Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 11, 2016

“Fearful and Fearless” 1 Peter 1: 17-21 Bible Study 09/11/16

In 1 Peter, a letter to believers who faced opposition for their faith and experienced persecution, Peter began with the twin challenges of hope and holiness. In our text this morning, he added another challenge that has confused and befuddled readers in subsequent generations. This challenge centered on the concept of godly fear. Godly fear, rightly understood, is the beginning of wisdom and the safeguard of holiness. 1:17-21 offers some profound incentives for believers to live both fearfully and fearlessly. Only as you fear the Lord properly can you face your future fearlessly.

I. Relish the responsibility of fearful living

-positive treatment in Scripture (Pr. 9:10, Isa. 66:2)
-a declaration to disciples (Lk. 12:4-7)
-conduct yourselves with fear

II. Reflect on the transitory nature of your life

-throughout the time of your exile
-a brief pilgrimage
-a temporary residency

III. Recognize the total impartiality of the Lord

-a Father who is judging
-without respect of persons
-according to each one’s works
-privileged status doesn’t convey a license to sin (Dt. 10:17-19)

IV. Remember the tremendous value of your deliverance

-immeasurable worth
-precious blood
-unblemished lamb
-eternal origin: foreknown before the foundation…
-divine certification: raised and glorified

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 4, 2016

“A Living Hope” 1 Peter 1:3-9 Bible Study 09/04/16

I. Introduction

-background/context for 1 Peter:
-distinction between temporary station and eternal destination
-hope: stabilization without stagnation
-Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, you can have a hope that never dies.

II. A Living Hope Rests in a Supernatural Power (3)

-“The resurrection is God’s ‘amen’ to Christ’s statement, ‘It is finished!’” (Johnson)

III. A Living Hope Rests in a Secure Possession (4)

-four observations about the believer’s inheritance

IV. A Living Hope Rests in a Superior Protection (5)

-the constant surveillance of omnipotence

V. A Living Hope Rests in a Sensitized Perspective (6-7)

-three observations about the believer’s trials

VI. A Living Hope Rests in an Unseen and Incomparable Person

-“Let us never live another day as if He were dead.” (Marshall)
-“…He then is all my Hope and stay…” (Mote)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 28, 2016

“From Tragedy to Triumph” 1 Samuel 30 Bible Study 08/28/16

This morning we turn our attention to 1 Samuel 30. One might say that this chapter “drips with drama.” David and his men have just escaped the trap of having to fight with the Philistines against Israel (see I Samuel 29) as a result of God’s mercy and the suspicion of the Philistines. 1 Samuel 30 is a powerful story which moves from tragedy to triumph. After leading his men from Aphek to Ziklag, David encounters tragedy. However, as the chapter progresses, the reader may observe the great emphasis placed on his ultimate triumph. Such a triumph is grounded in the providence and promises of God.

I. Disaster at Ziklag (1-6a)

-raid and capture
-deep distress

II. Request for Guidance (6b-8)

-“…strengthened himself in the LORD…”
-Abiathar and the ephod

III. Division and Discovery (9-15)

-division of troops at Besor
-discovery of an Egyptian slave

IV. Victory over the Amalekites (16-17)

V. Recovery and Reunion (18-21)

VI. Appreciation at Besor and Distribution at Ziklag (22-31)

-complaint and resolution
-the “grace” approach
-wise attribution and distribution

VII. So What?

-Because God specializes in transforming tragedy into triumph, acknowledge His presence and arm yourselves with His promises.
-Affirm the biblical reality of “tribulation” in this world (John 16:33).
-Seize the privilege of access to the ultimate Priest (Heb. 4:14-16).
-Expect and anticipate the providential working of God.
-Recognize that David’s triumph points ahead to the greater triumph of Jesus Christ (Psa. 110:1).
-“Yahweh will rule, this I know, for the Amalekites tell me so. If not, why get out of bed tomorrow?” (D. R. Davis)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 21, 2016

“A Spear and A Sparing” 1 Samuel 26 Bible Study 08/21/16

This morning we turn our attention to 1 Samuel 26 and its story of the last recorded encounter in Scripture between David, the anointed King, and Saul, the rejected King. After some introductory verses, this chapter may be viewed in three key sections. Within these sections are recorded four “speeches” of David. These “speeches” convey the theological weight of the chapter and reveal David’s increasingly informed restraint as well as the Lord’s continued reinforcement/reminder that David is indeed His chosen instrument.

I. Setting The Scene (1-5)
-the Ziphites again!
-Saul stalks
-David gathers information

II. David’s Informed Restraint (6-12a)

-David’s invitation
-the significance of a spear
-Abishai’s request
-David’s response

III. The Lord’s Protective Enablement (12b-16)

-The Lord at work!
-conversation with Abner
-the “disarming” of Saul

IV. David’s Distress And Determination (17-25)

-the “my son” treatment
-David’s distress about injustice
-valuing the ordinances of public worship
-spear return
-David’s resolute determination

V. So What?

-Because the Lord is in charge even when His ways frequently baffle you, prioritize obedience to His will and the opportunity to worship with His people.
-The best place to leave every matter is in the Lord’s hands.
-“Do the next thing.” (Carmichael/Elliot)
-Treasure the privilege of biblical community.
-Explore the issue of your ultimate hope.

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)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 7, 2016

Guest Speaker: Dr. Madison Grace

The Antithesis of a Leader

1 Samuel 22:6-17

There are many places in the narratives concerning Saul that we can see his lack of wisdom. The passage today especially highlights Saul’s leadership principles and presents to us the antithesis of what a leader should look like.

1. Use of Intimidation (vv. 6-8)

2. Use of Questionable Characters (9-10)

3. Use of Emotion over Fact (11-15)

4. Use of Intolerant Retribution (16)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 31, 2016

“A Case of Divine Protection” 1 Samuel 18-19 Bible Study 07/31/16

At the death of Goliath more than the ground shakes. His death signals a seismic shift of the landscape of leadership in ancient Israel. With increasing intensity, the text of 1 Samuel contrasts the rise of the Lord’s anointed servant and the demise of the Lord’s rejected servant. However, the real “hero” of these chapters is not David. Rather, it is the sovereignly resourceful God who protects His servant from repeated “landmines” of intrigue and danger.

I. Observe the contrasting responses to the Lord’s servant (18:1-9)

-esteem of Jonathan: covenant and divestment (1-6)
-envy of Saul: angry eyes (7-9)

II. Observe the validation of the Lord’s servant (18:10-30)

-representative repetitions: success (5,14,15,30), presence (12,14,28), loved (1,3,16,22,28), fear/awe (12,15,29)
-spear evasion (10-11)
-military mobilization (12-16)
-marriage alliance (17-29)
-more military success (30)

III. Observe the deliverance of the Lord’s servant (19:1-24)

-intervention of Jonathan (1-7)
-another spear evasion (8-10)
-intervention of Michal (11-17)
-intervention of the Spirit (18-24)

IV. So What?

-Because David’s God is your God, you can relish His protection and rely on it.
-“Sometimes the clearest evidence that God has not deserted you is not that you
are successfully past your trial but that you are still standing in the middle of it.” (Davis)
-Make a bigger deal about the source of your protection than the means of your protection.
-While faithfulness to the Lord does bring assurance and comfort, understand that it also invites opposition and conflict.
-Assured of God’s protection, what task do you need to tackle for Him?
-Praise God for His ultimate deliverance and protection in Jesus Christ!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 24, 2016

Guest Speaker: David Norman.

The Battle is the Lord’s

1 Sam 17:3–11
When God’s people wander, threats
loom large.

1 Sam 17:12–15
Rather than seeking glory, seek to be
obedient.

1 Sam 15:16–30
John Calvin: “A dog barks when his master is
attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s
truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.”

1 Sam 15:31–39
Remember who you are and where you come from.
1 Sam 15:40–51
David is not the hero of the story;
God is.
God displayed his mighty power by
delivering his people through David.

The Battle is the Lord’s.

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.