Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 18, 2022
Seek the Lord and Live!
Amos 5:1-17
1. Introduction
• distinct poetic structure
• principle: fear of the LORD (Psa. 111:10, Prov. 1:7)
2. Amos Reads Israel’s Obituary 1-3
• repetition: Hear this word…
• current trajectory: headed toward a funeral!
• statistics of defeat
3. Amos Reveals the LORD’S Rationale 4-17
• substitution of religious activity for authentic devotion
• substitution of rhetoric for reality (Matt. 7:21-23)
• seeking profit through ongoing injustice
• stunning supremacy of the LORD’S character
• certainty of judgment and summons to repent: passing through and not passing over (Ex. 12:12-13)
• connection to Christ (John 3:16, 1 John 2:1-2)
4. So What?
• Because your sins merit the judgment of God, trust Him alone for deliverance.
• Remember that “the world is not dying to hear the message of the gospel; it is dying in its sins.” (G. Keddie)
• Beware of embracing assurances without obeying instructions.
• “Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, oh, leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me. All my trust on Thee is stayed, All my help from Thee I bring; Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.” (“Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” Charles Wesley)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 11, 2022
Hear This Word!
Amos 4:1-13
1. Background
• significant repetitions: hear this word…, declares the LORD…, did not return to me…
2. Social Insensitivity 1-3
• cows of Bashan comparison (Ezek. 39:18)
• chewing the cud of self-indulgence at the expense of others
• God’s response: His oath (Heb. 6:13), fish hooks and a garbage heap (Isa. 25:10)
3. Superficial Worship 4-5
• mocking assessment of their worship (1 Kings 12:26-33)
• substituting religious activity for radical obedience (Lev. 1-5)
4. Stubborn Refusal 6-11
• pathetic self-delusion
• the LORD’S redemptive responses (Deut. 27-28): deprivation, infliction, opposition, destruction
• absence of the awareness of accountability
5. Solemn Reality 12-13
• no more warning or opportunity
• sitting down to a banquet of consequences and a reminder of God’s character
• connection to Christ (Luke 13:1-9, 18:13)
6. So What?
• In light of your ultimate accountability to God, immediately seize the grace of His invitation.
• With great privilege comes great responsibility.
• Purge yourself of procrastination and keep yourself impressed with God
• “Let not conscience make you linger, nor of fitness fondly dream; all the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him.” (J. Hart, “Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 4, 2022
When the Lord Roars
Amos 2:6-16
1. Setting/Background
• 8th century prophet during period of peace/prosperity
• audience is Israel: eighth nation addressed
• prophetic formula, sovereignty and longsuffering
2. Israel’s Imitation of Oppressors 6-8
• the bullied become bullies
• context of covenant relationship
• greed, pride, immorality and hypocrisy
• result: name of the LORD profaned
3. Israel’s Insensitivity to the LORD’S Faithfulness 9-12
• contrast between infidelity and fidelity
• examples of the LORD’S kindness
• no plea of ignorance
• sabotage and superficiality
4. The LORD’S Oppression of Oppresssors 13-16
• dismantling of power
• reminder of default setting
• purging of posers
• the LORD’S obligation and the connection to Christ (Rom. 5:6-11, 1 John 5:3)
5. So What?
• Because of God’s unfailing kindness to you, use your privilege as a platform to promote His greatness.
• Grasp the perils of prosperity and privilege.
• Praise the LORD for His long-fused grace and mercy.
• “…Glory to His name…” (Hoffman)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 28, 2022
An Exit and an Enduring Word
2 Kings 13:14-25
1. The Word’s Power 14
• Elisha’s illness and impending death
• a noteworthy absence
• a king’s perspective of protection (2:12)
2. The Word’s Promises 15-19
• symbolic action: bow and arrows
• hands-on encouragement: the arrow of victory
• righteous rebuke for a half-hearted response
3. The Word’s Hope 20-25
• not magic but magnification
• receiving grace at the grave
• victory and vitality
• pointing to Jesus (Rom. 1:1-4)
4. So What?
• In light of God’s enduring word, aim for an exit that prioritizes His power and promises.
• Minister in the power, maximize the promises and magnify the hope of the word of God. (Isa. 40:8, Heb. 4:12)
• “When this poor, lisping, stamm’ring tongue lies silent in the grave, then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save…” (W. Cowper)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 21, 2022
The Deal with Zeal
2 Kings 9:1-10:36
1. The Stimulus of God’s Word Drives History 9:1-10
• taking aim at idolatry
• outlined policy and ordained instruments
• tuck and take
• anoint: sovereign seal of approval
• objective of extermination
2. The Servant of God Reacts against the Assault of His Adequacy 9:11-37
• ripe for revolution: carpet of garments
• Jehu the reckless driver
• confrontation with Joram: harlotries and sorceries
• confrontation with Jezebel: made up and thrown down
3. God Receives Glory through the Faithfulness of His People 10:1-36
• zeal behind the wheel
• a rebuke of apathy
• commended but careless
• exercising suspicion and aiming for intoxication
4. So What?
• Because God is jealous for you, you should be zealous for Him.
• connection to Christ: Psa. 69:9, Jn. 2:17 and Rom. 12:11
• “Self may its poor reward obtain and be applauded here; but zeal the best applause will gain when Jesus shall appear.” (“Zeal Is That Pure and Heavenly Flame,” John Newton)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 14, 2022
Synchronized Providence
2 Kings 8:1-6
1. Introduction
• connection to 4:8-37: a prophet’s chamber, a promised son and a restoration of life
• the concept of providence
2. The Impermanence of Circumstances 1-2
• from national to personal
• Elisha’s famine-warning system
• a remembered kindness: house remodel for a holy man (Matt. 10:40-42)
3. The Capacity to Restore 3-5
• a crying out to the king: house and field
• an ear-full from Gehazi
• repetition of “restore”
• the LORD’S gracious timing
4. The Truths of Grace and Governance 6
• a massive testimony
• illustration of Proverbs 21:1 and Matthew 6:28-34
• the word heeded: nothing lost and everything gained
• connection to Christ: a greater restoration
5. So What?
• In light of the LORD’S sustaining and restorative providence, take His word seriously and trust Him entirely.
• Determine to move from fascination to faithfulness.
• Remember the two “poles” of the LORD’S providence.
• “This is my anthem; this is my song, the theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long. God has been faithful; He will be again. His loving compassion; it knows no end. All I have need of, His hand will provide. He’s always been faithful to me.” (S. Groves)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 7, 2022
Guest Speaker: Jeff Chapman
Jeff Chapman and his wife, Angela, grew up in Arizona. Jeff served in the United States Air Force before spending 25 years in the corporate world. Since 2015, he has earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Theology degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a PhD in preaching under Dr. McKellar’s supervision.
A Treasure of Immeasurable Worth
2 Timothy 1:8-18
Context:
– Paul’s final letter from prison to his disciple Timothy
o Deeply emotional
o Final opportunity to communicate what is most important
– Verses 1-7
o Paul loving and encouraging Timothy reminding him who he was and how he became who he was by the mercy and grace of God
o Further encouraging Timothy by praying for him constantly
o Reminding Timothy of the faith that dwelt in him
o Challenging Timothy to fan into flame this gift of faith and the Holy Spirit
o Reminding Timothy that despite the daunting task, the Holy Spirit that was in them is one of power, love, and self-control
– “therefore” …
– Because the gospel is so precious, passionately protect and proudly promote it
I. Suffer Boldly and Without Shame
a. For the gospel
b. By the power of God
c. With our brothers and sisters in Christ
d. Because God and Christ are worth it
Question: When faced with suffering, how would you respond?
II. Follow Faithfully
a. Cling to the truth in faith and love
b. Communicate the truth in faith and love
Question: What are you clinging to?
III. Protect Militantly
a. Safeguard the gospel from evil
b. Safeguard the gospel by the power of the Spirit
Question: Who are you discipling?
IV. Evaluate and Shape your legacy mindfully
a. Stand with the One
b. Fall with the Two
Question: Where will your legacy land?
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 31, 2022
Unclean and Unnamed
2 Kings 7:3-20
1. Introduction/Background 6:24-7:2
• Syrian siege of Samaria
• scarcity of food
2. Intention of This Text
• the Bible: not written to magnify men
• primary emphasis: “For the Lord Himself…” (6-7)
• “…made the army…hear the sound…”
• crafted to call attention to the Lord’s wisdom and power
• twilight coordination (5, 7)
3. Instruments in This Text
• 4 lepers: outcasts who assess, act and announce (3-5, 8-10)
• 1 servant: open to the connection between promise and proclamation (11-15)
• 1 opposing army: potential destroyers become the means of powerful deliverance (16-20)
• according to the word of the LORD
4. So What?
• Knowing that the Lord’s capacity to accomplish His purposes is unlimited, live with unlimited dependence on Him.
• “Maximize the message; minimize the messenger.” (Al Fasol)
• Celebrate the unceasing praise of unlikely people. (1. Cor. 1:27-31)
• Consider a greater deliverance. (Col. 1:13-14)
• “O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall. We’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all…” (E. Perronet)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 24, 2022
The Last Word
2 Kings 1:1-18
1. Note the Contrasting Departures
• Ahaziah and Elijah
• down and up (1:2. 2:11)
2. Consider the Issue of Crisis Consultation 1-2
• In times of stress, one’s true spiritual temperature registers.
• After his fall, Ahaziah inquires…
• messengers sent to Ekron
• Beelzebub (Matt. 12:22-24)
3. Observe the LORD’S Intercepting Intervention 3-8
• angelic messenger and Elijah
• repeated question: “Is it because…?”
• the hardened heart of Ahaziah
4. The LORD Answers with Fire 9-18
• ancient swat team
• consuming fire
• from prideful requirement to humble request
• the “last” word
5. So What?
• Because the sure word of the Lord covers and consumes, take it seriously and worship Him only.
• Joyfully embrace the jealousy of God and banish your baals.
• Hebrews 12:28-29: Rest in the covering provision and protection of Jesus!
• “Your word will be the last word. Your promises will stand forevermore. Man’s thoughts and all his plans will come to an end. But Your word will be the last word.” (T. Walker)
