Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 17, 2016

“A Matter of the Heart” 1 Samuel 16:1-23 Bible Study 07/17/16

Our text this morning focuses on the selection of David to be Israel’s king after the tragic demise of Saul. The key emphasis in this text is the Lord’s provision for Himself of a king for His people. As we shall see, the Lord confounds the expectations of Samuel in selecting a king. His focus is decidedly internal as opposed to the external orientation of fallen humans.

I. A Cause for Hope (1-5)

-Saul has failed
-Samuel is grieved
-the LORD’S provision
-particular instructions

II. A Case of Sovereign Wisdom (6-7)

-appeal of Eliab
-how the LORD “sees”
-the external and the internal

III. A Scene of Surprise Selection (8-13)

-seven sons: no selection
-summons for David
-the LORD’s specific instruction
-David’s anointing and endowment

IV. Grasping the Saul/David Contrast (14-23)

-with reference to the Spirit
-rejected king/anointed king
-seeking relief from his successor
-connection to Christ (John 2:25; Isa. 53:2-3).

V. So What?

-Because we lack discernment and tend to make superficial evaluations, trust the LORD to make provision for leadership
in His Kingdom.
-ultimate example: Jesus Christ
-“Sometimes Yahweh must save us from our saviors, our self-chosen solutions to kingdom needs or personal dilemmas.”
(Davis)
-“Do not be guided by expediency but by divine authority.” (Spurgeon)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 10, 2016

Guest Speaker: David Norman

Disobedience and the Majesty of God

1 Sam 15:7–9
Partial obedience is disobedience.
We serve the Lord on his terms,
not our own.

1 Sam 15:10–12a
Disobedience reveals the object of our
worship.
We are to seek the fame of God’s name,
not our own.

1 Sam 15:12b–15
Disobedience dulls our senses.
We are to trust his wisdom,
not our own.

God will not be bargained with.
He demands absolute obedience. Anything less
is an affront to his majesty.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 3, 2016

“A Farewell and Fear Address” 1 Samuel 12:1-25 Bible Study 07/03/16

After Saul’s installment as king and his defeat of the Ammonites, 1 Samuel 12 records Samuel’s final address to the people of Israel. This address includes elements of both confrontation and comfort as he challenges the people to fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully. This text has some striking applications for our country and for us as individuals, particularly in light of Monday’s July 4th celebrations.

I. The Setting

-covenant: to bind, clasp or fetter
-Gilgal: to roll away (1 Samuel 11:12-15; Josh. 5:9)
-Israel has failed again
-Samuel’s agenda: repentance and renewal

II. The Case against God’s People (12:1-15)

-vindication of Samuel 1-5
-accusation and guilt of Israel 6-12
-alternatives presented 13-15

III. The Fear upon God’s People (12:16-19)

-Israel’s obstinacy
-needed: a visual aid
-thunder/rain in dry season
-indication of the LORD’S assessment
-Israel fears

IV. The Grace over God’s People (12:20-25)

-don’t be afraid
-go forward in fidelity
-The LORD’S motivation: His great name
-Samuel’s preoccupation
-pointing to One greater than Samuel

V. So What?

-Let the contrast between your great infidelity and God’s great fidelity drive you to a perspective of reverential fear.
-Regularly rehearse the faithfulness of God.
-Recognize that the Christian life is an ongoing process of repentance and renewal.
-“Neither the church nor individual Christians should be above truthful terror.” (Davis)
-“’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear…” (Newton)
-“Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!…” (Crosby)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 26, 2016

“The King Issue and You” 1 Samuel 7:3-8:22 Bible Study 06/26/16

After the episode of the ark and its return to Israel, the focus of 1 Samuel turns again to the prophetic ministry of Samuel. Chapter 7 records his courageous call for covenant faithfulness and his leadership in the conquest of the Philistines. In chapter 8, we encounter Israel’s demand for a king and the LORD’s response. This chapter challenges us today with reference to where our ultimate allegiance is placed.

I. Samuel’s elevation (7:3-17)

-putting away of idols
-Philistines subdued
-Samuel’s circuit

II. Samuel’s sons and their degradation (8:1-3)

-appointed by Samuel
-complete failure

III. The LORD’S interpretation (8:4-9)

-demand for a king
-Samuel’s response
-The LORD’S analysis

IV. Samuel’s admonition (8:10-18)

-repetition of “take”
-insight from Deut. 17:14-20

V. The motivation of the people (8:19-20)
-refusal to obey
-“…like all the nations…”

VI. The LORD’S authorization (8:21-22)
-instructions to Samuel
-“…make them a king.”

VII. So What?

-Because He alone is the creator and sustainer of His people, confidently pledge your ultimate allegiance to the LORD.
-Avoid the lure of idolatry.
-Assess problems spiritually rather than mechanically.
-Overcome the aversion to holiness.
-Aim to focus more on relying than prescribing.
-“The dearest idol I have known, Whate’er that idol be, Help me to tear it from Thy throne, And worship only Thee.” (Cowper)
-“Desperation is never in trouble when it rests on omnipotence.” (Davis)
-“Don’t expect the Kingdom of God to come riding in on Air Force One.” (Colson)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 19, 2016

“The Heavy Hand of Yahweh” 1 Samuel 5:1-7:2 Bible Study 06/19/16

Our focus this morning is on the account of the Philistine capture and return of the ark of the covenant. This account teaches us some timeless lessons about the character of God. As it does this, it obliterates sub-biblical and superstitious perspectives of Him which, sadly, are all too common even among His professed followers today.

I. Leading up to Chapter 5

-Philistines capture the ark
-death of Eli

II. See the Striking Contrast (5:1-5)

-Dagon: a god you have to pick up
-Yahweh: The God who is supreme

III. Note the Heavy Hand (5:6-6:12)

-judgment on Philistine cities
-giving glory to Yahweh
-return of the ark

IV. Heed the Holy Standard (6:13-7:2)

-worship offered at Beth-Shemesh
-consequences for treating the holy as common
-recognition of holiness

V. So What?

-Because Yahweh reveals Himself as supreme and holy, banish superstitious and sub-biblical thoughts of Him.
-Acknowledge three key attributes: supremacy, severity and sanctity. (D. R. Davis)
-“It is the absence of godly fear that signifies a lack of the knowledge of God.” (J. Edwards)
-See the connection of this text to the cross of Christ!
-Worship the Lord who “picks up” His people.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 12, 2016

“By The Word of the Lord” 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Bible Study 06/12/16

This morning we turn our attention to the call of the prophet Samuel. In a dark period for His people, the LORD brings light by raising up one who would be a faithful conduit of His word. Through Samuel, the word of the LORD would flow freely and the people would be blessed. His role as a prophet is the beginning of a line that culminates in the LORD’S ultimate prophet, Jesus.

I. Context Leading to 1 Samuel 3

-end of the Judges period: moral decline
-cycle of instability rooted in idolatry
-rise of Samuel/fall of Eli and sons

II. Conditions at Shiloh (1-3)

-the boy Samuel: temple servant
-word of the LORD: “rare”
-infection of sin
-just before morning

III. Call of Samuel (4-9)

-The LORD called…
-Samuel’s status
-Eli’s perception
-Samuel’s response
-The LORD’S kindness

IV. Revelation to Samuel (10-14)

-ear-quivering action
-bad news confirmed for Eli (2:27-38)
-severe and irrevocable judgment

V. Report to Eli (15-18)

-prophetic tension
-Eli’s request
-Samuel’s faithfulness
-Eli’s response

VI. Validation of Samuel (19-21)

-progress and presence
-no prophetic “flops”
-all Israel knew…

VII. So What?

-Because spiritual health hinges on the word of the LORD, accept it gratefully and apply it diligently.
-Recognize the distinction between preachers/teachers today and an OT prophet.
-Consider the commentary of 2 Peter 1:16-21.
-The people of God are blessed when the word of God flourishes.
-“Thou hast the true and perfect gentleness, no harshness hast Thou and no bitterness…”
-Reflect on your response to God’s prophet, Jesus (Heb. 1:1-4).

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 5, 2016

“Setting the Stage” 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 Bible Study 06/05/16

The story of Samuel’s birth sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God’s plan for His people following the period of the Judges. As God’s man, Samuel would bridge the gap between the period of the Judges and the United Kingdom of Israel and anoint its first two kings.

I. The Period in History

-Israel: moral chaos, oppression from the Philistines, corrupt priesthood
-transition from loose confederation to united kingdom
-“God’s greatness is the umbrella over every story.” (Eric Geiger)

II. The People in the Story

-Elkanah: “…a certain man…” and husband
-Hannah: “Grace”, childless wife of Elkanah
-Peninnah: “Red”, child-bearing wife of Elkanah
-Eli: priest at Shiloh
-Hophni and Phinehas: sons of Eli, corrupt priests
-Samuel: “Asked of God”, born to Hannah, man of God

III. The Problem for Hannah

-childless: “…the LORD had closed her womb.” (1:5-6)
-provocation from Peninnah (1:6-8)
-pouring out her soul: repetition of “servant” (1:11)
-the two responses of Eli (1:14, 17)

IV. The Providence of God

-“…and the LORD remembered her.” (1:19)
-“Hannah had a problem she couldn’t solve and a person she couldn’t change.” (Mark Howell)
-The LORD knows you and sees you where you are.
-God’s providence may be perplexing but it is always perfect.
-Life, in its daily “grind,” means more than you think it does. (contrast: Samuel and Eli’s sons)
-Awareness of God’s providence leads to eruption of praise (2:1-11)
-Because the LORD is great and in control, trust Him to be faithful when your circumstances are painful and perplexing.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 29, 2016

Guest speaker: Dr. Madison Grace

“Accepting the Ethnically Different” Acts 10:9-26

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 22, 2016

“Forward Progress” Acts 9:31-43 Bible Study 05/22/16

This morning we turn our attention to a powerful account of the early church’s progress which is rooted in the power of Jesus. After observing the status of the church following Paul’s return to Tarsus, we will examine two key miracles which point to its continuing progress for the glory of God.

I. Observe the Atmosphere (31)

-previously: persecution, violence, scattering…
-now: peace, edification
-moving forward with fear and comfort

II. Note the Progress Connected to a Paralytic’s Healing (32-35)

-from Paul to Peter
-Lydda: Samaritan territory
-Aeneas and paralysis
-correspondence to Luke 5:24
-credit to Jesus
-…and they turned to the Lord.

III. Note the Progress Connected to the Drama of a Dead Woman’s Restoration (36-43)

-Joppa: 10 miles from Lydda
-Tabitha/Dorcas: excels in serving
-death and grief
-…washed…upper room.
-request for Peter
-restoration: correspondence to Luke 8:40-56 and 1 Kings 17:17-24
-…and many believed in the Lord.
-hint of more progress to come: verse 43

IV. So What?

-Because Jesus is the supernatural power source behind the church, trust Him to transform circumstances and transform people.
-Abandon hand-wringing for heart-singing!
-“The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend, To guide, sustain and cherish, Is with her to the end: Though there be those who hate her, And false sons in her pale, Against both foe and traitor, She ever will prevail. Though with a scornful wonder, Men see her sore oppressed, By schisms rent asunder, By heresies distressed: Yet saints their watch are keeping, Their cry goes up, ‘How long?’, And soon the night of weeping, Shall be the morn of song! (Samuel Stone, 1866)
-“This is my Father’s world, Should my heart be ever sad? The Lord is King-let the heavens ring, God reigns-let the earth be glad.” (Maltbie Babcock, 1901)
-Savor the sense of being a part of something that is supernatural and unstoppable!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 15, 2016

“From Persecution to Proclamation” Acts 9:1-20 Bible Study 05/15/16

Our text this morning focuses on the dramatic conversion experience of Saul of Tarsus. The significance of his conversion is indicated by the fact that there are three accounts of it recorded in Acts. The sovereignty of the Lord Jesus in initiating and orchestrating this conversion, when it is considered carefully, is absolutely stunning!

I. Introduction

-observations regarding “shocker” conversions
-major emphases: Holy Spirit, Church growth/health, external/internal opposition
-context: following Stephen’s stoning and Philip’s encounter
-conversion accounts: Acts 9, 22, 26

II. Intercepted by Jesus (1-6)

-extensive opposition
-sovereign initiative
-light and voice
-sovereign interrogation
-first orders

III. Orchestration according to Sovereignty (7-20)

-speechless companions
-significant blindness
-agency of Ananias
-election of Saul: chosen instrument
-synagogue “shock”

IV. So What?

-Because the Lord Jesus is sovereign and sufficient in saving sinners, you can have hope for yourself and for the people you long to see converted.
-Connect persecution and proclamation (Phil. 3:12)
– “Healthy things grow…Growing things change…Change challenges us…Challenge forces us to trust God…Trust leads to obedience…Obedience makes us healthy…Healthy things grow” (J. Ryle)
-“Understand that God had you in mind when he saved Saul (1 Tim. 1:15-16).” (Piper)
-Joyfully recognize that Christianity is a converting religion.
-“O, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me…” (F. Whitfield, 1855)