Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 14, 2016

“Kept Back” 1 Samuel 25 Bible Study 08/14/16

This morning we turn our attention to 1 Samuel 25 and its record of David’s interaction with Abigail and her husband. While 1 Samuel 24 reveals the restraint of David in refusing to harm Saul, 1 Samuel 25 recounts the role of Abigail and her servant in restraining David from “taking matters into his own hands.” It is a story of God’s providential prevention as He restrains His servant David and reminds him of His promises. Today, like David, we may need to be restrained and reminded.

I. A Purposeful Introduction (1-3)

-death of Samuel
-Nabal
-Abigail

II. Conflict: Nabal Lives Up To His Name (4-17)

-David’s request (4-9)
-Nabal’s rejection (10-11)
-David’s response (12-13)
-Servant’s testimony (14-17)

III. Intervention: Abigail Speaks With Wisdom (18-35)

-her preparations (18-19)
-David’s perspective: vengeance (20-22)
-Abigail’s plea (23-31)
-David’s perspective: restraint (32-35)

IV. Resolution: The LORD’S Coordination (36-42)

-Nabal parties (36)
-Abigail informs (37)
-Nabal’s demise (38)
-David’s gratitude (39-42)
-The LORD’S “surplus”: restraint and reinforcement

V. So What?

-Because the LORD superintends your steps and sustains you with His promises, worship Him as the One who “keeps you back.”
-“What loving hands construct the roadblocks to our foolishness! What mercy sends frustration to our purposes! What kindness puts hindrances in our path!” (Davis)
-Grasp the Kingdom connection and the absolutely unique role of Jesus (Heb. 12:3)
-“There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kindness in His justice, Which is more than liberty.” (F. Faber, 1854)
-“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.” (W. Cowper, 1774)