SERIES: Closer Look

TITLE: What Makes Us Tick?

TEXT: Acts 2:42-47 (p.911)

1. OUR EXCLAMATION

Why do we exist? What is the primary purpose of the church?

The church was not put here (to make us happy). It was not put here to meet (our every whim). “When we ask people what they want in church instead of giving them what they were created for, we play into the very idolatry that church was created to dismantle.” MacDonald

Primary purpose is found in I Cor.10:31- “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The church’s primary purpose is to (glorify God) in all we do.

Our Purpose: We exist for the fame of His Name.

Look up Psalm 29:2…Ps.71:12…Ps.145:7

“And I will set a sign among them…to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory.” Is.66:19

2. OUR ESSENTIALS

There are 4 essentials that we part of the early church’s gatherings:

1. Teaching– “No creed but Christ; no book but the Bible.” See also Acts 6:2
2. Fellowship– Fellowship means we care for one another. True fellowship is that we (care about) and therefore (care for) one another.
3. Communion– The early church devoted themselves to two ordinances: baptism and communion. The first represents our (conversion to Christ), and second, our (lifelong commitment) with Him.
4. Prayer– Priority because they kindled a personal involvement with one another and sparked a desire to serve the Lord.

What are the results of all these essentials?

1. There will be (worship).
2. There will be (togetherness).
3. There will be (prayer).

NEXT WEEK: What Do You See? Psalm 29:2; 72:17; 145:7; Is.66:19

SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:       Pride’s Downfall

TEXT:        2 Samuel 24 (p.277); I Chron.21 (p.350)

1. PRIDE’S DESTRUCTION

(Vulnerability) is an ugly thing.

His unstated motive was (pride). He was slighting the (faithfulness of God) as the shield of Israel. “For you are the glory of their strength, by your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.” Ps.89:17-18

Reveals two things about David’s personal life:

1. He was out of touch with (the Lord).

2. He was (unaccountable) to anyone around him.

2. PRIDE’S DEATH

Verse 10: “struck him”- “to attack or to smite or to be assaulted.”

The mark of a person after God’s heart is not perfection but a (sensitivity to sin) and a willingness to (seek restoration) with God, even if it means facing judgment.

“distress”- “to be tied up, restricted, cramped.”

God’s hand was swift and terrible. But equally swift was His (mercy). [vv.14-15] And true to David’s heart, when he saw what was happening, he fell on his face before God and (assumed all blame).

3 lessons we can learn:

1. To live an unaccountable life is to (flirt with danger).

2. To ignore sin’s consequences is to (reject God’s truth).

3. To fail to take God seriously is to (to deny His lordship) in our lives.

WHAT WILL YOU HAVE ENGRAVED ON YOUR TOMBSTONE??

NEXT WEEK: What Makes Us Tick? Acts 2:42-47

SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:  Praise Him Through The Storm

TEXT:   2 Samuel 22 (p.274); Psalm 18 (p.455)

I. WORLD UPSIDE DOWN

David’s “Twilight years” were anything but golden:

1) Sheba’s rebellion

2) Joab kills Amasa

3) Three year famine

4) War with the Philistines Verse 15 significant verse

II. WORLD RIGHTSIDE UP

4 themes of David in this song;

1. God is my Only (Security). [Vv.2-4]

“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” Ps.40:2

2. God is my Only (Light). [V.29]

“The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Ps.27:1

3. God is my Only (Strength). [Vv.33-36]

If we try to fight our battles in our own strength, we will (lose). We cannot defeat an unseen enemy using (physical weapons).

Turn to Psalm 144:1-2 (p.524)

4. God is my Only (Hope). [Vv.50-51]

Turn to Psalm 145:4-7 and 146:5-7

Turn to Psalm 37:23-25, 39-40.

NEXT WEEK: Pride’s Destruction- 2 Samuel 24; I Chron.21

SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:  Clash!

TEXT:    Acts 15:36-41 (p.924)

I. COLLISIONS WILL HAPPEN

4 truths about disagreements:

1.  Disagreements are (inevitable).

2.  Even (godly people) will not always agree.

3.  Every disagreement has the same two ingredients: an (issue) and (varying viewpoints).

4.  In many disagreements, each side is (valid). In the heated fray of an argument, we usually see only one side- (ours).

.

II. GRACE CAN BE EXHIBITED

The word “wanted” is actually (desirous) or persistent.

Luke’s word for “sharp disagreement” shows they did not dissolve this amicably but with (violent emotions).

How can we handle disagreeable times?

1) Always leave room for an (opposing viewpoint).

2) If an argument does ensue, (don’t assassinate).

3) If you don’t get your way, (get over it), and (get on) with life.

4) Sometimes the best solution is (distance).

NEXT WEEK: Praise Him Through the Storm- 2 Samuel 22; Psalm 18

SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:  Don’t Hold That Grudge!

TEXT:   I Sam. 16: 5-13; 19:16-23; I Kings 2:8-9

“We are most like beasts when we kill. We are most like men when we judge. We are most like God when we forgive.”

“Forgiveness is surrendering my right to hurt you for hurting me.” Archibald Hart

I.  THE STATE OF AFFAIRS

Bitterness is like (a cancer). It takes root so deeply that it can’t be (extracted). It is a (progression) that starts small and grows.

II.  THE STORY OF ACTION

Turn to 2 Samuel 16. (p.268)

Two things to note:

1.  Shimei is a relative of (Saul). He would have been holding his grudge for (20 years).

2.  Shimei’s charges were (untrue). David didn’t switch the royal line; it was Saul’s (disobedience). David didn’t steal Saul’s throne; Saul (gave it up).

Pick story up in 2 Samuel 19. To David, showing mercy was a (sign of strength). How could David do this?

1.  His focus was on (God).

2.  He was aware of (his own failure).

End of story? Turn to I Kings 2:8-9 (p.281)

Some final thoughts:

1.  Develop a (thicker layer) of skin.

2.  Try to understand our (offender) and where (they are coming from).

3.  Try to remember times when you (needed forgiveness).

4.  Openly declare your forgiveness and (move on).

NEXT WEEK: Clash! Acts 15:36-41; Eph.4:29-32

SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:  Friends

TEXT:   I Sam. 18,20 (p.241) ; 2 Samuel 15, 19, 23

I. THE HEART BOND

Jonathan was (King Saul’s) son and next in line to be (king).

Several times we read of Jonathan’s loyalty to David;

1) This passage in chapter 18

2) Intercession before his father- 19: 4-7

3) Jonathan warns David of his father’s spirit- 20

4) David’s loyalty to Jonathan with Mephibosheth. 2 Sam.9

II. THE SUPPORT BOND

A couple of preludes;

1. David’s life is a mess.

2. David needed help.

David’s friends while running: 2 Samuel 15

1. Ittai- a (Philistine)

2. Zadok and Abiathar- company of (Levites).

3. Hushai- a spy in (Absalom’s) camp.

4. Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai- provided (rest and restoration).

More friends known as David’s Mighty Men:

1) Eleazar- fought until hand would not unwrap from sword

2) Shammah- defended much-needed food.

3) 3 men- risked lives to sneak into Jerusalem for water

4) Abishai- single-handedly killed 300 men. Became ruler of band

5) Benaiah- killed lion with bare hands. Became head of David’s bodyguard.

Some thought to consider:

1. Friends are (essential).

2. Friends must be (cultivated).

3. Friends impact (our lives).

NEXT WEEK: Don’t Hold That Grudge! 2 Sam.16:5-13; 19:16-23; I Kings 2:8-9

SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:  Fallout

TEXT:   2 Samuel 12:15-23 (p.263); 13; 15; 16:22; 18:14b

Hosea 8:7a: “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”

There is fallout from sin even though (he repented).

 I.   THE REALITY OF FALLOUT

1. #1: Newborn son dies
2. #2: Amnon rapes Tamar
3. #3: Absalom hates Amnon
4. #4: Absalom murders Amnon
5. #5: Absalom rebels and runs away
6. #6: Absalom leads a conspiracy.
7. #7: Absalom violates David’s wives
8. #8: Joab murders Absalom

II.  THE REVELATION OF FALLOUT

Turn to Galatians 6:7-10 (p.975)

God and laws:

1. God has established some (good laws).
2. Our personal health is subject to (natural laws).
3. Our (seasons change) through natural laws.

Four set laws of harvest:

1. We (sow and reap) in kind.
2. We reap in a (different season) than we sow.
3. We reap (more) than we sow.
4. We can do nothing about (past harvests), but can do something about (future harvests).

Two truths we see in this passage:

• There are two fields and two choices. “Most of us spend the first six days of our week sowing wild oats, then we go to church praying for crop failure.”
• We can either sow to the flesh or sow to the Spirit.

Why is it important to remember these thoughts?

1. Becoming a Christ-follower is not synonymous with becoming a (model of perfection).
2. Living above the practice of sin is not (automatic).

NEXT WEEK: Friends- I Sam.18-20; 2 Sam 15, 19, 23

SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:  Come Clean!

TEXT:  2 Samuel 12 (p.263); Psalm 51 (p.474)

I. DAVID’S SECRET EXPOSED

2 Samuel 12

II. DAVID’S REPENTANCE REVEALED

“This kind of prayer requires a certain kind of God. No man will go to God just because he knows how poor he is in sin, unless he knows how rich God is in mercy.” David Redding

How do you begin a conversation with a God whom you have wronged?

1.  He begins with a (statement of faith) about the One from whom he is seeking the cleansing. David reminded himself of God’s character: (steadfast love) and (abundant mercy).

• David not only realized his (guilt), he also realized his sin was directed against (God).

2. David asked for (personal cleansing).

• “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.” Ps.32:3-4

3. David rededicated himself to the (service of God).

• Micah 6:6-8 (p.779)

“God is looking for the heart that knows how little it deserves, how much it owes.” Derek Kidner

NEXT WEEK: Fallout- 2 Sam.12:15-23; 15; 16:22; 18:14b

SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:  Greener Grass?

TEXT:  2 Samuel 11 (p.262)

I. THE SLIDE   

“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.”  I Cor.10:11-12

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Pr.16:18

Sin always bears (consequences).

David’s slide can be attributed to three breaches:

1)      (Polygamy) and (lust)

2)      (Vulnerability)

3)      (Indulgence)

II. THE SHEATH                            

The cover-up included a “plan”:

1)      Twice he attempted to get Uriah (to sleep) with his wife.

2)      Have Uriah (murdered).

Turn to Psalm 32:1-5.  (p.462)

“There was a time when I wouldn’t admit what a sinner I was.  But my dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration.  All day and night your hand was heavy on me.  My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them.”  Living Bible

Some practical advice:

1. Establish boundaries that keep you out of compromising situations.

2. Know the consequences ahead of time.

3. Invite someone to hold you accountable.

4. Cling to the Lord daily.

NEXT WEEK:  Come Clean!- Psalm 51

SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:  When God Says No                     

TEXT:  2 Samuel 6-7 (p.258) 

I.  WHEN GOD SAYS NO TO A LEGITIMATE PLAN                   

“And when he had removed him (Saul), he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’“ Acts 13:22

Two things worthy of mention:

1)      Uzzah reacted the way most of us would.

2)      They were transporting the Ark wrong.

Disobedience always has its (price). 

God is God.  He cannot be worshipped in a way that violates His (holiness). Sometimes God says no because of (our disobedience). 

II.  WHEN GOD SAYS NO TO A LEGITIMATE DESIRE                           

Hard to watch a dream die and reconcile Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and he will act.” 

In 2 Samuel 7 we find David in a situation where his motives were pure.  He went about it the right way. But the door is shut. 

David’s heart was in (the right place).  His plan was (noble).  His friend (applauded).  But God said No.   Why?  Turn to 2 Chron.22:6-10 (p.351)

God actually gave David a greater Yes- (a covenant) that far outshined the Temple. It guaranteed three things:

1. A “house” or posterity

2. A throne, or royal authority

3. A kingdom, or rule

2 responses when God says No;

1.  When God says no, He has (a better way).

2.  When God says no, our best reaction is one of (humility, surrender, and cooperation).

NEXT WEEK: Greener Grass?- 2 Samuel 11