Kings 2:1-3

As David was about to die, he charged his son Solomon to be strong; to prove himself to be a man. To keep the commandments of the Lord - 1 Kin 2:1-3 “When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, "I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,”. Solomon was blessed to have a godly father; a man after God’s own heart about whom he could later fondly reminisce. Who gave him counsel on how to be a man - Pro 4:3-9 “When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown."’

Many men today are not so blessed.... Some are without fathers, either through death or divorce. Some have fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership. Where can they go to learn what it means to “Prove Yourself A Man”? One source is Solomon himself, who has provided wisdom and guidance for all men in the Bible. For example, if you were his son, he would say Take heed to your counselors; fear God. Such is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom- Pro 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”; 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” It will prolong one’s days, being a fountain of life - Pro 10:27 “The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.”; 14:26-27 “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” It is the whole meaning of one’s existence - Ecc 8:12 “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him.”; 12:13 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” -- Therefore let the Word of God be your primary counselor in life.

Listen to your parents... Their advice will be like graceful ornaments around your neck - Pro 1:8-9 “Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” Their advice can guide you through life - Pro 6:20-22 “My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.” -- Benefit from the wisdom of those more experienced who love you.
Beware of evil companions. They will entice you to do evil - Pro 1:10-14 “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse"’ They will only destroy you along with themselves - Pro 1:15-19 “my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.”; 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” -- Choose your friends carefully, for evil company can corrupt - 1 Co 15:33 “Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."’

If you were Solomon’s son, he would also counsel you to take heed to your goals. Seek wisdom and understanding. Seek for wisdom as you would seek for silver - Pro 2:1-9 “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;” It will protect you from the evil man and woman - Pro 2:10-22 “for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways. So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life. So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.” It will be a tree of life, a source of wonderful blessings - Pro 3:13-24. As his own father told Solomon, wisdom is the principle thing - Pro 4:3-13 -- Thus the acquisition of godly wisdom should be a priority in life.

We will continue to examine and apply the advice of David to our lives today in Part Two of our lesson.

Part Two of "Nathan's Rebuke"

2 Samuel 12:1-15

As we continue our examination of “Nathan’s Rebuke”, we now see the proper attitude in repentance in that David provides a proper example. He made it personal - “_I_ have sinned...” - 2 Sam 12:13. He didn’t try to place the blame on Bathsheba or the circumstances. He didn’t try to spread the guilt to others (for example, Joab’s involvement in the death of Uriah) -- He accepted the full responsibility of his own sin! He saw the true nature of his guilt: it was “...against the _LORD_” - 2 Sam 12:13. It is true that he also sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, his own wife, etc. But true penitence comes from an understanding that sin is more than just a violation of human relationships. It is an affront against the GOD who created us in His image! Notice, then, what David wrote in Psa 51:3-4 as he confesses his sin... “Against You, You only, have I sinned...” With poetic hyperbole, he confesses his sin against God as well! “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.”

Much repentance today falls short in this regard. We often don’t make our sins personal enough. We may be quick to admit “We have sinned”. But will we also be quick to admit “I have sinned”? We often don’t think of how our sins are against the Lord. Unless we do, our repentance is likely to be shallow. For instance, our conduct will change just enough to satisfy the approval of man. For example, someone who needs to repent for forsaking the assembly... We often say they have “sinned against the church”; while true, they need to appreciate that in fact they have “sinned against the Lord”! If they view themselves as only having sinned against the church they may only be concerned about being faithful in the eyes of the church thus correcting only their conduct as the church sees them. But if they view themselves as having sinned against the Lord they will be concerned with being faithful in His eyes thus correcting any conduct visible only to the Lord!

Our next observation may be the most encouraging one gleaned from “Nathan’s Rebuke” by the pardon provided by God. In the example of David’s forgiveness his forgiveness was immediate - 2 Sam 12:13 “David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” That is, when the proper conditions were met, in his case, the confession of his sin, his forgiveness was complete – see again 2 Sam 12:13b. Nathan said “The LORD also has put away your sin”. The phrase “put away” is similar to other terms suggesting a complete forgiveness of sin: “covered”, blotted out”, “remembered no more”.

God’s pardon is similar today. It is both immediate and complete. But there are conditions that must be met. For the non-Christian - Jn 8:24 “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins."’; Ac 2:38 “And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”; 22:16 “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'” For the Christian - 1 Jn 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”; Ac 8:22 “Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.” Such a wonderful pardon is made possible only through the blood of Christ! - Ep 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,”

Our final observation may be the most sobering one to contemplate... Consequences of sin often follow despite the pardon. David learned this from Nathan. Though he was forgiven of his sin, there would still be consequences of his sin. Nathan listed them in 2 Sam 12:10-12,14 “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'" – “Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die."’; all of which came to pass: The baby died
David’s daughter (Tamar) raped by her half-brother (Amnon)
One son (Amnon) killed by another (Absalom)
One son (Absalom) leads a conspiracy, takes over the kingdom, lays with his father’s concubines, and is finally killed

The same is often true today. An alcoholic may quit drinking and be forgiven, but still suffer the physical consequences of alcoholism. A parent may obey the gospel, but do so too late to have a positive affect on the spiritual development of the children. A young person may “sow their wild oats” before settling down and becoming a Christian.... While forgiven, they may still have to “reap what they have sown”, the rest of their lives being adversely affected by such things as:
1) An unexpected pregnancy (an early or unwanted marriage)
2) An unscriptural divorce (not free to remarry)
3) A moment of passion (suffering with incurable STDs)
4) Experimenting with drugs (irreversible brain damage)
-- God’s pardon is wonderful, but we must not forget the consequences of sin!

Such are some of the lessons we learn from “Nathan’s Rebuke”.... We are often blind to our own faults. The best way to bring about repentance is with the proper attitude in repentance. The pardon provided by God may still have consequences of sin often follow despite the pardon. As with much of the events recorded in the Scriptures there are lessons to help us in our own relationship with God. There are lessons to help us be of service to others regarding their relationship with God. May we be wise enough to heed the counsel of “Nathan’s Rebuke”!

Nathan's Rebuke - Part One

Nathan’s Rebuke
2 Samuel 12:1-15

Many are familiar with David’s sin involving Bathsheba, resulting in adultery and murder. Though these were dark pages in David’s record, they were preserved that lessons might be learned by those who followed after - 1 Co 10:11-12 “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” There are lessons to be learned, not only from David’s mistakes, but from the rebuke that Nathan gave to David because of his sin. Found in 2 Sam 12:1-15, Nathan’s rebuke will serve as the basis for our study. Please read this text.

Among the lessons that might be gleaned from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is this one we are often blind to in our own faults. In the case of David he could easily see the sin in the man of Nathan’s story - 2 Sam 12:5-6 “Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."’ But he could not see it in himself; it took a direct accusation (“You are the man!”) by Nathan - 2 Sam 12:7 “Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.”

In our case the same is often true. We can easily see the “mote” in another person’s eye, but not the “beam” in our own. There are several reasons why this may be so. We may let strong desires confuse the plain distinction between right and wrong. As an example, many have softened their views on divorce and remarriage when it hits their family, therefore changing our convictions on a position when it hits close to home. We may habitually flirt with evil, diminishing our sense of it as evil. An example here would accepting the world’s definition of immodesty in regards to apparel, therefore the standards of the world soon become our standards. We may refuse to apply principles of scripture to the moral nature of our personal conduct. For example, whether or not certain habits are consistent with the Christian life, therefore behaving in a way more becoming a person of the world, than one who is a child of God!

Because we are often blind to our own faults we need to be thankful for friends like Nathan. We need to be thankful for friends caring enough to bring our faults to our attention. For those friends courageous enough to challenge our conduct. We need to be like David. Open to the constructive criticism of others. Not so blind as to fail to see our faults when pointed out by others.

Another valuable lesson from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is that we learn the best way to bring about repentance by appealing to God’s love. Nathan reminded David of God’s great kindness - 2 Sam 12:7b-8 “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” This type of appeal is based upon God’s love and mercy as found in the preaching of the gospel. Paul made it in Ro 2:4 “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Likewise Peter in Ac 10:34-36 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),”, 42-43 “And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."’ -- In our own efforts to save or restore others, let’s be sure to make the same appeal to God’s love!

Another valuable lesson from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is that we learn the best way to reveal sin. Nathan was very clear in telling David what he did was wrong - 2 Sam 12:9 “Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.” In a similar way, the gospel makes it clear that all are sinners - Ro 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” -- Since people will not repent unless they realize they are sinners, it is necessary to help them see their sins (with the right attitude, of course).

Another valuable lesson from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is that we learn the best way to warn of the consequences. Nathan spelled out what would happen because of David’s sin - 2 Sam 12:10-12 “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'" The gospel, while it contains “good news”, is no different - Mk 16:15-16; Ro 2:5-11. -- As we seek to call others to repentance, we must in love and great solemnity point out the consequences of sin!

We will continue our examination of "Nathan's Rebuke" in part two of this lesson.

At the Front or at the Base - Part Two

Having looked at two kinds of service, at the front or at the base, in the first part of this lesson, let’s find wherever we can best serve the Lord, and do so properly, which leads to our next point. Both services demand the same goal, sacrifice, and zeal. In the case of David and his men . The men “at the base” weren’t there because they were lazy or scared. Though exhausted, they were just as motivated as those who went on. Their families had been kidnapped, too! Someone had to stay with the baggage, or the rest of the force might not have caught up with the enemy. Staying behind was a form of sacrifice, when it was your family out there somewhere in the hands of the enemy! With the same goal, sacrifice, and zeal as those who pursued the enemy, they did their job of guarding the baggage!

To fulfill our roles in the Lord's army, all need the same goal, sacrifice, and zeal! What is our “goal”? “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” - 1 Pe 4:11. To glorify God, whether in our service or in our teaching! A goal like this can transform even secular or mundane service into a sacred and important one! For example, providing baby-sitting services so the parents can be free to visit and teach others, working as a common laborer so as to be able to support preachers in a foreign country. What kind of “sacrifice”? “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” - 1 Pe 4:10. Each person has a gift (or more), an ability, given to him by God’s manifold grace. As stewards, we will one day give an account - Mt 25:14-30. We may not have the same talent, or number of talents, but we are expected to do the best with what we have! We certainly shouldn’t squander what has been given to us!

While we may serve in different capacities, we should have the same sense of sacrifice Some believe preachers should be willing to sacrifice more than others. Is such a view consistent with what we are learning here? Should the “quartermasters” back at the base be squandering what may have been given them to support the “soldiers” at the front? Should we not all have the same willingness to sacrifice if the need is there? If brethren “at the base” sacrificed as much as they expected those to do who are “at the front”, would there not be more good things being done?

What kind of “zeal”? “as with the ability which God supplies” - 1 Pe 4:11. Whatever our ability, whatever our service, God gives us the strength to do it! Shall we be slack with what God has given us? We should be zealous to utilize what we have in a manner worthy of God’s gracious gift! It is not so much what service we render to God, but how we do it. And what sacrifice or zeal might be expected of one should be expected of all, for we seek the same goal!

Finally, let’s quickly note the point that both services receive the same reward. We saw where David made this a law in Israel. “...they shall share alike” - 1 Sam 30:24-25. Whether they stayed by the supplies, or served in the battle. The same principle is repeated in the New Testament. Jesus taught it in Mt 10:41-42 "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward." Paul illustrated the same principle with regards to deacons, who are servants of the church - 1 Ti 3:13 "For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." -- This should help us in our zeal and sacrifice.

Too often, the Lord’s battle is hindered by the lack of support.... Some may be willing to go and teach, but others may not be willing to send and support. Yet we have seen that both forms of service are equally important; require the same goal, sacrifice, and zeal; receive the same reward. Wherever we may serve in the Lord’s “army”, whether “At The Front Or At The Base”, let’s do it as good stewards and with great zeal!

Speaking of the Lord’s “army”, have you been “enlisted” by the Lord yet (2 Ti 2: 3-4 "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.")? Through the precious gospel of Christ, God is calling all who will come to Him... - 2 Th 2:14 "whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."

If you have not enlisted in the Lord's army and would like further information or assistance, please contact me at jimnewy@classicnet.net or jimnewy@gmail.com

At the Front or at the Base - Part One

1 Samuel 30:21-25

Review the background of David’s pursuit of the Amalekites - 1 Sam 29, 30:1-20. Now read 1 Sam 30:21-25; notice particularly the ordinance established in Israel, “...as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” (1 Sam 30:24). There are some similarities between David’s statute and what is true with regards to our service as Christians today; for we too are engaged in a battle. Though our battle is a spiritual one – see for example 1 Ti 6:12; Ep 6:12-13; 2 Co 10:3-6.

In this lesson, I would like to point to some of these similarities; beginning with the idea that God’s army requires two forms of service. Any military venture is dependent upon both support and battle forces. Much military planning revolves around how to support those at “the front”. For military leaders learned long ago: “Men won’t fight on an empty stomach”; “Men won’t march without shoes”. Many battles have been won by the efficiency of the support forces in keeping up with those on the front. This was one reason why Eisenhower was such a great general...he was a logistical genius.

The same is true with God’s army and the battle we face. Two forms of service are required: There are the “fighters”, and the “guards of the baggage”. For example, there are the “teachers” and “those that support them”. This truth is well illustrated in the N.T. during Christ’s own ministry - Lk 8:1-3 “Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.” This truth is also well illustrated in the case of Paul, who was supported by:
1) Churches - 2 Co 11:8-9 “I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.”; Ph 4:15-16 “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.”
2) Individuals – for example, Gaius (Ro 16:23a “Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church,”), Epaphroditus (Ph 2:25 “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,”), Philemon (Phile 22 “At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.”)

Yes, to carry out God’s battle, there must be “preachers” and “supporters”. A logical and essential part in the saving of souls - Ro 10:13-15 “For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"’
God’s army requires both...
1) Those that are willing to serve at “the front”.
2) Those that are willing to serve at “the base”.

As we examine this concept further, one might ask “Which service is more important?” Well, both services are equally important. This is certainly true in physical warfare. One might think the men on the front are the “most important”. While we cannot discount their importance, battles have been won or lost based upon logistical support! This is just as true in the body of Christ. In Ro 12:3-8, we learn that in the body of Christ (the church) there are many members. The members do not have the same function! In Ep 4:15-16, we learn that growth depends upon “the effective working by which every part does its share”. In 1 Co 12:12-22, Paul stresses that all the members and their diverse functions are vital! No one can say that they themselves are not important - 1 Co 12:12-19. No one can say that others are not important - 1 Co 12:20-22.

Failure to realize this truth can be disastrous….! It can leave many brethren disappointed, apathetic, and fruitless! If we are not careful, we can overemphasize one work to the neglect of others. For example, stressing evangelism to the neglect of edification and benevolence (despite the warning of Ja 3:1“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”, and the implication of 1 Co 12:29 “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?”). This can make some feel that only one kind of work is worthy, noble, or important. With such a misconception, some may involve themselves in a work for which they are not suited. When failure comes, they become disappointed unless shown alternative ways to serve; they can become apathetic and fruitless. It often hinders the Lord’s cause in spreading the gospel! Lack of support has hindered many foreign or smaller works where evangelists were unable to raise support. If those “at the base” don’t appreciate the importance of their support, the Lord’s body becomes handicapped in its ability to function! Realizing the importance of both kinds of service let no one despise one type of service over another! Let’s find wherever we can best serve the Lord, and do so properly, which leads to our next point. Both services demand the same goal, sacrifice and zeal and both services receive the same reward. We will look at this point in part two of our lesson.