Sermon Outline for 4/28/24 (Radio Broadcast 5/5/24) — “A Promised Fulfilled”

Acts 2:1-21

I) The Significance of the ____________

     A) The feast of _______________

     B) One of ___________ important feasts

     C) Celebrated the wheat _____________

II) The Significance of the ____________

     A) 12 or _______?

     B) Wind and __________ are important symbols

     C) The Spirit enables _________________

     D) The Spirit is the ________ to ministry

          1) The Spirit speaks to ____________

          2) The Spirit regenerates ___________

          3) The Spirit ____________

          4) The Spirit __________

III) The Significance of the ____________

     A) The Spirit _____________

     B) Some are _____________

     C) Some _____________

IV) The Significance of the ____________

     A) Prophesied by _________

     B) Proclaimed by ___________ the Baptist

     C) Foretold by __________

     D) Explained by _________

          1) Is this ______________?

          2) Or is this ____________?

          3) Either way, it symbolizes _______________!

Devotional Reading for April 28, 2024

2 Samuel 15:1-17:14

In our reading today we see the fulfillment of God’s words to David from Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:11 (WEB): “This is what Yahweh says: ‘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 will lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.'” Absalom has been working from the inside to foment rebellion, and we see the fulfillment of his plans here. But this is all a part of God’s plan; this is David’s punishment because of his sin. Even though both treachery and faithfulness are ongoing motifs in our passage, we see that God uses both those who are false and those who are faithful to accomplish His purpose!And, even in the midst of his trouble, David recognized God’s sovereignty:

2 Samuel 15:25-26 (WEB) “The king said to Zadok, ‘Carry God’s ark back into the city. If I find favor in Yahweh’s eyes, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation; but if he says, “I have no delight in you;” behold, here I am. Let him do to me as seems good to him.’”

Didn’t David contribute to his trouble by his attitude towards his children? Certainly, and God knew this as well. But just because God takes into account earthly matters doesn’t mean sovereignty is denied! God allowed the natural consequences of David’s sin and shortcomings to come to fruition in order to punish him for his actions. And, if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll admit that there are times that God doesn’t have to do much to punish us for our sins, because the natural consequences of our behavior is often disaster. However, here’s an important reminder: when something does happen to us that we believe the Lord allows or actively causes because of our sinfulness, we need to remember that it’s because He loves us and wants us to be more like Him.

Hebrews 12:5-6 (BTV) “And you have completely forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: ‘My son, do not think lightly of the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he punishes every son he receives.’”

Devotional Reading for April 27, 2024

2 Samuel 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 20:2-3; 2 Samuel 13:1-14:33

We don’t like to think about slavery, particularly when God’s people participate it. Unfortunately, when you think of cultures that were at war with each other for generations, trying to incorporate them into society after defeat is a bit problematic! Forced subjection of the defeated people was a normal a normal part of culture. Here, the complete victory shows God’s favor and the fulfillment of His promises.

2 Samuel 13 and 14 records another dark incident in the life of David. A son allowed to get away with rape. Retribution by a half-brother. Banishment. A trick to get him back. An father unwilling to reconcile. Property destruction. And finally, reconciliation.

In the midst of it all, we have some insights into human nature:

• Amnon was obsessed with something he couldn’t have. Then, when he forced Tamar to have sex with him, he was disgusted. With himself or with her? Be careful. Often the things we want most become ash in our mouths once we have them.
• Why do you think that David was so loath to do something about his son? Was it simply because he was family? Or was his current episode with Bathsheba echoing in his mind? He seemingly forgot that even though he had received forgiveness, he did not escape the consequences of his actions. We can’t remove the consequences of their actions from our children, otherwise they never learn.
• David’s failure to act made Absalom feel righteous in his actions. And it seemed that Jonadab was party to the plot. We should be careful of two things: (1) we shouldn’t allow a feeling of righteousness to spur us to do something unrighteous, and (2) we need to be careful about who we listen to and allow to influence us. We need to surround ourselves with people who are wise, and not just those who are going to encourage us to give into our basest desires.

Devotional Reading for April 26, 2024

1 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Samuel 11:1-12:14; Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:15-25; 2 Samuel 5:14-16; 1 Chronicles 14:3-7; 1 Chronicles 3:5-9

We have here perhaps the most infamous episode in David’s life. Some want to blame Bathsheba here. Some think that it was a joint affair. Others think David took advantage of his position and authority. What does God think?

2 Samuel 12:9 (WEB) “Why have you despised Yahweh’s word, to do that which is evil in his sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife, and have slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.”

To David’s credit, he repents, and we have a poignant reminder of the promise of God’s mercy and forgiveness:

Psalm 51:17 (WEB) “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. O God, you will not despise a broken and contrite heart.”

However, we are also reminded that there are still consequences for our sin. David and Bathsheba lose their child, yet David only mourns while the child is sick. Why? His words are either nihilistic or grounded in the faith of an afterlife. What do you think?!?!?

2 Samuel 12:22-23 (WEB) “He said, ‘While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, “Who knows whether Yahweh will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?” But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'”

Psalm 16:10 (WEB) “For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.”

Psalm 17:15 (WEB) “As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.”

David did a horrible thing with regard to Uriah and Bathsheba. We are going to continue to see how blind spots regarding his family almost cost him the kingdom. But in the midst of it all he continued to have faith in God, and he truly repented of his sins- which is the key! David wasn’t perfect, but he knew that; he revered God’s law, and he sought to serve him. In that we can both honor and emulate his example.

Devotional Reading for April 25, 2024

2 Samuel 8:15-18; 1 Chronicles 18:14-17; 1 Chronicles 6:16-30, 50-53, 31-48; 2 Samuel 9:1-10:19; 1 Chronicles 19:1-19

Worship was still necessary, even without a formal temple. David made sure that the tabernacle was “staffed” and operating for the nation. He also remembered his love for Jonathan and seeks out one of his descendants (Mephibosheth) to show favor to. Not only does David give him Saul’s old property, he allows him to eat at the kings table, thereby showing care and protection. He tries to reach out to the Ammonites after their kings death, but his emissaries are misunderstood and humiliated. Realizing their mistake, they hire help and amass for battle, to no avail!

What strikes you from the passage? I’m amazed anew at the names recorded. Even the kings bodyguard and secretary are mentioned. Perhaps we should do as well remembering others? And David’s faithfulness to Jonathan is remarkable, and should be a good example to us.

Proverbs 27:10 (WEB) “Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend.”

Devotional Reading for April 24, 2024

2 Samuel 7:1-17; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15; 2 Samuel 7:18-19; 1 Chronicles 17:16-27; 2 Samuel 8:1-14; 1 Chronicles 18:1-13; Psalm 60

David wants to build the temple, but is told that he can’t. Why?

1 Chronicles 22:8 (WEB) “But Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, ‘You have shed blood abundantly, and have made great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.”

Isaiah 56:7 (WEB) “Also the foreigners who join themselves to Yahweh to serve him,
and to love Yahweh’s name, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant, I will bring these to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”

David is a man of war. He is also a man of worship, but God wants his house to be built by someone who hasn’t had David’s violent past. It’s popular today to think that anyone can be anything or do everything. But is that really true or wise? Yes, David could have built the temple, but God wants it to be know as a house of prayer, not a house of war. What David can do is gather materials for it, so that his descendant can build it (which we see foreshadowed in 1 Chronicles 18:8). And what a consolation prize! David may not build the temple, but he is promised a dynasty instead!

1 Chronicles 22:14-16 (WEB) “Now, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for Yahweh’s house one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million talents of silver, and bronze and iron without weight; for it is in abundance. I have also prepared timber and stone; and you may add to them. There are also workmen with you in abundance, cutters and workers of stone and timber, and all kinds of men who are skillful in every kind of work; of the gold, the silver, the bronze, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and may Yahweh be with you.”

2 Samuel 7:12-16 (WEB) “When your days are fulfilled, and you sleep with your fathers, I will set up your offspring after you, who will proceed out of your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; but my loving kindness will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before you. Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.”

Does Psalm 60 give us some insight into the Psalms as a whole? There is repentance, a declaration of certainty, and then a note of humility. Perhaps all the Psalms should be read with that mindset? Is there a bedrock of humility even with the certainty we see present so often? “God we’re sorry, and we know that you will give us the victory! But it’s still up to you. Please help us!”

Luke 22:42 (BTV) “Father, if you are willing to take this cup away from me, do so; nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”

Note: Since we have been using the New Living Translation as our base for reading, I’ve been taking our supporting Scripture from the same version. However, several people have wondered about having these devotions in a pdf or a book form. I’m working on that for my New Testament devotions, my Proverbs devotions, and this years devotions. To be on the safe side, I’m going to make all the supporting Scripture from public domain translations. Thankfully, I can get a head start on this year! From this point forward all Old Testament quotations will be from the Word English Bible, and all New Testament quotations will be from the Text-Critical English New Testament.

Devotional Reading for April 23, 2024

2 Samuel 6:12a; 1 Chronicles 15:1-28; 2 Samuel 6:12b-16; 1 Chronicles 15:29; 2 Samuel 6:17-19a; 1 Chronicles 16:1-43; 2 Samuel 6:19b-23

Michal, David’s wife, thinks that is beneath David to act the way he did when he danced before the ark. God apparent sides with David (2 Samuel 6:23)! Can we ever go overboard with the way we praise God? Possibly (1 Corinthians 14:40), but we need to understand the circumstances. The ark was coming back! David was doing it right this time! There was every reason to praise, and David was setting an example for the people. In effect, he was saying, “this is how excited you should be!”

He follows it up with an example of praise that we would do well to emulate:

• God is great, and he deserves thanks, worship, and praise!
• We need to remember what He has done for us.
• We need to continually seek Him and go to Him for strength.
• We need to cry out to Him for protection and salvation.

Twice in these passages we read that David went home and blessed his household. Some think that it may mean “greet” instead of “bless,” however we have the same word with seemingly the same intent in both 1 Chronicles 16:2 and 1 Chronicles 16:43. Perhaps our own households need leadership that praises and prays for them, especially in their presence!

Devotional Reading April 22, 2024

2 Samuel 5:1-3; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3; 1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 2 Samuel 5:17-25; 1 Chronicles 14:8-17; 2 Samuel 5:6-10; 1 Chronicles 11:4-9; 1 Chronicles 3:4b; 2 Samuel 5:13, 4-5, 11-12; 1 Chronicles 14:1-2; 1 Chronicles 13:1-5; 2 Samuel 6:1-11; 1 Chronicles 13:6-14

David is universally recognized as the king of Israel, defeats his enemies, reclaims Jerusalem, and attempts to bring the ark back to Jerusalem. What are some of the lessons we can learn?

• In the midst of his battles David seeks the Lords guidance and gives the Lord credit. “The Lord did it” is his cry (2 Samuel 5:20). May we be just as willing to seek the Lord’s direction and give him praise!
• Is the mention of the “blind” and “lame” regarding the Jebusites simply taunting? Is it referencing the idea that they thought they were so secure that even their disabled could defend them? Could it be a reference in some way to their gods? We aren’t really sure, but we see here that Jerusalem now becomes the “City of David” this point forward (and we also see where the nickname “Zion” comes from).
• The “Lord of Heaven’s Armies” is the “Lord of hosts.” It most likely refers to God as the commander not only of Israel’s forces, but also of supernatural beings. He is all mighty and all powerful, and he fights for his people. That’s why when he says that we are His (John 10:29) and have nothing to fear (Romans 8:31) we should trust Him!
• David is joyous when the ark comes back (and he should be), but then fearful and angry when Uzzah dies. However, David himself is at fault. Levites were supposed to transport the ark, not oxen (Exodus 25:14-15; Deuteronomy 10:8). They neglected God’s law and forgot about His holiness, resulting in a harsh lesson to remind them. How often do we get mad at God for something that is our own fault?

Sermon outline for 4/21/24 (Radio broadcast 4/28/24) — Acts 1:12-26

“A Pattern for Discipleship”

I) Be ____________

II) Be ____________

III) Be a part of ______________

IV) Engage in ______________

V) Don’t give into ____________

     1) Despair can lead to ___________

     2) Despair can lead to ___________________

VI) Make sound _________________

     1) Look to the __________

     2) Ask for _________

     3) Look to __________________

     4) ____________

     5) Be alert to God’s _______________

VII) Recognize God’s _________________

VIII) Recognize God’s _______________

Devotional Reading for April 21, 2024

2 Samuel 3:6-4:12

It’s so nice to only have to type and provide the link for one passage. It’s not going to happen for awhile!

There is a lot of history here. Ishbosheth displays his father’s jealousy, paranoia and fear. Abner is falsely accused and decides he’s had enough. He want’s to bring Israel under David’s control. David won’t talk to him unless his wife is returned (she was remarried by Saul when David was on the run – 1 Samuel 25:44). Joab claims that Abner is a spy, but Joab really wants revenge (2 Samuel 2:18-23). Asahel’s death is avenged, Joab is shamed, and David is recognized as blameless. Jonathan’s son is introduced. Ishbosheth is assassinated, and David avenges him. It’s a short reading, but it’s action packed!

In this passage we again see David’s unwillingness to take direct action on an enemy (whether that action is by himself or by a purported representative of his). Death in battle was okay, but assassination was not! Here we have a reminder that authority deserves respect, as well as a caution about what happens when we become obsessed with vengeance.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT) “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Ephesians 4:25-27 (NLT) “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”