MEPHIBOSHETH- -2 SAMUEL 9:1-13

MEPHIBOSHETH

2 SAMUEL 9:1-13

Introduction:

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, the son of King Saul and close friend to David. After the death of Saul and Jonathan David was chosen to be King of Israel. David was occupied with war with the Philistines and business of the kingdom.

When a time of rest came David remembered his covenant with Jonathan and sought to find and help the seed of Saul’s family. Here Mephibosheth appears as a symbol of fallen man and David as a type of Christ as he helps fallen man who is unable to help himself.

I. LIKE MEPHIBOSHETH, MAN IS FALLEN

A. Fleeing, he fell, 2 Samuel 4:4, “And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.”

1. Because of Saul’s disobedience God had withdrawen from him and war with the Philistines claimed his life and that of Mephibosheth’s father, 1 Samuel 31:6, “So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.”

2. Mephibosheth’s nurse fled from the advancing Philistines causing the boy to fall, 2 Samuel 4:4b, “and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.”

B. Man fell because of his disobedience to God, Genesis 2:17, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

1. Adam had perfect liberty EXCEPT in this one thing, Genesis 2:16, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:”

2. Adam’s disobedience caused his fall from his state of innocence and thus he died spiritually, Genesis 2:17b, “for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

3. Mephibosheth is a type of the fallen sinner fleeing for God’s wrath.

II. DAVID, AS A TYPE OF CHRIST, COMES TO THE AID OF MEPHIBOSHETH

A. David shows kindness to the fallen Mephibosheth, 2 Samuel 9:3, “And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.”

1. “…that I may shew the kindness of God unto him?” Isaiah 32:8, “But the liberal [noble, generous] deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.”

2. Saul’s house was a bloody house. Saul had a very numerous family, enough to replenish a country, and was yet so emptied that none of it appeared; but it was a matter of inquiry, Is there any left?

a. The providence of God can empty full families because of sin, Jeremiah 1:15, “And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.”

b. See how the sin of man will do it, Psalm 110:5-6, “The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 6-He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.”

c. Saul’s was a bloody house, no marvel it was thus reduced, 2 Samuel 21:1, “Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.”

3. Mephibosheth was protected by David against the vengeance the Gibeonites were permitted to execute on the house of Saul, 2 Samuel 21:7, “But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD’S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.”

a. God will protect those who are under the protection of King Jesus during the time of God’s wrath against His enemies, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

b. Those who are not under the protection of King Jesus will suffer, Revelation 6:16-17, “And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”

III. MEPHIBOSHETH ACCEPTS THE KINGS OFFER

A. David restores Mephibosheth to life, Ephesians 2:1, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”

1. He was no more a “dead dog,” but an heir to the kingdom of God, Romans 8:17, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

2. Now he sits at the Kings table forever, 2 Samuel 9:13, “So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.”

B. The King of Glory seeks to do the same for fallen man today. Will you let him into your life? He invites to come…

1. To the sure mercies of David, Isaiah 55:3, “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.”

2. To Him for rest from your burden of sin, Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

CONCLUSION

MEN WHO WALKED WITH GOD- -ABRAHAM- -GENESIS 15:1-6; ROMANS 4:1-5

MEN WHO WALKED WITH GOD- -ABRAHAM

GENESIS 15:1-6; ROMANS  4:1-5

INTRODUCTION:

Abraham is the father of the Hebrew people. He is also called the “father of the faithful.” In these two passages of Scripture we will note how God has dealt with Abraham and how he walked with God and became know as “the friend of God,” James 2:23. Let us note how God dealt with Abraham and how Abraham “believe God.”

I.     ABRAHAM IS CALLED TO THE UNKNOWN- -GENESIS 12:1

A. He moves out by faith in the one who called him saying, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:” v. 1.

1. Abraham left his family behind at God’s bidding.

2. He traveled to a land God promised to show him.

B. God promises a blessing, vs. 2-3

1. Personal and temporal blessings, v. 2.

a. “I will make thee a great nation.”

b. I will make “thy name great.”

2. Spiritual Blessings, “thou shalt be a blessing.” vs. 2-3.

a. “I will bless them that bless thee,” v. 3.

b. “I will bless them that bless thee,” v. 3.

II. ABRAHAM RECEIVES THE PROMISE OF A SON FROM THE LORD- -GENESIS 15:1-6

A. God’s promise, “And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. 4- And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir 5- And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.” vs. 3-5.

B. Abraham believes God, v. 6; Romans 4:3 “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

1. Abraham listened to God’s promise, vs. 3-5; Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

2. He believed God, v. 6.

a. His faith was counted for righteousness, Romans 4:3.

b. Abraham was justified by faith without works, Romans 4:5, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

III. ABRAHAM’S CLOSE WALK WITH GOD.

James 2:23, “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

A. He staggered not at the promise of God, Romans 4:20, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;”

1. He had no lack of faith in God’s Word.

2. He gave glory to God for his faith.

B. He was fully persuaded that God could fulfill His Word, v. 21.

1. Abraham could say as Paul did in 2 Timothy 1:12, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

CONCLUSION:

Abraham truly walked with God. In Galatians 3:9, Paul calls him “faithful Abraham.” In Romans 4:16, he refers to him as “the father of us all.” Perhaps the title most impressive is that found in James 2:23 where Abraham is called “the friend of God.”

MEN WHO WALKED WITH GOD- -ENOCH- -GENESIS 5:18-24

MEN WHO WALKED WITH GOD

ENOCH

GENESIS  5:18-24

Introduction:

Hebrews 11:5, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

Enoch was the seventh generation from Adam who was still alive during Enoch’s life. Almost nothing is known of Enoch’s life except what is written in these short verses in the books of Genesis and Hebrews. What we do know of him is a real message of the grace of God. It is a message of a man’s faith in God who chose to walk with God in changing times.

I. ENOCH WAS A GODLY MAN OF GREAT FAITH

A. He was RECONCILED to God. 2 Corinthians 5:1, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”

Reconcile= to establish a close relationship to; to make compatible or consistent.

1. A RELATIONSHIP had been established.

a. Enoch had trusted Christ as his Savior.

b. He had assurance of salvation.

2. This relationship was consistent, John 10:27, “ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

a. The Lord knew him.

b. He followed the Lord.

B. He walked with God, Genesis 5:22-24.

1. Enoch had CONTENTMENT, 1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

2. He was a FOLLOWER of God, Ephesians 5:1, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;”

a. He walked NOT in his own way, Proverbs 16:25, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (See also Proverbs 14:12).

b. He walked in God’s footprints. Illustration: a child trying to walk in the footprints of his father.

(1) Job 23:11, “My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.”

(2) Our steps are ordered by the Lord; Psalms 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:” Proverbs 16:9, “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”

(3) Our steps are ordered by the Word of God, Psalms 119:133, “Order my steps in thy word:”

II. ENOCH WAS A JOYFUL MAN

Walking with the Lord was the JOY OF HIS LIFE.

JOY = intense & especially Ecstatic or Exultant-HAPPINESS

1. It was HIS CHOICE to walk with God, 1 Timothy 4:8, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things…”

2. It was his choice to REJOICE IN the Lord. “Rejoice in” (a phrasal verb) = to have or possess. Enoch chose to be happy – he possessed Christ as his Savior!!

III.     ENOCH WAS TAKEN

A. “And he was not,…” Genesis 5:24.

1. He lived only 365 years – a young man.

a. Adam lived 930 years.

b. Methuselah, the son of Enoch, lived 969 years.

2. Enoch was in the prime of his life.

B. “For God took him.”

1. He was no longer in this world.

2. WHY? “He walked with God.”

CONCLUSION:

“The true Christian’s steady walk in holiness, through many a year, till god takes him, will best recommend the religion [Christ] which many oppose and many abuse. And walking with God well agrees with the cares, comforts, and duties of life.” Matthew Henry.

Enoch walked with God. With whom are you walking today? Do your steps follow in the Lord’s steps or the Devil’s? We would do well to consider what the life of Enoch tells us.

MEN WHO WALKED WITH GOD- -NOAH- -GENESIS 6:1-22

MEN WHO WALKED WITH GOD

NOAH

GENESIS  6:1-22

Reading vs. 1-8

Introduction:

One of the truly great men of the Old Testament is Noah. He is a type of Christ in many ways, some of which we will mention in this message. Noah was not endowed with special gifts or talents, but rather used what he had to serve the God he loved. Let us look at how he typified Jesus Christ in his life.

I. NOAH’S VERY NAME FORSHADOWED THE COMING MESSIAH.

A. Noah means, “rest,” Genesis 5:28-29.

1. His father regarded him as the rest-giver.

2. He was the one who would provide “comfort” from the toil incurred by the curse.

B. Christ gives “rest,” Isaiah 11:10, “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.”

1. Christ invites the sinner to rest in Him, Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

2. That rest is without doubt glorious, Hebrews 4:9, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”

II. NOAH “FOUND GRACE IN THE EYES OF THE LORD,” GENESIS 6:8.

A. “All flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.”

1. The ruinous and ravaging effects of sin were universal, v. 11, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”

2. Man was totally depraved, v. 5, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

B. There was one that stood out by himself, Noah.

1. He was a “just” man, v. 9; Genesis 7:1, “And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.”

2. No other family member is mentioned here.

3. Noah is typical of Christ in that he is the one in whom the heart of the Father delighted.

a. Noah – “found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

b. Christ – “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17).

III. NOAH WAS “PERFECT IN HIS GENERATIONS.

A. Noah had not mixed with the Nephilim (giants or Cain’s descendents). He was uncontaminated physically, v. 9, “perfect in his generations,”

B. Noah is a type of the immaculate humanity of our Lord, Luke 1:35, “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

1. He was “separate from sinners,” (Hebrews 7:26)

2. He had no sin, 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

IV. NOAH “WALKED WITH GOD.”

A. Noah walked with God through many years of adversity.

1. God gave Noah a work to do, vs. 13-14.

a. God determines the destruction of the earth because of sin.

b. However, because Noah was a godly man the Lord determines to save him and his family.

2. God commands Noah to build an ark to the saving of creation and his family.

B. Christ walked with God during 33 years of difficult circumstances to accomplish God’s will.

1. Jesus Christ had a work to do like Noah, in order to save mankind, Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

2. Jesus is the ark of safety to everyone who will put their trust in Him, Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

CONCLUSION:

Noah was the type while Jesus Christ was the antitype. Noah foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ to do His great work of redemption.

The life of Noah before his contemporaries had the testimony that “he walked with God,” demonstrating that man can serve the Lord in an acceptable manner under the most extreme circumstances.

MEN OF “ANOTHER SPIRIT”- -NUMBERS 14:20-24, 30

MEN OF “ANOTHER SPIRIT”

NUMBERS 14:20-24, 30

Introduction:

Israel was standing on the threshold of entering the promised land. Moses had sent out 12 men to spy out the land that God had promised to give to Israel (13:17-20). Ten of those men returned with a negative report saying that it was impossible to take the land because of the giants that were there. They saw themselves as grasshoppers (13:33).

Caleb and Joshua had a different opinion. They saw what God could do. They were men of “another spirit.” We need men of “another spirit” today in order to carry out God’s orders to His church. What kind of a spirit do you possess or perhaps I should ask, “What kind of a spirit possesses you?”

I. MEN OF ANOTHER SPIRIT.

A. Caleb was a man of “another spirit,” Deuteronomy 6:5, “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

1. He loved God with all of his heart, Proverbs 23:26, “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.”

2. He sought the Lord with all of his soul, Deuteronomy 4:29, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.”

3. Caleb sought the Lord with all of his strength, that is, Heb. –greatly, exceedingly.

B. Joshua was a man who “wholly followed the Lord,” Joshua 14:8, “Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.” Numbers 32:12, “Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.”

1. At times a man has to take a stand when everyone around him does not agree or does not have the courage to stand with him.

2. These are men who have “purpose of heart,” Acts 11:22-23, “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23-Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.”

a. The idea is to set themselves apart before God to be used.

b. The same Greek word is translated “shewbread,” that which was dedicated to God every Sabbath day.

II. MEN OF A SOUND HEART

A. These were men of a sound heart in the statutes of God, Psalm 119:80, “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.”

B. These were men who kept the statutes of God, Psalm 119:145, “I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.”

C. These were servants of God, Ephesians 6:5-7, “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6-Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7-With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

1. These were obedient servants of God.

2. Their service was not “eyeservice,” Matthew 6:5, “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Matthew 23:5,-7 “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6-And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7-And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.’

3. They were not “menpleasers,” Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

4. They were “servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,” Psalm 135:1-3, “Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. 2-Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God, 3-Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.”

CONCLUSION

These were men of “another spirit.” They were not ordinary men, but rather, men of courage and conviction. They stood for the truth and were examples of faith among their peers.

What kind of spirit do you have? Is it the same spirit or conviction that motivated men like Caleb and Joshua or are you one who goes with the crowd and has little or no conviction regarding serving the Lord who died for your sins on Calvary.

It is time we become the men God intends that we should be, however, this not something for the faint of heart. This takes the grace of God in your life.

HANNAH, A GODLY MOTHER- -1 SAMUEL 1:1-2:11

HANNAH, A GODLY MOTHER

1 SAMUEL 1:1-2:11

Introduction:

Today we remember our mothers. Every great nation has had godly women who have born children and taught those children to love and honor God. Many times in the rearing of children there is great heartache and difficulty. These ladies did not throw up their hands and quit, but rather, they fought on and by the grace of God they succeeded.

Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, of the tribe of Ephraim, (1 Samuel 1). Hannah was one of two wives and she had no child. The other wife, Peninnah, tormented her because she had no family. However, Hannah prayed diligently that God would give her a son.

I. HANNAH’S SORROW, 1:1-10.

A. Elkanah was a godly man. One of his grandsons is mentioned later, as a singer in the Temple that Solomon built.

B. However, He had a divided home.

1. He had two wives.

2. The Lord permitted this, but it was not His will.

3. He loved Hannah, who was barren, v. 2, “And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.”

4. Hannah was Elkanah’s favorite, v. 5, “But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.”

5. At times the Lord does things in our life in order to teach to pray and depend on Him.

II. HANNAH’S SUPPLICATION, (1:11-19).

A. Hannah was a woman of prayer, vs. 10-18.

1. She presented her petition to the Lord.

2. Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk.

3. Hannah received God’s promise and was content, vs. 17-18, “Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. 18And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.”

B. She did not bargain with the Lord.

1. She offered her best to the Lord.

2. Her husband apparently agreed, Numbers 30:6-7, “And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul; And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.”

3. She promised to dedicate him totally to God, v. 11, “And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.”

a. He was to be given to the Lord.

b. He was to be a Nazarite (The word denotes generally one who is separated from others and consecrated to God. The vow of a Nazarite involved these three things:

(1) Abstinence from wine and strong drink,

(2) Refraining from cutting the hair off the head during the whole period of the continuance of the vow, and…

(3) The avoidance of contact with the dead.). Generally the vow lasted only about 100 days.

4. God blessed her even more, v. 21, “And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.”

III. HANNAH’S SURRENDER, (1:20-28).

A. “SAMUEL” = Asked the LORD.

B. DEDICATED =

1. Weaned at 3 years of age.

2. Three bullocks were offered:

a. Sin offering.

b. Burnt offering.

c. Special offering – probably for the Nazarite vow, Numbers 15:8, “And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:”

3. “For this child I prayed,” v. 27, “For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:”

C. “LENT” to the Lord, v. 28, “Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.”

1. At three years of age Samuel was given back to God.

2. Hannah’s life was fulfilled.

CONCLUSION

In our day women are not fulfilled unless they have a job outside of the home.

Our nation is suffering from the “housewife / mother” syndrome. Many look down on a woman who is content to be a mother and housewife.

However, it is interesting to me that so many women are finding out that life without a child and a good family life is not worth much and gives little satisfaction.

Hannah gave her son to God.

OUTLINE OF ELISHA, THE SUCCESSOR- -2 KINGS 2-8,13:20-21

OUTLINE OF ELISHA, THE SUCCESSOR

2 Kings 2-8,13:20-21

The Making of a man of God.

Elisha was available, 1 Kings 19:16.

• He was one of the 7,000 still true to God.


• He was a prosperous farmer, a successful businessman, but he hadn't forgotten God.

Elisha was appointed, 1 Kings 19:19-21.

• Elijah's placing his mantle on Elisha represented a call to ministry. It was a mandate from God.


• Elisha's commitment was most dramatic in that he sacrificed to God the oxen by which he had made his living. And he became Elijah's servant.

Elisha was anointed, 2 Kings 12:9-13.

• Elisha wanted a double portion of Elijah's spirit on him.


Note: It is interesting to note that Elijah performed 8 miracles and Elisha performed 16! A double portion.

The Ministry and Miracles of the Man of God.

His preacher’s school ministry, 2 Kings 2:3, 5; 4:38; 6:1.


His water purification ministry, 2 Kings 2:19-22.


His bear ministry, 2 Kings 2:23-25.


His ditch digging ministry, 2 Kings 3:13-18.


His widow's relief ministry, 2 Kings 4:1-7.


His children's resurrection ministry, 2 Kings 4:18-37.


His death in the pot ministry, 2 Kings 4:38-41.


His multitude feeding ministry, 2 Kings 4:42-44.


His leprosy cleansing ministry (Naaman), 2 Kings 5:1-19.


His leprosy transferring ministry (Gehazi), 2 Kings 5:20-25.


His blind ministry, 2 Kings 6:8-23.


His lost and found ministry (lost ax head), 2 Kings 6:1-7.


His famine relief ministry, 2 Kings 6:24-7:20


His king anointing ministry (Jehu), 2 Kings 9:1-6.

The Memorial to a Man of God.

His sickness, 2 Kings 13:14-19.


His death and burial, 2 Kings 13:20-21.

ABRAHAM- -A WIFE FOR ISAAC- -GENESIS 24:1-67

ABRAHAM- -A WIFE FOR ISAAC

GENESIS 24:1-67

Introduction:
The story of the choosing of a bride for Isaac parallels the work of the Holy Spirit as He works among God’s in preparation for the Marriage of the Lamb of God.

In this story we see how Abraham sent his servant to do his bidding for a wife for Isaac from among his own people.

I. THE MAN

A. The Servant

1. He is a trusted servant.

a. He was over his whole house.

b. He may have been Eliezer, Genesis 15:2, “And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?”

2. Abraham put the great responsibility of finding a wife for Isaac on his servant, vs. 3-4.

3. He chooses from among Abraham’s own people, v. 4, “But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.”

B. The Symbol

1. The servant typical of the Spirit of God.

a. He does the bidding for his master.

b. He follows the instruction of his master.

2. The service of the Spirit.

a. The Spirit of God works among God’s people choosing a bride for Christ.

b. He has the criteria of the Word of God with which to choose that bride. He looks for a “chaste virgin,” 2 Corinthians 11:2, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”

II. THE MISSION

A. The trusted servant of Abraham.

1. This man was a man who Abraham trusted.

a. The servant gave his word, vs. 3-4, “And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth…thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

b. He kept his word, v. 10, “And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.”

2. Abraham servant trusted in the guidance of Jehovah God, vs. 12, “And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

B. The trusted Spirit of the Father.

1. The Holy Spirit has the responsibility to negotiate for the Father here on earth, John 16:13-14, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

2. Jesus left Him in charge after His ascension to the Father.

III. THE MARRIAGE

A. The son of Abraham.

1. Isaac was a promised son, Genesis 15:4, “And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.”

2. He was the son of Abraham by a miracle birth.

3. His father sent a servant to choose a bride for his son from among his own people.

B. The Son of God.

1. The Son of God was a promised Son born of the virgin Mary, Isaiah 7:14.

2. His marriage is called the marriage of the Lamb of God, Revelation 19:7-8, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”

a. The bride shall be from among God’s people.

b. The bride shall be pure and chaste, 2 Corinthians 11:2, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”

CONCLUSION

The story of the choosing of a wife for Isaac is one of those happy ending stories. The story of the Bride of Jesus Christ will also have a happy ending.

The Spirit of God is busy working among the people of God today to make them a pure and peculiar people from whom He will choose the bride of Christ.

OUTLINE OF ELIJAH'S TRACKS- -1 & 2 KINGS

OUTLINE OF ELIJAH'S TRACKS

The following are the major events in the life and ministry of Elijah.

1. Cherith's confinement (fed by ravens), I Kings 17:1-7.

2. Zarephath's condescension (fed by a widow), I Kings 17:8-16.

3. Home's criterion (raised dead son to life), I Kings 17:17-24.

4. Obadiah's confusion (Ahab's house governor), I Kings 18:1-16.

5. Carmel's contest (850 false prophets, God answers by fire),

I Kings 18:17-46.

6. Horeb's caveman (Juniper tree & discouragement), I Kings 19:1-21.

7. Sin's confrontation (Naboth's vineyard & payday someday), I Kings 21:1-23.

8. Baal's curse, 2 Kings 1.

9. Dedication's challenge, 2 Kings 2:1-15.

10. Heaven's chariot (taken to heaven in a fiery chariot), ELIJAH DIDN’T DIE !!! 2 Kings 2:9-18.

A MAN TO STAND IN THE GAP--EZEKIEL 22:23-30

A MAN TO STAND IN THE GAP

EZEKIEL 22:23-30

Key verse: 30, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”

Introduction:

The Lord said this about Israel, His own people. Matthew Henry said, “All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes [to be an omen of] ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained.

Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.”

I. I SOUGHT FOR A MAN AMONG THEM,” v. 30.

A. A MAN, a male, John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

B. A SERVANT, a dedicated servant of God, Isaiah 42:1: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.”

C. A GREAT MAN, an uncommon man, Isaiah 42:6-7, “I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.”

D. A CHAMPION, One that is clearly superior or has the attributes of a winner. Note this list of men of ability and courage.

1. Noah, a man who walked with God, Genesis 6.

2. Abraham, a man of faith, Genesis 15.

3. David, a man after God’s own heart, Acts 13:22.

4. The Apostles of Jesus Christ, Luke 6:12-16.

5. The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:8-10.

6. Jesus Christ, The Champion! Matthew 3:17, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

II. A MAN TO CLOSE THE GAP

A. A worker.

1. A builder, (Jesus was a carpenter, he knew the discipline of work) someone who knows how to work.

2. Someone trained for the work to be done.

3. Someone willing to labor and finish the job, John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”

B. A Contractor, who will take the responsibility. Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

III. A MAN TO STAND IN THE BREACH

A. The Man of Courage and Faith.

1. This man did not come from the outside, John 1:11, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not,”

2. Jesus was born a Jew and a part of Israel.

B. The Servant of God, Isaiah 42:1, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.” God’s chosen man to stand in the breach.

1. The Spirit of God is upon Him.

2. God’s will was His will, Hebrews 10:7, “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.”

C. A Great Man, Isaiah 52:13-14, “Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. 14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:”

D. The Alpha and Omega, Revelation 1:10-11, 17-18, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:… 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

D. He is the author and finisher of God’s work, Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Conclusion:

The Lord did not find a man in Israel during that time that could stand in the gap.

But in time Jesus Christ was born exactly as God had planned, Galatians 4:4, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

The Man to stand in the gap.