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.
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.
