Philippians 2 "Put On The Mind Of Christ"

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (vv.3-5)

Boy these words are the key to solving many of today’s problems. Selfish ambition, vain conceit, looking out for number one, all these seem to be the norm and even the church has been infected and motivated by competition in areas like, attendance, performance, facilities, growth. This just should not be.

Paul tells us we are to value the interests of others above ourselves and do nothing out of self-ambition or vain conceit. This means having a servants heart, doing for others first, putting others needs above our own without a single thought of recognition or reward. This enables us to be truly concerned with the circumstances of those around us, and allows us to be more caring, empathetic human beings, with no agendas.

Knowing the sufferings, and the hurts of others fills us with compassion for people and allows us to “put on the Humility of Christ.” When you are prepared to be weak and helpless so far as your own energies are concerned, then He may put forth in your life the mighty energy of that power which raised Christ from the dead.

Therefore be humble not selfish, think of others rather than yourself, and thus put on the mind of Christ.

The Truth: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Philippians 1 "God Is In Control"

"Be confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will compete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (v.6)

While in prison Paul was not thinking of himself or his situation, but of the bond of Christ’s love that had brought he and the church of Philippi together (v.5). So much so that he encouraged his fellowship that the LORD will perform His perfect work in their lives. That He will continue to work in them until the day of Jesus Christ (vv.6-10), which included Paul himself. Therefore, he was right where God wanted him to be, and that all things (which were happening to him), were for the furtherance of the gospel (vv.12-14). 

The same can be said for us. While we are not in chains, God is in control of our lives. Whether calm seas or rough water, comfort or uneasiness, joy or sorrow, He is working in us until the day of Jesus Christ, “both to will and to do His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). So hang on guys, enjoy the ride, and lean on Him every day. 

The Truth: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

2 Samuel 24 “Love Costs”

 “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. (v.24)

Here in chapter 24 David would not sacrifice anything to God which cost him nothing. No way is he going to approach God with his prayers and supplications for Israel with anything less than a worthy expression of his love. Therefore, he purchased the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver, built an altar there and sacrificed to the LORD. 

Similarly, God’s love for us cost Him something, His only Son. And Jesus, willingly paid that price for us, becoming our sacrificial lamb. How then can our love for Him not cost us something as well?  

Scripture tells us that, “Anyone who is in Christ, is a new creation; old things will pass away; behold, all things will become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, as He begins a new work in us, we will loose interest in old habits, friends, places, activities and begin to deny our fleshly desires without even realizing it. 

And there’s our cost, giving up our old sinful life. But what shall we mind if we gain Christ? What a deal!

The Truth: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

2 Samuel 23 "David's Speech"

"He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, By clear shining after rain. Truly is not my house so with God? For He has made an everlasting covenant with me, ordered in all things, and secured; For all my salvation and all my desire, will He not indeed make it grow? (vv.1-5)

Although David was not technically on his death bed, today’s reading constitutes his “last words” (v.1), pointing to a future king from his house. The first part of David’s speech (given to him by God) was about the qualities of ideal leadership: ruling “people in righteousness” and “in the fear of God” (v.3). God’s picture of the ideal ruler, then, points us to the day when that picture will be fulfilled completely—in the eternal reign of Christ in His kingdom. For no earthly man could do this, not even David. David’s words then contain hints at what is yet to come.

Next David’s speech moved to his own response to God’s picture of, the ideal ruler. While we see that (in part) David met these qualifications, his words also point us to something bigger, beyond himself. It was not just David in focus here, but his “house”; not just David’s present kingdom, but God’s promised “everlasting covenant” (v. 5).

Again, we look forward to a future ruler from the house of David that will reign with a righteousness that renews and restores - the return of king Jesus. Until then, pray that God will continue to raise up mighty men and women who are willing to risk all to serve Him, as we have seen here in the book of 2 Samuel.

The Truth: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:” (Matthew 1:1) 

2 Samuel 22 "A Psalm Of Praise"

“They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (vv.19-20)

Poet, warrior, father, king … adulterer, murderer—David was all of these things. And yet he is also called a man after God's own heart. Perhaps more than any other biblical character, David embodies the tension of fallen man in a relationship with a holy God. Despite his monumental failure with Bathsheba and all the fallout from it, David never rebelled against God. He repented and the Lord remained loyal to His promises to him (2 Samuel 12, Psalm 51).

Now, near the end of his life, David is looking back at all God’s protection, provision and even the punishment through the years and he writes this beautiful song of praise. As one reads through the entire song, we can’t help but find in David’s words, our own desperation for God’s help. His song moves us to believe that victory is possible, no matter what we have done.  

Thoughtful, poetic praise of God was an important part of David’s life, as it should be in ours too. Take a moment and look back over your life the past week, month, year – I’m sure you’ll find pleanty to be thankful for, then sing His praises. 

The Truth:

“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:1)

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (2 Chronicles 16:41) 

2 Chronicles 35 "Refrain From Meddling"

"What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I (king Necho) have not come against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; for God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroy you.” (v.21)

Josiah was a great leader, but he died seemingly unnecessarily because he got involved in a needless battle, a battle that was not his. Why he did not heed the word of warning from king Necho of Egypt, the Scriptures do not tell us. Maybe he was looking for a reason to fight against Babylonians at Carchemish, maybe he just wanted to go to war, or maybe he was not going to let some Egyptian tell him, a Jew, what God’s will was (pride). Nevertheless, Josiah, a great man, who did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, and followed in the footsteps of his father David, became entangled in a fight that was not his, and he paid for it with his life.

Oh that we might learn from him and not meddle in needless affairs, debates, gossip, or political opinions of others. Instead, that we would fight against the feeling we have to have an opinion on everything, weigh in on every discussion, or get involved in every debate. It can only led to strife, disappointment, and maybe even like Josiah, an unnecessary mortal wound. The scriptures tell us in James, "The wisdom from above is first pure (no motive), then peaceable and gentle, easy to accept (no strife), full of mercy and good fruit (a blessing)", that's how we know it's from heaven.

A word of advice, have a light touch with the world and its crusades, do not be drawn into its endless or senseless debates. But, be in touch with God and be open to His leading in your life through His Holy Word. You don't have to fight every battle,

The Truth: “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

2 Samuel 21 "The Avenger Of Blood"

Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, “It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites.” (v.1)

Israel was experiencing a three-year famine. For an agricultural nation, famine was devastating, but scripture also tells us in Deuteronomy 28, that an extended famine for Israel meant divine cursing. David knew this, so he consulted God and learned that the famine was the result of Saul’s previous treatment of the Gibeonites braking a covenant of peace made by Joshua with them (Joshua 9). 

David knew he had to do something about this and so he went to the Gibeonites and asked them "What may I do for you?" They made it clear that they didn’t want money or direct retribution. Though Saul made a wholesale slaughter of the Gibeonites, they didn’t ask for the same among the people of Israel. they asked that, "seven men of king Saul's descendants be delivered to them." In those ancient times, the request of the Gibeonites was considered reasonable. Instead of money or an “eye for an eye” they only asked for justice against Saul through his descendants. David agreed to this (I will give them), thereby becoming the “avenger of blood” atoning for that which had polluted the land because of Saul’s sin.

This chapter tells us a lot about sin and covenant disobedience as well. They come with the real consequences of pain and suffering, which must ultimately be dealt with. It also reminds us of another horrific act in which Jesus became the avenger of blood for us through His death on the cross. With it, came His promise (covenant) to us of salvation to all who believe.

Thank God for His love in providing atonement through His Son Jesus Christ’s blood. The lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The Truth: “..We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10) 

2 Samuel 20 "The Rebel Sheba"

"And there happened to be a rebel, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. And he blew a trumpet, and said: “We have no part in David, nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse.” (v.1)

There has always been the struggle between good and evil. Sense the beginning, Satan has been throwing doubt into the hearts and minds of men leading them to choose evil instead of good, drawing them to the dark side. Here in our text, Sheba, from the tribe of Benjamin (king Saul’s tribe) takes advantage of the infighting going on between the 12 tribes to bring a new rebellion against king David’s reign just when it seemed the tribes were ready for unification.

Scripture teaches that all of us have a rebel living in us, and if we’re not careful, this rebel will take us down. Romans 3:10 reminds us, “There is none righteous, no not one, none who understand, none who seek after God” (v.12). This signifies that a part of us doesn’t want to obey, surrender or submit to anyone, not even God - and that rebellion is human nature. Sheba’s misleading claim not only led others to rebel, (to bite the apple so to speak) but, to his eventual death as well. Sound familiar?

The sad consequence from this story is found in the last line of our text, from the mouth of Sheba, “nor do we have any inheritance in the son of Jesse.” David was God’s chosen leader of the people, a foreshadowing of king Jesus. Sheba, by denouncing David, was denouncing God’s Son and His kingdom. Thereby, revoking his inheritance.

Scripture reminds us, “Only the fool has said in his heart there is no God.” Just as Sheba rebelled against David and lost everything, so will those who deny God lose their citizenship in heaven.

The Truth: “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” ( Matthew 10:33)

2 Samuel 19 “The Return Of The King”

“Thus he (Abiathar the priest) turned the hearts of all the men of Judah as one man, so that they sent word to the king, saying, “Return, you and all your servants.The king then returned and came as far as the Jordan.” (v.14-15a)

Today’s passage depicts the return of King David after the rebellion against him. This account is hardly glorious for there was still much infighting between the 12 tribes and not everyone was excited to see the return of the king. Some were worried because of the part they played in the rebellion against him. While others were happy at the defeat of Absalom and the prospect of a united kingdom.

This could be a picture of another coming king and the mixed attitudes of the people around us every day. We know that not everyone will meet Jesus in the same way when He returns. Some will be excited and happy but many others will be caught off guard and be fearful. The big question for all of us is how will we meet the King? 

If you’re fearful, then you need to repent this very moment and bring back the king in your life and serve Him today.

The Truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

2 Samuel 18 "The LORD Preserved David"

"And the LORD preserved David wherever he went. So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people.” (v.14-15)

This chapter contains a summary account of the wars by which David established the supremacy of Israel among the surrounding nations. In less than twenty verses we are told of David’s conflict with and victory over the Philistines, the Moabites, Hadadezer king of Zobah, the Arameans, the Edomites, the Ammonites, and the Amalekites. It also emphasizes the type of victory David enjoyed. 

First, we see that this was a divine victory. Twice Scripture says, “The LORD gave David victory wherever he went” (vv. 6, 14). Second, we are shown that this was no temporary victory—God was establishing a stable kingdom that would last. And finally, the text indicates that David recognized God’s hand and responded appropriately.

The key to God’s preservation of David was, he recognized from whose hand it all came. David never went out in his own strength, he constantly inquired of the LORD, followed His direction and gave the glory to God. Thus, wherever David went, the LORD preserved him, even during his own personal struggles.

Again we are given a blueprint by David, this time on how to be victorious in our lives.  Armor up, Inquire of the Lord, follow His direction, and give the glory to God.  

The Truth: “For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.” 

2 Samuel 17 "God Is In Control"

"And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil on Absalom.” (v.14)

In 2 Samuel 15:31, when David learned that Ahithophel was among the conspirators with Absalom, he prayed that God would turn Ahithopel’s counsel into foolishness. However here in chapter 17, Ahithophel gives Absalom excellent counsel on defeating king David (vv.1-3). So how will this counsel get turned around to no effect? Enter Hushai king David’ friend.

Hushai was in Jerusalem when Absalom and all the people of Israel arrived looking for the King (16:15). Absalom, being convinced by Hushai that he was no longer loyal to king David, asked him for his counsel on the best course of action for capturing the king. As we can see by our text, Hushai’s counsel was deemed better that Ahithophel’s. This was the first time anyone said this – people always favored the advice of Ahithophel. But God turned the hearts of these men to accomplish the eventual end of Absalom.

This speaks to the fact that God will bend events, people, plans to His will and His purpose. While we, like Absalom, may think we are in control, we could not be further from the truth. He has an overruling hand in all counsels and bends men’s hearts as the rivers of water.  J.P. Morgan states, “This is one of the great principles of life which every page of the Bible emphasizes and illustrates. Men cannot escape God. They go their own way, but that way never sets them free from the authority and the invincible power of God.”

The Truth: "Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)