Fear and Security
Notes
Transcript
Fear of enemies, situations, COVID, governments, war, retirement,
Jonathan’s gesture
Homosexual idiocy
Never doubt in the dark what God showed you in the light.
Story
Respond to Legitimate Fears (1-11)
Courage is not the absence of fear but the commitment to do the right thing regardless
When uncertain go to someone you trust who loves you
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
Be Guided by Future Fears & Loves (12-17)
What will happen to Jonathan and his children as a result of David’s kingship?
Jonathan’s: True life does not consist in securing “you and your kingdom” but in reflecting Yahweh’s faithfulness in covenant relationships. There is something liberating about that! Jonathan had acknowledged that the kingdom was Yahweh’s and therefore David’s, so his life did not need to be centered in his ambition (what I can get) but in God’s providence (what Yahweh has given).
Our future fear should not be in what we can control about what will happen but if we fight the providence of God in setting up His kingdom.
What do you need God to care when Christ enters His kingdom?
Jonathan’s love invested so much for David. … What do you need to invest in Christ’s kingdom?
Be Secure in Covenant Promises (18-42)
Hesed - Show me the positive side of the covenant promises
The most important thing right now is God’s kingdom and making disciples for it.
We walk together in love without regard to national origin, gender, income, or social standing, working together to serve our church with the power of the Holy Spirit. We support the pastors who lead our church, increasing their joy as they work on our behalf.
We pray for an increase in spiritual knowledge, holy living, and wisdom, worshipping God fervently while sustaining the church ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We cheerfully contribute regular offerings to support the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and communication of the gospel to Ames and all the world.
We will continue personal and family times of Bible study and prayer. We who are parents will responsibly teach our children to obey the commands of Christ in all of life. We pray for the salvation of our families and friends while testifying of Christ in word and actions. We guard our reputation in the community by demonstrating integrity in our business relationships and faithfulness at work, living lives of example, avoiding all gossip, false witness, and inappropriate display of anger.
We abstain from any drugs, food, drink, and practices which bring unwarranted harm to our bodies, minds, or spirits. We will avoid anything that is a hindrance to our fellowship with the Lord, or encourages believers to sin.
We will love and care for each person in the family of God, praying for and helping those who are sick or in need. We will show this love by using courteous speech, giving and receiving correction with meekness and affection. We will be slow to take offense, always ready to secure reconciliation as soon as possible. We affirm the essentials of our faith while giving freedom when we disagree over non-essential issues, which will remain between ourselves and God.
The Hidden Life consists of going back to the covenant promises of God especially when public things would cause you to doubt God’s goodness. Never doubt in the dark what God showed you in the light.
Who do you love as your own soul? Can you reach out to them over this month?
How can you rest in God’s covenant promises to you this week? How can you invest in that future?