Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 2, 2018

“Galatians and the Gospel of Freedom”   Galatians 1:1-10   Bible Study   09/02/18

This morning we will begin our survey of Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia. Its 6 chapters and 149 verses represent a rousing explanation and defense of the gospel in response to the purveyors of half-truths and heresies in every generation. After addressing Paul’s introduction to the letter (1:1-5), we will proceed to observe Paul’s bold and uncompromising assertion regarding the absolute uniqueness of the gospel.

I. Introduction: A Letter for Recovering Pharisees (1:1-5)

1. Understand what’s at stake 1

• not just Paul’s apostleship but the authenticity of the gospel
• source and agency: not human

2. Identify the recipients 2

• churches of Galatia-Roman province
• first missionary journey
• 48-49

3. Grasp the important greeting 3-5

• grace and peace
• enemies of grace: Judaizers

II. Don’t Fall for It! (1:6-10)

1. Assess your loyalty 6-7a

• danger of drifting
• different is not good!

2. Affirm your confidence 7b-9

• Judaizers: disturb and distort
• absolute and unchanging truth
• the message over the messenger
• no message means no mission

3. Align your ambition 10

• the man-pleaser accusation
• the issue of approval
• truth is to be declared and not negotiated
• Jesus didn’t pay it “some.”

III. So What?

• Because your natural tendency is to depend on yourself, actively embrace the medicine of grace.
• Because the gospel is God’s gospel, cling to it tenaciously.
• “Grace is opposed to earning, not effort.” (D. Willard)
• “Legalism is always nailing a sign to the cross that says, ‘necessary, but not enough.’” (MacGorman)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 26, 2018

Guest Speaker: Dr. Gary Timmons

“Salvation through Costly Sacrifice”   2 Samuel 24:1-25   Bible Study 08/26/18

I. Introduction

II. King David’s Nonsensical Census, vv. 1-9

• Yahweh’s anger (again) against Israel, v. 1a
• The agent and means of that anger, vv.1b-2
• Census-taking not always sinful, cf. Num. 1:2; 26:2
• Clues to David’s wrongful census, vv. 3; cf. 1 Chron. 21:6; Exod. 30:11-16

III. King David’s Repentance and Yahweh’s Discipline, vv. 10-17

• David’s smitten conscience and confession of sin, v.10 (cf. 1 Samuel 24:5)
• David’s choice of Yahweh’s sovereign mercy, vv. 11-14

IV. Yahweh’s judgment of David and Israel, vv. 15-17

• Comprehensive pestilence (Dan-Beersheba) up to Jerusalem, v. 16
• King David’s confession and substitutionary plea for the sheep, v.17

V. Salvation through Costly Sacrifice, vv. 18-25

• Costly sacrifice purchased, atoning sacrifice offered with divine approval, and judgment averted.

VI. So What?

• At the place where Abraham once held the knife over his son (Gen 22:1-19), David sees the angel of the Lord with sword ready to plunge into Jerusalem. In both cases, death is averted by sacrifice. Dillard, “David’s Census,” (1985, 107).
• Michael Wilcock adds: “The threshing-floor of Araunah becomes the place of divine wrath and divine mercy—foreshadowing the cross of Christ….” The Message of Chronicles, pp. 95-96. Cf. 1 Chron. 21:28-22:1; 2 Chron. 3:1; Gen. 22:2; Romans 8:32.
• “…Samuel ends with a picture of a future King whose sacrifice for sin saves the kingdom.” B. K. Waltke, An OT Theology, p. 678.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 19, 2018

“A Safe Kingdom and A Sad King”   2 Samuel 18:1-19:8   Bible Study   08/19/18

This morning we will return to our studies in 2 Samuel with a focus on Absalom’s downfall, his father David’s devastation and the Lord’s determination to preserve His king and kingdom. As we have done with previous passages, we again will note how the narration of the “David” story points ahead and forward to the story and ultimate triumph of David’s king.

I. Overview

• the narrator’s focus: downfall of Absalom and devastation of David
• the character presentation: Absalom is central, Joab is dominant, David is passive
• the ironic twists: things happen that should not happen

II. Directions from David (1-5)

• after events of 17:24-29
• deal gently…

III. Downfall of Absalom (6-18)

• brief battle synopsis
• detailed description of Absalom’s downfall
• the tree and the pit
• sobering reminder

IV. Drama of Two Messengers (19-32)

• Ahimaaz “stories”
• Cushite tells the complete “story”

V. Dropping the Truth-Bomb on David (19:33-19:8)

• impact of David’s grief
• reality-therapy for David
• grasping the depth of David’s grief (12:10)
• paradox: safe kingdom and sad king
• sovereignty over sentimentality

VI. So What?

• Because the preservation of God’s kingdom involves the perishing of its enemies, declare your loyalty now to His King and depend on Him to preserve you.
• connection to Christ: anointed and suffering King with a key distinction (Isa. 25:8; Rev. 21:4)
• “For me it was in the garden he prayed, ‘Not my will, but Thine,’ He shed no tears for His own griefs, but sweat-drops of blood for mine. How marvelous! How wonderful! and my song shall ever be; How marvelous! How wonderful! is my Savior’s love to me!” (C. Gabriel)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 12, 2018

Guest Speaker: Dr. David Norman

Chosen
1 Peter 1:1–2

This morning’s lesson breaks down the first two verses of 1 Peter. Written to believers sojourning in a foreign land, this passage reminds us that this world is not our home.

I. We are chosen “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”

• Gr. prognosis = lit. “to know before”
• Our salvation begins with God, not with ourselves
• If you are in Christ, there was never a time when you weren’t the object of God’s affection.

II. We are chosen “through the sanctifying work of the Spirit”

• Led by the Spirit
• Moved by the Spirit

III. We are chosen “to be obedient and to be sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ”

• The purpose of our salvation
• No one brings a list of conditions to the altar
• A covenant established

Peter’s letter offered words of encouragement to a scattered and suffering church. Their encouragement was not because of anything in themselves, but rather because of what God has done. May his words comfort us as we keep our eyes on Jesus in the midst of the storms.

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!