• Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 29, 2018

    “All the King’s Enemies”   2 Samuel 16:1-23   Bible Study   07/29/18

    This morning we turn again to the aftermath of David’s sin with Bathsheba and the rebellion of his own son against him. While 2 Samuel 15 includes three encounters with David’s friends, 2 Samuel 16 focuses on three of the king’s enemies. In this chapter we will observe that, even as he is in the presence of his enemies, David has not been abandoned by the sovereign King and Promise-Keeper.
    I. Introduction
    • from 3 friends to three enemies
    • David as King: sinner, sufferer and appointed servant
    II. Ziba: the opportunistic manipulator (1-4)
    • servant of Mephibosheth
    • deceptive approach
    • slanderous account
    • asset transfer
    • not loyalty to God’s king but greed for his own gain
    III. Shimei: the verbal abuser (5-14)
    • descendant of Saul
    • ancient trash-talker
    • issue: perceived “mistreatment” of Saul’s house
    • Abishai’s response
    • David’s response: confidence in God’s character
    • reversing the curse (Gal. 3:13)
    IV. Ahithopel: the calculating betrayer (15-23)
    • former counsel to David and “Judas Iscariot of the OT”
    • Hushai’s words and Absalom’s assumption
    • Ahithopel’s advice and Absalom’s action: fulfillment of 2 Samuel 12:11-12
    • intended overthrow/execution of God’s word (1 Cor. 11:23 and Rom. 8:32)
    V. So What?
    • Because God is in control and cares for His own, confide in Him when opposition comes.
    • “His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o’er earth and heav’n…” (C. Wesley)
    • Stake your life on the stability of God’s kingdom plan.
    • Find consolation in the character of God.

  • Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 22, 2018

    Guest Speaker: Dr. David Norman

    When We See Him for Who He Is
    Luke 5:1–11
    This morning’s lesson considers Luke’s narrative of the calling of the first disciples. In it, we see the manner in which Simon Peter, James, and John responded when they first saw Jesus as who he was. Seeing him like that changed everything.
    I. We listen to his voice (v. 1–3)
    Here, but not all there
    II. We obey his command (v. 4–7)
    Teacher? Or Master?
    Even when it doesn’t make sense
    Even when it doesn’t work out for us
    III. We worship in awe (v. 8–10a)
    Staggered by his glory
    IV. We cherish following him (v. 10b–11)
    The catch of a lifetime, left by the shore
    From full boats to empty hands
    Until we see him as he his, we can keep him at arm’s length. But when we catch a glimpse of his majesty, we—like Simon Peter—cannot help but listen to his voice, obey his command, fall at his feet in worship, and leap at the opportunity to follow him. In short, it changes everything.

  • Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 15, 2018

    “A Foe, A Flight and Faith”   2 Samuel 15:1-37   Bible Study   07/15/18

    This morning we will focus on the rebellion of Absalom, David’s son, and David’s response to it. 2 Samuel 15 may be divided into two distinct sections. The first highlights the selfish ambition of Absalom in seeking to usurp the throne of his father. The second section focuses on David as the rightful king who, though flawed, experiences God’s sustaining grace and exercises saving faith. This chapter is a potent reminder that the light of God’s superintending presence still shines in the darkest of days.
    I. Context and Setting (2 Samuel 14)
    • Absalom returns to Jerusalem (14:23)
    • no gratitude for reprieve
    • no remorse for murder (14:32)
    • received by the king (14:33)
    II. Absalom: Conspiracy and Consequences (1-12)
    • acquisition of chariot and horses (1)
    • involvement in judicial matters (2-6)
    • rebellion cloaked in religiosity (7-12)
    • back to the revelation of 12:10-12: fulfillment
    III. David: Flight and Faith (13-37)
    • time to flee (13-17)
    • gift that supports faith: Ittai (18-23)
    • submission that frees faith: Zadok (24-29)
    • providence that encourages faith: Hushai (30-37)
    IV. So What?
    • Because God is gracious and sovereign, you can trust Him to sustain you in life’s darkest days.
    • Heed the warning and the comfort: no person escapes ultimate accountability to God.
    • “The key to restoration is not Yahweh’s furniture but Yahweh’s favor.” (D. R. Davis)
    • You can count on God’s unfailing grace even in the midst of failure’s consequences.
    • Rest in the finished work of the ultimate rightful King. (17:30; Luke 19:37-44)
    • Faith really is the victory!

  • Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 8, 2018

    “The Message of A Massive Mess”   2 Samuel 13:1-39   Bible Study   07/08/18

    This morning we turn our attention to 2 Samuel 13. This chapter’s account of scheming, conniving, lust, rape, hate and murder indicates the reality of a massive mess. Yet, Romans 15:4 reminds us that even a mess may be instructive for us. When the Lord’s word and character are despised, disaster is on its way. Our only hope and way out of the mess are the goodness and generosity of the God who saves (Titus 3:3-4).
    I. Abhorrence of Sin
    • Amnon schemes for Tamar (1-6)
    • Amnon violates Tamar (7-14)
    • Amnon rejects Tamar (15-19)
    II. Observation of Sinners
    • Amnon: passion without love (1-2, 10-17)
    • Jonadab: skill without integrity (3-5, 32-35)
    • David: anger without justice (21)
    • Absalom: hatred without restraint (20-39)
    III. Acknowledgment of God’s Sovereignty
    • key for understanding 2 Samuel 13: the text of 2 Samuel 12:10-12
    • assurance that keeps us sane
    IV. So What?
    • Knowing that, left to yourself, you are a hopeless sinner, anchor your hope in the goodness and generosity of the God who saves.
    • A text on “what not to do”
    • “Foul, I to the fountain fly. Wash me, Savior, or I die.” (A. Toplady)
    • “The greatest need of my people is my personal holiness.” (R. McCheyne)

  • Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 1, 2018

    “Gripped by Grace”   2 Samuel 12:1-31   Bible Study   07/01/18

    This morning we will focus our attention on 2 Samuel 12 and its account of the aftermath of David’s adulterous and murderous behavior. This chapter offers a stark contrast to the narrative of the preceding chapter. In 2 Samuel 11, David dominates the action until he crashes into the standard of Yahweh’s righteousness (11:27). In chapter 12, Yahweh and His word dominate the action. While there is retribution, punishment and judgment for David, there is also grace (undeserved, unmerited favor). There was hope for David and there is hope for us. This hope rests in the gracious character of the Lord.
    I. Grace that pursues (1a)
    • the signal of “sent”
    • Yahweh: not a passive spectator
    II. Grace that confronts (1b-7a)
    • Nathan’s story: 2 men, description, deed
    • David’s religious and judicial response
    • You are the man!
    • the genius of grace: amazing and smart!
    III. Grace that convicts (7b-12)
    • itemization of grace to David: repetition of “I”
    • specification of David’s sin
    • judgment on David’s sin
    • double use of “despised”
    IV. Grace that delivers (13-15a)
    • David’s brief confession
    • David receives forgiveness
    • consequence of sin: death of son
    V. Grace that grips (15b-25)
    • David fasts, child dies, David worships and eats
    • David acknowledges the Lord’s gracious nature
    • David’s expression of hope (Psa. 16:8-11)
    • birth of Solomon
    VI. Grace that clarifies (26-31)
    • conflict with Ammon won
    • real battle lost
    • lifting our eyes to the true King
    VII. So What?
    • The Lord’s unmatched fidelity and amazing grace call for a response of broken-hearted joy.
    • “Our treachery only appears truly hideous when it is viewed against the fidelity it has despised.” (D. R. Davis)
    • To despise the Lord’s word is to despise the Lord.
    • “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.” (Newton)
    • Do not lose the “goosebumps” on your soul!