The Bumpy Road of Promise

***Turn to 2 Sam. 3***

Intro:

They say that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

planes & helicopters = efficient—straight line.

driving isn’t usually like this.

going around mountains

following curves in river

(Q) ever drive the wrong direction to connect to the best road??

Journey of Christian life = like this.

bumps & curves

It’s not an easy straight line

sometimes seems we’re driving in wrong direction

When driving,, you trust GPS,, even if it seems you’re going the wrong way.

GPS knows route & destination much better than we do.

Modern GPS:

course correct

heads up on cops

always searching for better route:

avoiding road construction

avoiding accidents

We trust the GPS… && we place our faith in the GPS

Helpful picture of Christian life...

God has made sure promises to us.

eternal life

kingdoms of this world,, becoming kingdoms of our God & His Christ...

new creation,, righteousness dwells...

Consider: “thy kingdom come & thy will be done” will be an answered prayer!

At present:

We can wonder what God is doing in our own lives...

We an wonder what God is doing in the world...

Might be asking: Are we even on the right road??

>>> We must “drive/live” by faith,,

trusting in God’s route & plan <<<

If we can have faith in a GPS to get us to our destination,,

can we not trust God despite the twists,, turns,, times it seems backwards,, or bumps in road??

>>> On our journey,, we might encounter things wilder than road construction,, but we can trust in God’s promise…what He has promised He will perform! <<<

And so we can find hope and trust in the fact that His promises are sure, even if the road isn’t what we were expecting.

(T) GOD = FAITHFUL...

KEEP THESE THINGS in MIND as WE DIVE INTO OUR TEXT TODAY...

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Recap: “My Will or Thy Will?”

Last week:

David anointed— King over Judah (Beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise!)

After mourning has finished

David prays—seeking God’s will--

God answers— Go up to Judah,, to Hebron.

>>> At Hebron, David = anointed King over Judah <<<

Problem:

North & south = divided

Northern (Israel) --- Abner & Ish-bosheth

Battle ensues

>>> Nearly 400 men lose their lives…but God begins to establish David as king <<<

(T) And so, our TEXT TODAY PICKS UP right on the HEELS of THIS BATTLE....

Look w/ me @ 2 Samuel 3:1… as we see what God does next in the life of David. The text says,

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Text: (2 Samuel 3:1-21 ESV)

Setting (v1) The Growth of David

2 Samuel 3:1–21 (ESV)

1 There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

Following last week’s battle— we see God continues to establish David.

What began w/ one battle continues over time...

North = rebelling against God’s plan

But God’s plans & purposes will prevail over the sinful desires of man.

God = establishing His chosen… God’s will,, will prevail… this is now in process.

>>> God = faithful to His promise. <<<

(T) And so, with THINGS SEEMING to GO GREAT FOR DAVID....

LET’S SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT...

Look w/ me @ vs. 2…the text says,,

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Further Setting (v2-5) The Growth of David’s Harem

2 And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel;

3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

Now, in the midst of the good news, there’s also bad.

Good news:

David = prospering…largely doing God’s work

Stepping into God’s purpose for him.

Problem:

Growing harem.

Last we knew,, David had 2 wives (already one too many!)

Now,, David has at least 6

David = building kingdom & future dynasty

>>> But we must be careful not to celebrate this as part of David’s success & God’s blessing <<<

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This = something God never condones/endorses in Scripture...

Moses,, giving of God’s Law,, gave instructions regarding kings:

must be a fellow Israelite

must not acquire too many horses—dependent upon self rather than God for security

must not acquire too many wives

must not acquire too many riches

he must write his own copy of God’s Law & keep it with him & study it...

>>> God’s plan for marriage has always been one man & one woman. <<<

Throughout history,, sinful human culture rejects God’s plan.

David finds himself,, in a world that expected kings to have multiple wives

symbol of power

building dynasty of sons to lead & rule

Unfortunately,, David = living in accordance w/ culture,, not in accordance w/ God’s standards

At least three sons from this text later prove to be huge problems

>>>This part of David’s life = descriptive.... not prescriptive… <<<

With David’s public growth,, he does what everyone else would do.

Seeking what is commonplace not biblical

Seeking power over faithfulness

Allying himself w/ other nations,, not the living God

Following cultural norms,,

a lust for power,,

a lust for women,,

and a lust for political gain...

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Challenge: Church we have to be incredibly careful not to fall prey to doing what is culturally acceptable in our day!

Scripture = ultimate authority NOT what “everyone else is doing”

When the church caters to culture,, we lose our influence in the world.

Must be biblically faithful before relevant,, or “in touch”

Today’s struggles:

World aims to redefine marriage & sexuality

downplaying adultery & divorce

encouraging sexual freedom w/ fornication & homosexuality,,

Will we stand on God’s word?

World says to do what makes you happy

Go into mountains of debt to buy the latest junk

living an entirely selfish life in the name of “self-care”

will we respond w/ a biblical worldview?

Will we float like a dead fish downriver,, or swim against the current?

If the culture of our day says that our views are outdated, will we compromise?

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While David = exemplary in many ways,, we see a crack in the foundation

Following culture before Scripture

Later,, this will have catastrophic impacts on his life & kingdom

Even God’s best servants are still stained by sin,, no one has ever gotten it right 100% of the time

(T) And so, David’s reign begins.

ups & downs

some significant imperfections

But God is still faithful through it all.

What happens next?

Look w/ me @ vs. 6,, the text says

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Inciting Incident (v6-7) Ish-bosheth’s Accusation of Abner

6 While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.

7 Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”

ongoing thing—civil war between north (Israel) & south (Judah)

David succeeding in south

Abner growing in influence in north

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Abner — essentially running the show.

Some scholars: “Ish-bosheth = a puppet”

With Abner’s growth in influence,, he takes one of Saul’s women for himself.

When he’s running the show...Why not push the boundaries?

Apparently,, this is one step too far.

Ish-bosheth = passive until now.

Cultural practice/standard: New ruler took old rulers women to himself...

>>> It appears Abner is trying to do more than rule the army. He wants the nation... <<<

Can’t be 100% sure,, but Abner crosses the line,, and Ish-bosheth confronts him.

(T) And with this, how will Abner respond?

Look @ vs 8,, the text says,,

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Rising Action (v8-11) Abner’s Abandonment of Ish-bosheth

8 Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, “Am I a dog’s head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman.

9 God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him,

10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.”

11 And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

Don’t you just love how God works even through unusual means?

Abner (allegedly) takes former king’s concubine

—not good—

Ish-bosheth confronts Abner

Abner responds by deserting Ish-bosheth

And did anyone see this coming?

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Remember, Last week:

Abner “makes” Ish-bosheth king

Starts campaign against Judah

Kills Joab’s brother (self-defense)

retreats

This week:

Continual war between north & south...

&& Now,, northern commander = deserting king because of this accusation!

Basically says, “after all I’ve done for you & your father’s house…you confront me because of this???”

served Saul

made you king

led battles on your behalf

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Now,, this may not have been a small thing,, but Ish-bosheth certainly didn’t expect this response.

>>> not endorsing any of this,, just reporting facts,, and noting that God is at work <<<

Note: Abner’s wild statement:

(v9-10) God do so to me & more if, “I don’t accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him” to transfer the kingdom from Saul to David

((Pretty proud to think that he can do this))

But think: this quarrel causes Abner to switch sides publicly!!

Can you even imagine?!

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Abner probably realizes:

Ish-bosheth isn’t going to just roll over (not a puppet afterall)

North - losing anyways

he might be given a position in David’s kingdom

Ish-bosheth = justifiably terrified

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We must remember,, this is God fulfilling His Word through unlikely means

And I want us to consider in our own lives, that we best be careful not to limit God.

>>> We see “impossible” situations… & lose sight of the fact that “impossible” isn’t in God’s dictionary. <<<

God has never encountered an “impossible situation”

God knows every hiccup & bump in the road before they come

God is all-powerful and present with us

Scripture says he’s able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think!

God can work in ways we never imagined.

He has options we haven’t considered.

>>> What God has promised, He will perform. <<<

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We can trust in Him today.

God’s plans & promises = sure to come to pass

nothing can foil God’s purpose

He’s God Almighty & nothing is too hard for Him!!

(T) And so, with the greatest change in our story so far, what will David do?

How will this all pan out?

Look w/ me @ vs. 12… the text says,,

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Climax (v12-16) David’s Covenant with Abner

12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.”

13 And he said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.”

14 Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”

15 And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish.

16 But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned.

Abner means business—he sends messengers to David,, offering to make covenant

& offering that the other half of Israel will come with!

David agrees on one condition:

Michal is coming with.

Saul’s daughter,, & David’s 1st wife

100 foreskin brideprice

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The last we had seen of Michal:

she saved David’s life,,

with David on the run:

Saul gave her to another man as wife

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David calls for her back:

Shows him to be Saul’s son-in-law (reasonable heir to the throne)

David’s request,, shows: Ball is in David’s court. David calls the shots, not Abner

^^Then he makes the request of Ish-bosheth himself!

&& she is brought back to David,,

no need for formal divorce since David and her weren’t officially separated anyways!

(T) And then the text says in vs 17,

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Resolution (v17-19) Abner’s Agreement with the Elders of Israel

17 And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you.

18 Now then bring it about, for the Lord has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’ ”

19 Abner also spoke to Benjamin. And then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do.

First, Abner institutes covenant

Now, convinces elders of Israel to defect to David

Abner plays the “God” card again!

>>> Everyone knew that David was God’s appointed ruler <<<

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Abner also puts forth claim—David will deliver them from Philistines

This was originally Saul’s mission, that he failed on...

David = military champion

man chosen by God

next king of Israel

Surely David would save them

Abner & elders of Israel agree to come under David as king

(T) And now our text is going to close in vs. 20-21

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Conclusion (v20-21) The Feast of Abner and David

20 When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.

21 And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

Story has changed from last week!

Last week:

Abner fighting Israel

Abner fleeing in defeat

Now:

Abner = going to dinner w/ David

establish covenant together

>>> Now,, Abner is going to gather all Israel to David <<<

Story ends:

Abner & David departing in peace

Fighting = over

past = in the past

new day....w/ David becoming king of united nation

seems all problems have been solved.

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(T) And so, we should learn from this passage today, the idea that,

Homiletical Idea:

· Despite the unpredictability of life, our God is a faithful God who will work, even through unlikely means, to bring His promises to pass.

A squabble over a woman brought all this to pass

Things not endorsed by God…but things He still used

Through unusual circumstances,, God accomplishes His purposes

>>> Remember: “impossible” is not in God’s dictionary. <<<

All Israel now coming under David’s reign,, through unexpected circumstances...

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Gospel: “The Promise of Eternal Life”

I LOVE the surety of God’s promise,, despite the unpredictability of the route to get there...

>>> We don’t know the future,, but God knows it all! <<<

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No better example,, than the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary

Peter’s sermon @ Pentecost:

“this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it” (Acts 2:23-24).

Death of Christ = according to God’s foreknowledge & ordaining

But it was executed through the hands of sinful man

Religious leaders = jealous…delivered Jesus up to Pilate

Pilate condemned Jesus per the crowd’s wishes

Roman soldiers executed the sentence

>>> All of it was sinful. All of it was horrible. Yet, it was all according to God’s purpose. <<<

God’s purpose: sending Christ to die for our sin.

Accomplished through sinful human beings!

How great is our God?!

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God works through means people don’t often see coming...

Perhaps you didn’t plan to be here today...

Or you’re listening online and you stumbled across our stream...

>>> God works in ways we’d never expect <<<

I want to tell you today,, that God has established a way for us to be saved,, through the sacrifice of His Son.

All have sinned & transgressed God’s Law,, bad news

Christ came & lived the life we should have & died the death we should have,, good news

You can receive the credit for His perfect life as a free gift,,

to be received through faith,

by the grace of God alone.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

>>> Jesus got the credit for our disobedience & was punished on the cross,, so that we could receive the credit for His obedience <<<

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He suffered what He didn’t deserve: death

So that you and I could receive what we didn’t deserve: eternal life.

Place your faith in the Savior

Acknowledge your sin & need

Turn from sin to the Savior

Trust in Him for your right-standing before God

Profess him to be Lord

You can be saved, today.

You can receive forgiveness, today.

You can receive the hope of eternal life that God has promised, and the Scripture says that God will not lie.

This promise God will keep & we can trust in Him!

>>> Before we talk about what we learn from this text, or how we follow through with it,, we must be found righteous in God’s sight through faith in Christ <<<

If you have questions, don’t know where you stand with the Lord,,

talk to us after the service today.

(T) And now, in closing, I’d like to share a few takeaways with you all this morning.

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Takeaways:

Learn about God?

God = incredibly faithful God.

He WILL bring His promises to pass.

God works even through unusual means...

Learn for us?

Follow Scripture before Culture

Don’t fall prey to the cultural norms of our day

don’t justify sin just because “everyone else is doing it”

We can’t establish right & wrong based on what is culturally accepted,, but through God’s Word alone!!

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App:

Encourage:

Trust God’s promise

Enjoy the journey.

If it’s confusing: we can trust God.

If we can’t see a way through: we can trust God.

>>> Impossible isn’t in God’s dictionary <<<

When we see no way out,, God has had the way established from the dawn of creation.

He’s factored everything into the equation,, that we don’t even know about!

We can trust Him… He is a faithful God!

God has purposes for us.

God has promised us eternal life.

God has promised that Christ will return and set up His Kingdom.

God has promised a new creation.

These things will come to pass.

>>> Remember,,, thy kingdom come,, thy will be done,, will be answered!! <<<

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Consider: next time that you’re driving by faith in the GPS that God is so much greater

If GPS can factor things in and prepare a good route

Certainly God can.

If we can trust natural things,, we should be able to trust our Promise-making and promise-keeping,, faithful God.

>>> Our God isn’t limited at all by anything we see or experience. <<<

No matter how bumpy the road of promise is,, no matter what curves or construction zones may come,, God is a faithful God.

He will bring His promises to pass.

***Close in prayer***