"God's Promises: From David to Discipleship" - Proper 11 B
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Big Idea: "God’s Faithful Promises: Our Foundation for Discipleship"
Engage:
“God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself.” Bonhoeffer
Good evening, Church.
I want to take you back to a moment in history, to the early 20th century.
A young man named Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian, lived during the rise of the Nazi regime.
Bonhoeffer was faced with immense challenges and uncertainties as he sought to navigate his faith in a time of great turmoil.
He felt called to serve God and his country, but the path was fraught with danger and moral dilemmas.
The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime posed a severe threat to anyone who opposed their ideology.
Bonhoeffer, a staunch critic of the Nazis, openly condemned their actions and policies, especially their treatment of Jews.
His outspoken stance put him at great risk.
The danger was not only to his freedom but to his very life.
The Gestapo monitored his activities, restricted his movements, and eventually imprisoned him.
Bonhoeffer faced significant moral dilemmas.
He grappled with the ethical implications of resisting an oppressive government.
Should he engage in active resistance, knowing it could lead to violence and even death, or should he remain passive, risking complicity in the face of evil?
This internal struggle was compounded by his involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler, a decision that weighed heavily on his conscience as a Christian.
Despite the imminent threats and moral complexities, Bonhoeffer remained steadfast in his faith.
He wrote letters and theological works from prison, encouraging fellow believers to stand firm in their convictions.
His story is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, God's faithful promises remain our foundation for discipleship.
Tension:
Like Bonhoeffer, we live in a world filled with uncertainty and change.
We often find ourselves in periods of struggle and moments of peace.
We wrestle with understanding God's will and His promises in our lives.
We question how to live out our faith when the path seems unclear.
The tension we face is real: How do we discern God's will and stand firm on His promises when our own plans and understanding fall short?
Often, we think we know what God’s will is, but He may have other plans.
Today, we will explore how God's promises to David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7, not only shaped his life but also foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ and ultimately impact our discipleship journey today.
Truth:
Let's turn to 2 Samuel 7 and uncover the layers of God's faithfulness, His plans for David, and what that means for us today.
### The Situation as David Saw It (Verses 1-3)
1a. The King in His House
2 Samuel 7:1a (ESV)
1 Now when the king lived in his house......
David, having been established as king, finally enjoys a moment of stability.
Settled in his house of cedar, he reflects on the journey from shepherd to sovereign.
This sense of accomplishment and peace was a gift from God.
We, too, experience seasons of peace after trials, recognizing these moments as God’s blessings.
1b. Rest from All His Enemies
2 Samuel 7:1b (ESV)
and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies,
The text tells us David had rest from all his enemies.
This peace was not by his strength but granted by the Lord. It’s a reminder for us that true peace and security come from God alone, not our efforts.
2. The Ark in a Tent
2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.”
David’s realization that he dwells in a luxurious house while the ark of God remains in a tent reveals his heart.
Despite his accomplishments, he desires to honor God, highlighting the importance of prioritizing God's presence over personal comfort.
3. A Plan for the Times
3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
David shares his desire to build a house for the Lord with the prophet Nathan, David’s pastor.
Initially, Nathan affirms this plan, seeing no immediate conflict with God’s will.
The Situation as the Lord Saw It (Verses 4-7)
1. The Word of the Lord Came to Nathan (v. 4)
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan,
The Lord directly communicated with Nathan, instructing him to deliver a message to David.
This divine communication emphasizes the importance and authority of the message being delivered.
The word of the Lord coming to Nathan highlights the role of prophets in conveying God's plans and purposes.
Transition:
God's direct message to Nathan marks a significant shift from David's plans to God's purposes.
2. Not You, David (v. 5)
5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in?
The Lord instructed Nathan to tell David that he was not the one to build a house for Him.
This response begins shifts David's focus from his own plans to the Lord's greater purpose.
Transition:
As we continue, we see that God's plan is rooted in His historical relationship with Israel.
3. Look Back (vv. 6-7)
6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling.
7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” ’
Since the Exodus, the Lord had not dwelt in a house but had moved in a tent and a tabernacle.
The Lord had never asked any of the tribes of Israel, whom He commanded to shepherd His people, to build Him a house of cedar.
The emphasis is on God’s initiative and timing rather than human planning and effort.
The focus is not building buildings, but building the people of God.
This history shows that God is not limited by structures built by human hands and His presence among His people is not confined to physical buildings.
The Lord's Purpose for David (Verses 8-11b)
The Lord's Authority and Actions (v. 8)
8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel.
God reminds David of His sovereign choice, taking him from the pasture to the palace.
This underscores the theme of divine election and purpose.
As disciples, we recognize that our calling and journey are orchestrated by God’s hand.
Transition:
As we move to the next verse, we see that God not only chooses but also accompanies us throughout our journey.
The Lord's Presence with David (v. 9a)
2 Samuel 7:9a (ESV)
9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you.
“I have been with you wherever you went,” God assures David.
This unwavering presence is foundational for discipleship.
We are never alone; God walks with us through every season of life.
Transition:
God’s presence means we are following God’s Will, and that guarantees victory and success, even though sometimes we must be defeated in a single battle to win in the long game.
**The Lord's Victories for David (v. 9b)**
2 Samuel 7:9b (ESV)
And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.
God attributes David’s victories to divine intervention.
For us, this translates to acknowledging God’s hand in our successes and relying on His strength in our battles.
Transition:
Now, let’s see how God’s promises extend beyond immediate victories to a lasting legacy.
The Lord's Future for David (vv. 10-11b)
2 Samuel 7:10–11b (ESV)
10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly,
11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies..........
God promises to make David’s name great and secure Israel. These promises extend beyond David, pointing to a future hope. As disciples, we trust in God’s future plans, which include both present blessings and eternal promises.
The Lord's Purpose Beyond David (Verses 11c-16)
Establishing David's House (v. 11c-12)
2 Samuel 7:11c–12 (ESV)
................. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.
12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.
“The Lord will make you a house.” This promise of a royal dynasty emphasizes God’s initiative.
It’s not about what David will build for God, but what God will establish through David.
This mirrors our discipleship, where God’s work in and through us takes precedence over our actions on our own. Remember, even when we think we know what is best, God’s plans are better.
Transition:
God’s plan for David includes a physical temple, but it also foreshadows a greater fulfillment.
**The House Built by David's Offspring (v. 13)**
13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
Solomon’s role in building the temple foreshadows Jesus, the ultimate temple.
In our discipleship, we build our lives on the foundation of Christ, the true dwelling place of God.
Transition:
The promise of a house extends to an eternal kingdom, which we see in the following verses.
The Eternal Kingdom (vv. 14-16)
14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men,
15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.
16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’ ”
God’s promise of an everlasting kingdom finds temporary results in David’s son Solomon, but it finds ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
This eternal perspective should shape our discipleship, focusing not just on the present but on God’s eternal kingdom.
Transition:
With such incredible promises and the assurance of an eternal kingdom, it's crucial for us to hear and heed the Word of the Lord, just as David did.
The Word of the Lord Heard and Heeded (vv. 17-18a)
David Heard (v. 17)
17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
Nathan faithfully conveys God’s word.
Discipleship involves hearing and responding to God’s voice, conveyed through Scripture and the Holy Spirit, as well as guidance from other believers as both the Holy Spirit and Scripture lead them.
Transition:
Hearing God’s word leads to a humble and obedient response.
David Heeded (v. 18a)
2 Samuel 7:18a (ESV)
18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord ......
David’s humble response—sitting before the Lord—demonstrates reverence and submission.
As disciples, our posture should be one of humility and willingness to heed God’s direction.
What the Lord Has Done (vv. 18b-21)
Amazing Grace—So Far (v. 18b)
2 Samuel 7:18b (ESV)
.......and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?
David marvels at God’s grace in bringing him thus far.
Recognizing God’s past faithfulness is crucial in our discipleship, fostering gratitude and trust.
Transition:
God’s grace is not only about the past but also about trusting what God has done in the past to provide faith and trust in future promises.
More Amazing Grace—To Come (v. 19)
19 And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God!
David acknowledges that God’s promises extend beyond his lifetime.
This future-oriented faith is essential for discipleship, encouraging us to invest in the eternal rather than the temporal.
Transition:
Understanding God's grace deepens our relationship with Him.
Being Known and Knowing (vv. 20-21)
20 And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God!
21 Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it.
God’s intimate knowledge of David reassures him. For us, knowing that God fully knows and loves us empowers us to live authentically and faithfully.
What the Lord Is Like (vv. 22-24)
The Greatness of the Lord (v. 22)
22 Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
David’s declaration of God’s greatness is a model for our worship.
Recognizing God’s uniqueness and sovereignty fuels our devotion and service.
Transition:
God’s greatness is reflected in His actions towards His people.
The Greatness of the Lord’s People (vv. 23-24)
23 And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods?
24 And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O Lord, became their God.
Israel’s identity as God’s redeemed people reminds us of our identity in Christ.
As disciples, we are called to live out this redeemed identity, reflecting God’s glory.
### Prayer to the Lord (vv. 25-29)
David’s Prayer (vv. 25-26)
25 And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken.
26 And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you.
David’s prayer for the fulfillment of God’s promises demonstrates his faith and dependence on God. In discipleship, prayer is our lifeline, connecting us to God’s power and promises.
**Transition:**
Boldness in prayer is rooted in the trustworthiness of God’s word.
**David’s Confidence to Pray (vv. 27-28)**
27 For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you.
28 And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant.
David’s boldness in prayer comes from God’s revelation.
Similarly, our confidence in prayer grows as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and as our trust and faith in his promises grows.
**Transition:**
Seeking God’s blessing is essential for fulfilling His purposes.
**David’s Prayer: “Bless” (v. 29)**
29 Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.”
David’s final request for blessing emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s favor.
In our discipleship, we continually seek God’s blessing, knowing it enables us to fulfill His purposes.
Application:
Like David, we need to sit before the Lord in humility.
Seek His direction and be willing to follow His lead in every aspect of your life.
Even when we think we know best, trust that God’s plans are superior.
We need to Reflect on how God has guided and provided for you, just as He did for David.
This acknowledgment strengthens your faith and trust in His promises and his continued guidance.
We must ensure that our life and our discipleship are firmly rooted in Jesus, the true temple.
Let His presence be the cornerstone of all you do.
Sometimes it is as simple as Focusing on God’s eternal kingdom rather than temporary gains.
Investing your time, energy, and resources in what will last forever.
WE can Approach God with confidence, grounded in His Word and we can Pray for His promises to be fulfilled in our life and also from the impact of our lives, even years down the road.
Inspiration/Reflection:
Imagine a community where every member:
recognizes God’s hand in their journey,
humbly submits to His will,
builds their lives on Christ,
lives with an eternal perspective,
and prays boldly.
What if every believer believed that God’s Faithful Promises are Our Foundation for Discipleship.
What impact would that have on our church, our families, and our world?
Next Step:
Renew Your Commitment to Follow Jesus:
This week, take a dedicated time to reflect on your spiritual journey and renew your commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Using a journal is a great way to document specific ways you’ve seen God’s faithfulness in your life, and you can write down areas where you need to trust His promises more fully.
Remember to Pray daily for His guidance and strength to live out this renewed commitment.
God’s Faithful Promises in the words of scripture, are our Foundation for Discipleship.
On his promises we can put all of our trust, and fully submit to his will with all confidence.
Conclusion:
As we conclude, let us remember that the promises of God to David are not just historical facts but living truths that shape our lives today.
God’s faithfulness, presence, and promises guide us in our journey of discipleship.
Let’s commit to living out these truths, growing deeper in our relationship with Christ, and leading others to do the same.
Lets pray.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your faithful promises that guide our discipleship.
Help us to trust in Your plans, as David did, and to recognize Your presence in every moment.
You are the King of an eternal kingdom that extends beyond our understanding.
We ask for for strength to listen for and follow Your will, even when we face uncertainties or challenges.
Provide us with Your wisdom and the courage to live out our faith with humility and purpose, trusting in your promises.
Forgive us for our doubts and shortcomings, and remain with us as we seek to build our lives on the promises you have given us.
The most important one being Christ himself, the true temple and foundation for our faith.
May Your promise be our guide, and may we reflect Your love and grace in all we do.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
