God's Covenant with David 1 Chron 17:1, 3-4, 6-15 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

Transcription

1 Devotional Scripture: 2 Cor 12:7-10 God's Covenant with David 1 Chron 17:1, 3-4, 6-15 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS A GODLY DESIRE (1 CHRON 17:1) Conviction Conviction is when I am "cut to the heart" by God's Word (Acts 2:37) Conviction is when the "secrets of my heart" are totally open to God (1 Cor 14:24-25) Conviction is when the Holy Spirit convinces me of my sin (John 16:6-8) Conviction is something I don't want to ignore (Heb 2:2-4) Conviction that brings me to my knees (Acts 16:29-30) Conviction through God's kindness (Romans 2:4) Human solution through logic Human solutions and wisdom comes from Satan (James 3:13-17) Human solutions causes us to be carnal minded and immature in God's word (1 Cor 3:1-4) Human solutions causes envy (1 Tim 6:3-5) Human solutions hinders my spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:1-3) Human solutions try to use persuasive words that have no power (1 Cor 2:3-7) Human solutions are foolishness in God's sight (1 Cor 3:18-20) Human solutions causes my mind to be futile and darkened which in turn makes be a fool (Rom 1:21-22) A GODLY DENIAL (1 CHRON 17:3-4) Revelation Revelation that God's word is good and perfect for guidance (Ps 119: ) Revelation that God's word is what sustains spiritual life (Matt 4:4) Revelation that God's word should be accepted so that fruit may be generated (Mark 4:20) Revelation that God's word is to be obeyed (Luke 11:28) Revelation that God's word is to be put into practice (Luke 8:21) Revelation that God's word is truth and sanctifies (John 17:17) Revelation that God's word is always near (Rom 10:8) Revelation that God's word is the actual word of God (1 Thess 2:13) Denial Denied to promote humility (2 Cor 12:7-9) Denied because of God's anger over sins (Deut 3:23-26) Denied because of God's discipline (2 Sam 12:15-20) Denied because of inappropriate request (Mark 10:37-40) Denied because of lack of faith and power (Matt 17:15-21) A GODLY BETTER ANSWER (1 CHRON 17:6-15) Divine guidance Guidance that teach us hope (Rom 15:4) Guidance that helps us run the race with perseverance (Heb 12:1) Guidance that should be followed (Acts 3:22-24) Guidance that teaches us to follow the correct Way and the way of hope (Acts 24:14-15) Guidance that reveals the mystery of Christ (Eph 3:4-6) Guidance that teaches us patience (James 5:10) Divine deliverance God's Covenant with David Page 1 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

2 Deliverance from deadly peril (2 Cor 1:10) Deliverance from troubles (Ps 34:19) Deliverance from trials (2 Peter 2:9) Deliverance from temptations (1 Cor 10:13) Deliverance from evil attacks (2 Tim 4:18) Divine presence It is the truth of God's presence that leads a life of faith into godliness (Titus 1:1) The presence of God is always Holy (Exodus 3:4-6) God enables through His presence (1 Cor 5:4) God's presence provides unfailing love (Ps 119:76) God's presence provides comfort (2 Cor 1:3-4) God's presence provides compassion (Isa 49:13) Divine protection Protection from things in the world (1 John 4:4) Protection of soul (Ps 57:1) Protection from evildoers (Ps 14:6) Protection through God my fortress, deliverer and stronghold (Ps 18:2) Protection because I am God's child (Prov 14:26) Protection by the hands of God (John 10:28-30) Divine plans God's plans stand firm forever (Ps 33:10-11) God's plans determines the outcome (Prov 16:9) God's plans and purposes will prevail (Prov 19:21) God has sworn to do what He has planned (Isa 14:24) God's plans and His purposes will stand (Isa 46:10) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR A desire to honor God (1 Chron. 17:1) A divine halt (1 Chron. 17:3-4) Revelation of God's will (1 Chron. 17:6-15) God's Covenant with David Page 2 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

3 Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The outline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. The study's aim is to reveal that believers need to know and do God's will rather than their own. The study's application is to understand and practice doing God's will in every aspect of our lives. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Many today live in neighborhoods that have protective covenants. These deal with such things as where you can park your car, the color of the exterior trim, or the placement of lawn ornaments and trash cans. We like the idea of having covenants to control our neighbors behavior; we are not as fond of covenants when it comes to conforming our own behavior to them. As a Christian you are part of the new covenant in Christ. But has that fact changed your behavior? No matter which biblical covenant we re talking about, they all carry certain expectations from God. Today s lesson can cause each of us to think of at least one specific area in which we are not being faithful to the new covenant. What will it take to correct that situation? Western culture has a problem with the term covenant. We know what a contract is, but the word covenant has fallen into disuse for the most part. Also, the concept of living under a covenant relationship (such as marriage) is antiquated and unthinkable to many because of secular cultural influences. It is no wonder that even many Christians in Western democracies have a difficult time understanding the concept of covenant as the Bible presents that idea. But try we must. A covenant is an agreement between two parties in which various promises, obligations, and conditions are expressed or implied. The terms of the covenant depend on the parties and their interests. Many covenants in the Bible are between people. These include covenants of friendship (example: 1 Samuel 18:3; 20:8), the institution of marriage (example: Malachi 2:14), and agreements between rulers or authority figures (example: Genesis 21:27; 31:44; 1 Kings 15:19). The latter includes agreements in which the more powerful ruler may dictate terms to the weaker (example: 1 Samuel 11:1, 2). The above examples are interesting, but it is the covenants that God has made with his people that we want to focus on. Some think that the first covenant in the Bible is found in Genesis 1 and 2 what has been called the Edenic covenant. Here God is seen to obligate humans to have dominion over the earth. One prohibition is given: But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). The Adamic covenant follows in Genesis 3. There God promises to bring some form of hope in the midst of curses for disobedience to the provisions of Genesis 2:17 in the Edenic covenant. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel (Genesis 3:15). The third covenant has been called the Noahic covenant. Noah and his sons were blessed by God and told to, Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth (Genesis 9:1). They were given dominion over all living things upon the earth, even the flesh of animals for food. Capital punishment for murder was instituted to acknowledge the sanctity of human life (9:6). The sign of the rainbow assured Noah and his family that God would never again flood the earth (9:15, 16). The fourth covenant is the Abrahamic covenant. God promised to Abraham land of his own, seed that would become a great nation, and blessing (both materially and spiritually) by God s presence. Somehow all peoples of the earth were to be blessed through Abraham (Genesis 12:1 3). This promise was confirmed by the slaughter of animals (Genesis 15:9 21). God obligated himself to the promise of land, seed, and blessing. Abraham s part was to be faithful to God s instructions. The sign of this covenant was to be in the flesh of every male descendant of Abraham (Genesis 17:11 14). The fifth covenant in the Bible is called the Sinaitic covenant or the Mosaic covenant. God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt, and at Mount Sinai he bestowed a special position to Israel (Exodus 19:5, 6a). A key part of obeying God s voice was the obligation to keep the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1 17). Blessings and curses were pronounced, depending on the Israelites behavior (Leviticus 26). After the rebellion of the Israelites in the desert, Moses renewed this covenant as he prepared to die on Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 32 34). The entire book of Deuteronomy is patterned in the shape of a covenant renewal treaty. See also Joshua 8:30 35; 24; 1 Samuel 12; and Nehemiah The prophet God's Covenant with David Page 3 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

4 Jeremiah spoke of a new covenant because Israel had broken the Sinaitic covenant time and again throughout her history (see Jeremiah 31:31 34; Hebrews 8:8 12). But before that new covenant came into being, God instituted the Davidic covenant, the subject of today s lesson. According to 2 Samuel 5 and 6, David ultimately became king over a united Israel. This happened approximately 1000 bc. After conquering the Jebusites and their city of Jerusalem, David made that city the capital of the newly united kingdom. Then he defeated the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17 25). Afterward, he brought the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem and placed it on Mount Zion under a tent (last week s lesson). This move made Jerusalem both the political and religious capital of the kingdom. The author of Chronicles, writing much later than the author who writes the parallel account in 2 Samuel, used a combination of psalms to illustrate David s attitude of thanksgiving: compare Psalm 105:1 15 with 1 Chronicles 16:7 22; Psalm 96 with 1 Chronicles 16:23 33; and Psalm 106:1, 47, 48 with 1 Chronicles 16: It is at this point in the Chronicles account that God made his eternal promise to David today s text. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand" (Ps. 37:23-24). When we read this verse, we may realize that not only the steps but also the stops of a good man are ordered by the Lord. A pastor in Michigan was raising support to serve on the mission field and had a high percentage of it already promised when a serious health concern arose in one of his children. The doctors told this man and his wife that the only way their child could receive the care and education needed was for them to remain in the United States. It was a heart-breaking situation for them, but they heeded the advice and stayed home. As a result, this man became a highly respected pastor. Under his ministry the congregation has grown so that they now need two morning services. God sometimes stops us and redirects us according to His will. When we try to do something nice for another person, we expect him to appreciate it and be grateful for it. However, what we think is helpful to him may not be acceptable. We then could be resentful, or perhaps we could learn to understand his viewpoint. David wanted to build God a house, but God disapproved of it. It was not part of the Lord's plan for David. It was something reserved for his son. David and his people rejoiced when they were able to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. However, it grieved the king that it resided in a mere tent. He wanted a more permanent place for it in a magnificent temple. The Lord was not concerned about having a temple, but He did want David to know that He appreciated his good intention. Ancient kings were eager to secure their positions and impress others with the grandeur of their capital cities. This gave the impression that their importance and influence would continue past their own lifetimes. They then hoped to pass on their legacy to a child Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) A Godly Desire (1 Chron 17:1) 1 Now it came to pass, when David was dwelling in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under tent curtains." Conviction Conviction is when I am "cut to the heart" by God's Word (Acts 2:37) 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Conviction is when the "secrets of my heart" are totally open to God (1 Cor 14:24-25) 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the God's Covenant with David Page 4 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

5 secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" Conviction is when the Holy Spirit convinces me of my sin (John 16:6-8) 6 Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: Conviction is something I don't want to ignore (Heb 2:2-4) 2 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Conviction that brings me to my knees (Acts 16:29-30) 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Conviction through God's kindness (Romans 2:4) 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? Human solution through logic Human solutions and wisdom comes from Satan (James 3:13-17) 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Human solutions causes us to be carnal minded and immature in God's word (1 Cor 3:1-4) 1 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? 4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men? Human solutions causes envy (1 Tim 6:3-5) 3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. God's Covenant with David Page 5 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

6 Human solutions hinders my spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:1-3) 1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. Human solutions try to use persuasive words that have no power (1 Cor 2:3-7) 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. Human solutions are foolishness in God's sight (1 Cor 3:18-20) 18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; 20 and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." Human solutions causes my mind to be futile and darkened which in turn makes be a fool (Rom 1:21-22) 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools A Godly Denial (1 Chron 17:3-4) 3 But it happened that night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, 4 "Go and tell My servant David, 'Thus says the LORD: "You shall not build Me a house to dwell in. Revelation Revelation that God's word is good and perfect for guidance (Ps 119: ) 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Revelation that God's word is what sustains spiritual life (Matt 4:4) 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Revelation that God's word should be accepted so that fruit may be generated (Mark 4:20) 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." Revelation that God's word is to be obeyed (Luke 11:28) 28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Revelation that God's word is to be put into practice (Luke 8:21) 21 He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice." God's Covenant with David Page 6 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

7 Revelation that God's word is truth and sanctifies (John 17:17) 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. Revelation that God's word is always near (Rom 10:8) 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: Revelation that God's word is the actual word of God (1 Thess 2:13) 13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. Denial Denied to promote humility (2 Cor 12:7-9) 7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Denied because of God's anger over sins (Deut 3:23-26) 23 At that time I pleaded with the Lord: 24 "O Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do? 25 Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan that fine hill country and Lebanon." 26 But because of you the Lord was angry with me and would not listen to me. "That is enough," the Lord said. "Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. Denied because of God's discipline (2 Sam 12:15-20) 15 After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." 19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked."yes," they replied, "he is dead." 20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. Denied because of inappropriate request (Mark 10:37-40) 37 They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." 38 "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" 39 "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared." Denied because of lack of faith and power (Matt 17:15-21) 15 " Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 "I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him." 17 God's Covenant with David Page 7 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

8 And Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me." 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not drive it out?" 20 And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. 21[" But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."] A Godly Better Answer (1 Chron 17:6-15) 6 "Wherever I have moved about with all Israel, have I ever spoken a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, 'Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?'"' 7 "Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel. 8 "And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a name like the name of the great men who are on the earth. 9 "Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, 10 "since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel. Also I will subdue all your enemies. Furthermore I tell you that the LORD will build you a house. 11 "And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12 "He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 "I will be his Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My mercy away from him, as I took it from him who was before you. 14 "And I will establish him in My house and in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever."'" 15 According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David. Divine guidance Guidance that teach us hope (Rom 15:4) 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Guidance that helps us run the race with perseverance (Heb 12:1) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Guidance that should be followed (Acts 3:22-24) 22 For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.' 24 "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. Guidance that teaches us to follow the correct Way and the way of hope (Acts 24:14-15) 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. God's Covenant with David Page 8 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

9 Guidance that reveals the mystery of Christ (Eph 3:4-6) 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Guidance that teaches us patience (James 5:10) 10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Divine deliverance Deliverance from deadly peril (2 Cor 1:10) 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, Deliverance from troubles (Ps 34:19) 19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; Deliverance from trials (2 Peter 2:9) 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. Deliverance from temptations (1 Cor 10:13) 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. Deliverance from evil attacks (2 Tim 4:18) 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Divine presence It is the truth of God's presence that leads a life of faith into godliness (Titus 1:1) 1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness The presence of God is always Holy (Exodus 3:4-6) 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." 5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. God enables through His presence (1 Cor 5:4) 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, God's Covenant with David Page 9 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

10 God's presence provides unfailing love (Ps 119:76) 76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. God's presence provides comfort (2 Cor 1:3-4) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. God's presence provides compassion (Isa 49:13) 13 Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Divine protection Protection from things in the world (1 John 4:4) 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Protection of soul (Ps 57:1) 1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Protection from evildoers (Ps 14:6) 6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge. Protection through God my fortress, deliverer and stronghold (Ps 18:2) 2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Protection because I am God's child (Prov 14:26) 26 He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. Protection by the hands of God (John 10:28-30) 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one." Divine plans God's plans stand firm forever (Ps 33:10-11) 10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. God's plans determines the outcome (Prov 16:9) 9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. God's plans and purposes will prevail (Prov 19:21) 21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. God's Covenant with David Page 10 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

11 God has sworn to do what He has planned (Isa 14:24) 24 The Lord Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand. God's plans and His purposes will stand (Isa 46:10) 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary It is clear that there were all kinds of covenants in the world of ancient Israel. But one of the greatest covenants was God s covenant of an eternal promise to David that his throne would be forever. It was an unconditional promise in the sense that God would somehow fulfill his promise regardless of the behavior of David s descendants. History tells us that David s royal descendants did sin grievously. God did punish those descendants, even to the point of cutting off the Davidic dynasty for a long while (see 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 28:7 [next week s lesson]; Psalm 89:19 49). Many years later, a Davidic Son would appear to whom God would give David s throne (see Luke 1:32, 33). Thus this promise was fulfilled at Jesus resurrection and ascension to God s right hand (see Acts 2:33 36; 13:34). Just as God is a covenant-keeping God for his people, we need to be a covenant-keeping people for God. Those who accept Christ and follow the biblical plan of salvation enter into God s new covenant. We need to renew our commitment to that covenant daily. Every step we make, every word we speak, every breath we take is to be made in light of our covenant with God. May we keep covenant with God! Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Pride is a continual temptation for people who occupy positions of leadership. David had shown respect for God's glory by wanting to build Him a temple more glorious than his own home. But even in this desire an insidious shoot of pride could take root and grow. David could begin to think that God needed him to take matters into his own hands. The Lord reminded David that He had taken him from a lowly position. Everything he had was due to God's grace and sovereign choice. He emphasized David's formerly lowly position by noting that a shepherd's task even involved "following" sheep! Throughout Scripture, God has made it clear that He loves to lift up the humble. As Mary declared, "He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree" (Luke 1:52). He does this so that He will receive all the glory for what occurs. Paul noted, "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; that no flesh should glory in his presence" (1 Cor. 1:27, 29). By God's grace David went from being a follower of sheep to being a ruler of men, God's people Israel. The imagery of the shepherd is very prominent in Scripture, and not just as a picture of humility. The shepherd was to care for his flock and even lay down his life for it if necessary. Christ is the greatest example of a shepherd. He referred to Himself as "the good shepherd" (John 10:14-15) of the sheep. The author of Hebrews referred to Christ as "that great shepherd of the sheep" (13:20). The ruler of the people was to lead by sacrificial care and service. That is why it was appropriate for God to call a shepherd like David to the task of kingship. This model of leadership differs from the ways of earthly rulers. In order to emphasize further that His grace was responsible for David's standing, God reminded him that through every step in his life He had protected and guided him. David had faced some formidable opponents, including the Philistine giant, Goliath, and even the former king of Israel, Saul. In every case, David emerged victorious. God was pleased with David's spirit and was in this passage giving him assurances of His love and of continued covenant blessings. We do not serve God so much by trying to pay Him back and doing things for Him; rather, we please Him most by being grateful for what He has done for us. Our gratitude, and the service born of that gratitude, brings glory to the Lord. We can never be "even" with God. All that we have and enjoy is a gift of His grace. We should be willing, like David, to honor God in all our actions, but we must God's Covenant with David Page 11 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

12 never forget to do so in humility. The most we can do is give Him back a small portion of what He has given us. Let us be thankful to Him for His good and perfect gifts. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. God's glory should always take precedence over our own concerns (1 Chron.17:1) 2. Our plans must always be subject to God's plans (vs. 3-4) 3. Good intentions are not the measure of God's will (vs. 6) 4. Whatever success we experience in this life is due to the marvelous grace of God (vs. 7-9) 5. The Lord does more for His servants than they can ever dream of doing for Him (vs. 10) 6. God's plan does not begin and end with our lifetimes; we must see our role in His plan as having eternal significance (vs ) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator King David had established his throne in Jerusalem and transported the ark of God to that city. There was no permanent dwelling place for the ark, but David had arranged for it to be housed in a tent erected expressly for that purpose. That was the situation when this week's lesson text begins. A desire to honor God (1 Chron. 17:1) One day as David gazed at the luxury of his dwelling, he was struck by the disparity between his accommodations and those he had provided for the ark. Calling the Prophet Nathan to him, David revealed his plan to construct a temple suitable for the ark. David's decision to first confide his plan to Nathan shows that the king knew any such idea needed to have God's blessing if it was to work out for the best. Nathan, as God's prophet, was an.appropriate channel through whom to investigate God's will. When we have an idea of doing something for God, we do not have a Nathan. But like David, we need to bring the idea to the Lord before proceeding. A divine halt (1 Chron. 17:3-4) Nathan, speaking his own opinion, at first told the king to go ahead with his plan. That night, however, God spoke to Nathan and told him to tell David that he was not to go forward with the building of a house for the ark. This is a helpful text for us when we are seeking to know God's will in our lives. Oswald Chambers, the great devotional writer from an earlier era, wrote, "If we are saved and sanctified, God guides us by our ordinary choices, and if we are going to choose what He does not want, He will check, and we must heed" (My Utmost for His Highest, Barbour and Company). In other words, sometimes, as with David, the way we find out what God wills is by laying out our plan, offering it prayerfully to God, and then, if we still have no clear word from Him, taking a few initial steps to make that plan happen. If, despite our best intentions, that is not what God wants, He will bring things to a halt. Revelation of God's will (1 Chron. 17:6-15) As He continued to relay His will to Nathan, God told of His intention to have David's son, who would succeed David on Israel's throne, build the house for the ark. Elsewhere, God explained that David should not be the one to build this temple because of his great bloodshed in war (22:8). Thus, David's role; was to lay the groundwork for the peaceful reign of his son. In reserving construction of the temple for David's son, God was not condemning or rejecting David. Peace in Israel had been made possible because of David's faithful seeking of, God's will before going to war (1 Chron. 14:10, 14, 16). God's choice of David's son to build the temple simply revealed that God has different tasks for different people. Oswald Chambers advised that when God stops us from pursuing a specific plan, we should never reason it out and say, I wonder why I shouldn't? We should simply accept that God does not want us to go there. A banner hanging in one church had a large footprint on it. Above the footprint were these words: "The sign of God is that we are led where we did no intend to go." We find out where God wants us to go by putting our plans before Him a then listening for His words. God's Covenant with David Page 12 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008

13 God's Covenant with David Page 13 of 13 SS Lesson for 03/09/2008