Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 5, 2018

“The Kingdom: Under Divine Protection”   2 Samuel 17:1-29   Bible Study   08/05/18

This morning we will focus on a chapter which records an account of God’s kingdom under attack. In the midst of rebellion and intrigue, the kingdom appears “iffy” and vulnerable, given the brazen machinations of Absalom and Ahithopel. However, 2 Samuel 17 indicates that God’s people can have strong confidence and sweet consolation even in days when the kingdom is threatened. No one and nothing can overthrow or terminate God’s kingdom plan. This assurance has sustained saints of every generation.

I. The Mysterious Sovereignty of God (1-14)

• advice of Ahithopel (1-4)

♦ four-step plan
♦ connect to 16:23

• advice of Hushai (5-14)

♦ not his time
♦ appeals to logic, caution, vanity and vengeance

• Absalom’s response
• a discreet aside

II. The Protective Providence of God (15-29)

• getting the message to David (15-16)
• messengers seen and hidden (17-20)
• news reaches David (21-22)
• Yahweh at work for David
• demise of Ahithopel (23)
• arrival and support of loyal subjects (24-29)

III. So What?

• Because God keeps His promises and protects His people, make sure your ultimate security rests in Him and His kingdom “that cannot be shaken.”
• Worship with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28-29).
• Ponder the providence of God in your life that reveals His sovereignty.
• “God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines of never failing skill He treasures up His bright designs and works His sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head.” (Cowper)
• Affirm and regularly confess your subjection to the King and His kingdom.

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!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 24, 2018

“A King, A Fling and the Last Thing”   2 Samuel 11:1-27   Bible Study   06/24/18

This morning we return to our study of 2 Samuel and the sordid account of David’s adulterous activity with Bathsheba and his subsequent cover-up. The complete narrative of the David/Bathsheba event covers two entire chapters in 2 Samuel (11-12). In chapter 11, we will observe that the inspired narrator appears to do all he can to keep the spotlight and responsibility on David.

I. Setting (1)

• part of a larger narrative
• shift from course of war to course of human character
• war with Ammon and a king who stayed home
• contrast of 1:1-5 with 9:1-3 and 10:1-2: absence of “hesed”

II. David and Bathsheba (2-5)

• fallen servant (1 Sam. 13:14; 16:1-13)
• the view from the verbs: a royal deed of self-indulgence
• Bathsheba’s two words: the secret hits a snag

III. David and Uriah (6-13)

• Uriah the Hittite: a trusted servant (23:39)
• David’s intent and Uriah’s integrity

IV. David and Joab (14-25)

• a message to Joab: the military commander
• an arranged liquidation
• a case of royal rationalization

V. David and Yahweh (26-27)

• the wife of Uriah
• “…it was evil to the LORD.”
• “silence”: not an indication of absence

VI. So What?

• Because you are not immune to moral failure, acknowledge your accountability and prize your proximity to the LORD.
• Understand that the Kingdom is not safe in any hands except those of Him who rules with perfect righteousness and justice-Jesus Christ.
• “Oh, to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be. Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above.” (R. Robinson)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 17, 2018

Father’s Day Message

“A Psalm for Father’s Day”   Psalm 1   Bible Study   06/17/18

On this Father’s Day, we will turn our attention to Psalm 1 and its description of the blessed or, godly, person. This psalm also includes a powerful contrast between the person who takes the Lord seriously and the one who neglects to do so.

I. Overview

• Psalmoi (LXX): poem to be sung to stringed instrument
• dating: latest 2500 years ago/ earliest 3500 years ago
• informing the intellect, arousing the emotions, directing the will, stimulating the imagination
• use of parallelism and repetition
• connection to Christ: Luke 24:44
• three assertions: reality, reign and response

II. Consider the direction of the righteous man (1-2)

• negative assessment and use of parallelism
• positive assessment-delight in “torah”
• loving what the Lord commands and not mere compliance
• rumination on the implications of instruction

III. Consider the description of the righteous man (3-4)

• planted tree
• fruit in season
• does not wither
• contrasted with the wicked: “Not so the wicked.”

IV. Consider the destiny of the righteous man (5-6)

• contrasted with the wicked
• “for the LORD knows…”
• contrast: “blessed” and “perish”

V. So What?

• Because your eternal destiny is at stake, nothing matters more than a right relationship with the Lord.
• See Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this psalm.
• Aim for increasing conformity to Jesus.
• Celebrate fathers who delight in the word of the Father!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 10, 2018

“At the King’s Table”   2 Samuel 9:1-13   Bible Study   06/10/18

-Truth is often stranger than fiction!

I. A King’s question about “kindness”

• a covenant remembered
• a royal interview with Ziba

II. A meeting with Mephibosheth

• protection
• provision
• position
• perspective

III. A recognition of repetition

• kindness
• table
• lame

IV. So what?

• The nature of God’s kindness makes your neediness the only qualification for receiving it
• Consider the source of David’s kindness
• Make the NT connection
• Receive it, relish it and relay it!
• “While all our hearts and all our songs join to admire the feast, each of us cries with thankful tongue, ‘Lord, why was I a guest?’” -Isaac Watts
• “Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress, Helpless, look to Thee for grace: Foul, I to the fountain fly, Wash me, Savior, or I die.” (Toplady)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 3, 2018

“A Different Kingdom”   2 Samuel 1:1-16   Bible Study   06/03/18

This morning we begin a new study in the book of 2 Samuel. The book begins with additional information surrounding the death of Saul and then proceeds to record the key events in the reign of David as king over Israel. We will want to note that a key element of the narrator’s intended purpose is to contrast the lives of Israel’s first two kings: Saul and David. In a real sense, while one goes down, the other rises up. In God’s OT economy, kings are not just any leaders. In spite of their failures and those of the people they lead, they are a part of God’s plan to reveal, install and exalt His ultimate King, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I. The report of Saul’s death (1:1-5)

• David at Ziklag
• an Amalekite messenger from Saul’s camp
• David’s questions

II. The hole in the story (1:6-10)

• compare with 1 Samuel 31
• somebody is lying
• ultimately exposure of falsehood

III. The magnification of grief (1:11-12)

• structural center of the story
• the Amalekite can wait
• meaningful mourning

IV. The protective value of fear (1:13-16)

• the Amalekite’s assumption
• David’s discernment
• David’s key question
• a fear grounded in love

V. So What?

• Because God’s kingdom reflects His character and culminates in Christ, conform to its principles.
• Treasure God’s truth.
• Relish God’s reputation.
• Submit to God’s authority
• “Omniscience governing omnipotence, infinite power ruled by infinite wisdom, is a basic biblical description of the divine character.” (Packer)
• “Ye saints who toil below, adore your heavenly King, and onward as ye go, some joyful anthem sing.” (Baxter)