Author Archives: John Sanzone

Oct 17, 2021. I Thessalonians 5:5-8

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NO TIME TO SLUMBER.  I Thessalonians 5:5-8.  10/17/2021.  #12.

1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 [New King James Version]

5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

  1. Called to be light
    1. Believers are called to be light, salt, mature (telos = often translated as perfect), sober, living sacrifices, examples, witnesses, and servants
    1. Light (phos, as in photon, photograph, photosynthesis) = can mean literally light or spiritual illumination, understanding
      1.  Believers are to be spiritual illumination to a lost world to expose sin, lead others to a saving knowledge of God, and to show the ways of God
      1.  Beacons of spiritual light pointing to eternal truth
    1. Believers are to be children of the day when there is light
      1.  Day can mean a 24 hr. period, the time between sunrise and sunset, an indefinite period of time, or spiritual illumination
      1.  We have come to the light and are in daylight
  2. Called out of darkness
    1. Darkness = only used a few times in NT to mean night
      1.  Darkness = evil, unenlightened, wickedness, debauchery, or Satanic
      1.  Anyone not is the light is automatically in darkness (born as sinners) = no twilight, dusk, or moonlight—only darkness and light
    1. Men love darkness rather than light (Jn. 3:19)
      1.  Eph. 6:10-13 – the demons are rulers of darkness
      1.  EPH. 5:6-14 – believers are to have no fellowship with the works of darkness, but we are to expose the evil they do
      1.  Col. 1:13 believers have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of his love
        1.  2 Cor. 10:3-5 believers have been given mighty tools to overcome power of dark.
        1.  Along with salvation comes the indwelling of the Spirit and strength from God
    1. Believers are delivered from power of darkness, but they can choose to live in darkness in rebellion against Lord
      1.  1 Jn. 2:11 if we hate our brothers, darkness has blinded us
      1.  1 Cor. 3 believers can live according to the flesh
  3. Called to be awake, aware, and active
    1. Sleep = used of rest, death of the saints, or spiritually unaware, unconcerned, and inactive
      1.  John 11 Lazarus was asleep (dead); 1 Corinthians 11
      1.  Mt. 26 the disciples slept while Jesus prayed
    1. Rom. 13:11 it is high time that the church awakes
      1.  Problem in OT, NT, and church age = God’s children remain spiritually asleep (drift through life)
      1.  Slumber = weak in Bible, prayer, service, witness and defense of the faith
    1. Church = called to spiritual warfare
      1.  Ephesians 6 called to put on armor of God
      1.  Acts 1 called to a bold witness
      1.  Hebrews 5 called to diligent Bible study (2 Timothy 2:15)
    1. Paul states that those asleep and drunk do so at night
      1.  We are children of the day
      1.  Ephesians 5:18 filled with Spirit and not wine
      1.  John 9:4-6 we must work while it is day (urgency)
      1.  Ephesians 5:16 time must be redeemed for the Lord
    1. We are called to an eternal purpose and ministry
      1.  Breastplate of faith and love (Ep. 6 righteousness)
      1.  Helmet = hope of salvation
      1.  Faith saves and trusts while love motivates
    1. Must see our lives as a calling from God

Key verse:  Ephesians 5:6-14

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

Oct 17, 2021. II Samuel 18:6-8

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THE PRICE OF LUST.  II Samuel 18:6-18.  10/17/2021.  #41.

II Samuel 18:6-18 [New King James Version]

6 So the people went out into the field of battle against Israel. And the battle was in the woods of Ephraim. 7 The people of Israel were overthrown there before the servants of David, and a great slaughter of twenty thousand took place there that day. 8 For the battle there was scattered over the face of the whole countryside, and the woods devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.  Then Absalom met the servants of David. Absalom rode on a mule. The mule went under the thick boughs of a great terebinth tree, and his head caught in the terebinth; so he was left hanging between heaven and earth. And the mule which was under him went on. 10 Now a certain man saw it and told Joab, and said, “I just saw Absalom hanging in a terebinth tree!” 11 So Joab said to the man who told him, “You just saw him! And why did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a belt.” 12 But the man said to Joab, “Though I were to receive a thousand shekels of silver in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, ‘Beware lest anyone touch the young man Absalom!’ 13 Otherwise I would have dealt falsely against my own life. For there is nothing hidden from the king, and you yourself would have set yourself against me.” 14 Then Joab said, “I cannot linger with you.” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart, while he was still alive in the midst of the terebinth tree. 15 And ten young men who bore Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, and struck and killed him. 16 So Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel. For Joab held back the people. 17 And they took Absalom and cast him into a large pit in the woods, and laid a very large heap of stones over him. Then all Israel fled, everyone to his tent. 18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up a pillar for himself, which is in the King’s Valley. For he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” He called the pillar after his own name. And to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument.

  1. Bloodbath of sin
    1. Due to David’s sin, there is rape, murder, and bloodbaths within his family and kingdom
      1.  Exodus 34:4-6 the impact of sin passes on to succeeding generations
      1.  Many suffer for our errors
    1. In the battle between David’s forces and Israel, 20,000 Israelites are killed due to judgment upon David
      1.  More men died in the tangle, drop-offs, and shifting loose rock and dirt in the woods than by battle
      1.  This is another incident in Scripture where God fights directly for one side of the other
      1.  The death of 20,000 men was due to the judgment upon David by God for violating Bathsheba and having Uriah killed
    1. David later numbers the fighting men and another 70,000 people die in a plague due to David’s indiscretion
  2. Ending the threat
    1. Just as the battel would be over once David was killed, so it was over if Absalom would be killed
    1. Joab’s main objective was to find Absalom
      1.  Joab knows that as long as Absalom lives = trouble
      1.  One of Joab’s men finds Absalom dangling by his hair from a great terebinth (pistachio) tree
    1. The soldier heard David’s instructions to the 3 commanders to spare Absalom
      1.  David is king and Absalom is his son
      1.  The soldier is obedient to the king, despite whatever he feels toward Absalom and the situation
        1.  It was not up to him to go counter to order
        1.  Loyalty demands obedience unless some great moral principle is violated (Exodus 2, Acts 4-5, Josiah 2…)
    1. Joab chastised his soldier
      1.  Joab would have rewarded the man for killing Absalom
      1.  The soldier would violate the king’s orders in return for a payoff (money)
  3. The battle ends
    1. Joab takes matters in his own hands by killing Absalom
      1.  Once Joab thrusts 3 spears into Absalom, other soldiers join in the kill
      1.  Joab takes matters into his own hands
    1. Joab is a loose cannon
      1.  Joab only obeys David when he deems that it is the best interest of Israel
      1.  He does not consult David before he acts
      1.  As long as Absalom is alive, David’s kingdom is in jeopardy (many have died for this cause)
    1. Joab blows the trumpet to signal an end to the battle
      1.  With Absalom dead, there was no longer any need to continue the fight
      1.  Without their leader, the rest of Absalom’s army retreats to their encampment, eventually to disperse and renew allegiance to David
    1. Joab throws David into a large pit in the woods and covers the body with stones (a disgraced burial with no honors)
    1. Absalom had set up a pillar to himself in Jer. (he had no sons)
    1. Joab disobeyed David, but spared Israel further division

Oct 10, 2021. I Thessalonians 5:1-4

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THE DAY OF THE LORD.  I Thessalonians 5:1-4.  10/10/21. #11.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 [New King James Version]

1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

  1. Plain signs of the times
    1. Paul states that believers do not need to be taught about the return of Lord, for the signs of his return are obvious
      1.  Indications of end times are all around us
      1.  The Church Age = last epoch before the return
    1. The Day of the Lord mentioned in the OT (Amos 5:18-20), is a major theme in the NT (Mt. 24, 1 Ths. 2, Rev. 4-19…)
    1. The Day of the Lord covers several aspects:
      1.  1 Ths. 5, 1 Cor. 15 Christ’s return for his Church, followed by the Bema Seat Judgment for the rewards of faithful, & Marriage Supper of the Lamb
      1.  Rev. 4-15 judgment poured out on the earth
      1.  Rev. 16 Christ’s defeat of Satan & his forces at the battle of Armageddon
      1.  Mt. 25, Joel 3 judgment of the nations (75 days)
      1.  Rev. 20 Christ setting up his Millennial Kingdom
    1. The Day covers from the Rapture to Christ’s coronation
      1.  A 7 year period
      1.  After The Day = Christ’s reign, release of Satan from The Pit, The Last Battle, The Great White Throne Judgment, The Cosmic Conflagration (II Peter 3), The New Heaven & Earth created (Revelation 21), and The Glorious Eternity
    1. When Millennium begins, all that enter are believers, but as children are born, many are rebels
    1. II Timothy 3 men continually grow worse (Gen. 6)
  2. Day of false peace
    1. Paul warns that the D of L will come covertly (as a thief)
      1.  Those in Christ are not caught off guard
      1.  Those apart from Christ will be destroyed
    1. The lie of tranquility
      1.  In the end times men will proclaim peace & security, when there is none (Gen. 10)
      1.  Evil men have continually promoted making an Utopia on earth apart from God (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11, Ezekiel 13:10-16)
    1. The Jews will experience a false peace with a treaty with the Antichrist, which he breaks after 3 and-a-half years
  3. Birthing of the Millennial Kingdom
    1. The last 3 and-a-half years of the Tribulation are traumatic
      1.  God pours out his judgment on the earth
      1.  Jn. 19:37; Zech. 12:10 the Jews will finally come to Christ (the One whom they pierced)
      1.  144,000 Jewish evangelists will span the globe, sharing the gospel
      1.  Many of those who come to Christ will be killed
    1. Mt. 24 the 2nd half of Trib. = birth pangs of the Kingdom
    1. The wicked will not escape
      1.  No one gets by with anything
      1.  Psalm 2, Habakkuk 1, when time is ripe, judgment will fall on wicked men (will be permanent)
      1.  The blood of the saints will be avenged
    1. 3 aspects of judgment to keep in mind:
      1.  We want to see immediate judgment
      1.  Everything will be brought to account
      1.  The lost will be eternally condemned (Revelation 20), while the save will lose rewards for misdeeds, but will enter heaven (I Corinthians 3:11-15)
    1. Christ’s return will not overtake believers since we are already secure in Christ (only regret: unfaithfulness)
      1.  We are not objects of God’s wrath (pre-Trib.)
      1.  II Timothy 4 reward for looking for his coming

Oct 10, 2021. II Samuel 18:1-5

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ABSALOM OR THE ARMY?  II Samuel 18:1-5.  10/10/21.  #40.

II Samuel 18:1-5 [New King James Version]

1 And David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. 2 Then David sent out one third of the people under the hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I also will surely go out with you myself.” 3 But the people answered, “You shall not go out! For if we flee away, they will not care about us; nor if half of us die, will they care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us now. For you are now more help to us in the city.” 4 Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands. 5 Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom.

  1. From grief to gearing for war
    1. David had to lay aside his grief in order to prepare for battle
      1.  Even in the midst of grief we have to carry on necessary activities
      1.  Grieving, despair, and reflection had to give way to effective planning and action
    1. David divides his forces into 3 divisions under Joab, Abishai, and Ittai
    1. Even though David is busy organizing his defense, he is still in the midst of grief
      1.  Grieving does not end when one continues doing the necessary work and activities of life
      1.  Responsibilities must be met
      1.  Moving on is difficult, but important
        1.  Will not feel like continuing
        1.  Must force self to meet obligations
    1. David was responsible to lead his people
      1.  Israel looked to David for strength and action
      1.  David’s position did not allow him to be weak, neutralized, or self-absorbed
      1.  Even in the midst of personal loss, we still have to serve, meet our duties, and help others
  2. David – man of war; man of value
    1. David proposes to lead his troops into battle
      1.  The army rejects the idea
      1.  If David is killed their entire cause is lost
    1. The entire point of Absalom’s attack is to kill David
      1.  David is to stay behind the city walls (probably Mahanaim, home of Barzillai)
      1.  David was worth the entire army in strategic value
    1. Ironically, David wants to lead his army when he shouldn’t but did not do so when he should’ve (II Samuel 11)
    1. Just as Hushai predicted, David would be in hiding with the entire army protecting him
  3. Personal plea, but a colossal insult
    1. David then instructs his army commanders not to harm his son Absalom
      1.  Absalom was trying to kill David
      1.  Many of David’s men would die to protect David, but the cause of the war was to be spared
    1. Had David meted out proper judgment upon Absalom for the murder of Amnon, the war would not have been necessary
    1. David demonstrated that he valued the life of his rebellious son more than anyone in his army
    1. Judgment must begin in one’s own household
      1.  If we do not apply biblical principles in our own families first, we can’t insist on it for others
      1.  People observe how we interact with our own families to see if we truly live out our faith
    1. David’s instructions become a point of contention after the battle
      1.  His position demanded a level of objectivity which did not allow him to play favorites
      1.  Righteousness demands that we treat all people with respect, deference, and justice
    1. David never removes himself from a personal focus

Sep 19, 2021. Matthew 7:21-27

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“Works Done in Christ’s Name” (Matthew 7:21-27)

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Sep 12, 2021. I Thessalonians 4:13-18

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RAPTURE REALITY.  I Thessalonians 4:13-18.  9/12/2021. #10.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 [New King James Version]

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

  1. The Rapture blues
    1. The Thessalonica church misconstrued end times issues
      1.  Paul did not have time to fully instruct them
      1.  They thought that the Rapture would come quickly
      1.  Some had passed away: what happens to them?
      1.  There was a rumor that the Rapture had already come and they had missed it
    1. Paul 1st addresses the issue of saints who had died
      1.  NT uses “sleep” for believers who die (John 11, I Corinthians 11, 1 Cor. 15)
      1.  Thessalonica’s were grieving that their deceased loved ones had missed the Rapture completely
      1.  Paul seeks to comfort via understanding and hope
  2. A resurrected Lord who resurrects his own
    1. Paul uses 2 arguments to assuage their fears:
      1.  Jesus died and was resurrected (death is not end)
      1.  The same Jesus who died will resurrect believers and bring them with him at rapture of live believers
    1. When Christ returns for his church the dead will be raised first before those who are alive
    1. Christ will shout and the trumpet shall sound, retrieving us
    1. Rapture facts:
      1.  Rapture = comes from Latin, rapto (caught up)
      1.  Acts 1:7 we don’t know when Rapture will come
      1.  Several events will precede the Rapture: wars, pestilence, and lawlessness (Matthew 24:3-14) along with great persecution and earthquakes, a rapid increase in knowledge and movement of man (Daniel 12:1-4), false Christs and rise of Antichrist (Daniel 7:8), and men will be proud and wicked (2 Tim. 3:1-13)
      1.  The coming of Christ will be denied and mocked by unbelievers (II Peter 3:1-9)
      1.  II Thessalonians 2:10-11 God will send a strong delusion to those who had rejected the Gospel after the Rapture so deniers will believe a lie
  3. Consoling the grieving
    1. Paul expected the Rapture to come soon (“we which are alive and remain…”)
    1. Paul states that the inevitability of the Rapture should provide us great comfort to hurting believers
      1.  Christ is returning for his own
      1.  The time of our sojourn here is very short
      1.  Our faithfulness will be reward for eternity
      1.  Focusing on Christ’s return brings comfort
      1.  I Corinthians 15:50-58 we are comforted concerning those who preceded us in death and in the value of our labors for Christ
    1. Our response to the hope of the rapture
      1.  Faithfulness and patience (I Peter 5:5-7; Galatians 6:7-10)
      1.  Serving Christ until he comes (Luke 19:11-27)
      1.  John 14:1-6 take comfort in Christ’s return
    1. The Thessalonica would be relieved at this teaching, though
    1. some would use it to sit around and wait (II Thessalonians 3)
    1. Matthew 6:31-34 focusing on today’s tasks in light of eternity
      1.  It is immaterial when the rapture will come
      1.  By faithfully hopefully serving we will be ready

Key Verse: Matthew 24:3-14

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Sep 12, 2021. II Samuel 17:15-29

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ESCAPE BEYOND THE JORDAN.  II Samuel 17:15-29.  9/12/21.  #39.

2 Samuel 17:15-29 [New King James Version]

15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, “Thus and so Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and thus and so I have advised. 16 Now therefore, send quickly and tell David, saying, ‘Do not spend this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily cross over, lest the king and all the people who are with him be swallowed up.’ ” 17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed at En Rogel, for they dared not be seen coming into the city; so a female servant would come and tell them, and they would go and tell King David. 18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom. But both of them went away quickly and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down into it. 19 Then the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth, and spread ground grain on it; and the thing was not known. 20 And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” So the woman said to them, “They have gone over the water brook.” And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. 21 Now it came to pass, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well and went and told King David, and said to David, “Arise and cross over the water quickly. For thus has Ahithophel advised against you.” 22 So David and all the people who were with him arose and crossed over the Jordan. By morning light not one of them was left who had not gone over the Jordan. 23 Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb. 24 Then David went to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. 25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the army instead of Joab. This Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Jithra, an Israelite, who had gone in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 26 So Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead. 27 Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, 29 honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

  1. David warned
    1. Hushai and Zadok the priest had set up a spy network which included a place to hide before going to David
      1.  Hushai goes to Zadok and explains his advice and that of Ahithophel
      1.  Hushai is not sure which advice Absalom will follow, so he warns David to flee across Jordan
    1. A woman hides the 2 messengers in a well as she spreads grain over the cover of the well
      1.  A boy had seen Ahimaaz and Jonathan leaving the area quickly, so he told this to Absalom
      1.  When Abs.’s men ask her where A and J are she tells them that they had already crossed the brook
    1. The woman faced the same dilemma as Rahab the Harlot
      1.  Rahab decided to lie rather than expose the spies
      1.  This woman lies to save Hushai’s messengers
      1.  A deception to prevent evil is not held to account
    1. Hus. sends advice for David and all his men to flee
      1.  David’s troops need rest, but they are not safe
      1.  All of David’s troops escape over Jordan at night
  2. David escaped and Ahithophel’s disgrace
    1. Abs. missed his golden chance to crush his father’s forces
    1. Ahithophel’s plan had been rejected
      1.  He wanted to take 12,000 men and immediately attack David, killing him
      1.  Ahithophel knew that Hushai’s plan would fail
        1.  He probably suspected Hus. as a spy
        1.  Ahithophel’s desire for revenge was thwarted
      1.  Ahithophel puts his house in order and then hangs himself
    1. Why did Ahithophel commit suicide?
      1.  Ahithophel had put all his desires into killing David
      1.  His plan and position as chief advisor were rejected
      1.  The more time that passed, the stronger David would become (Abs. had to be successful quickly)
      1.  When David wins, Ahithophel would be executed
    1. 3 main reasons for suicide:
      1.  Medical condition of depression or imbalances
      1.  Situational condition of misery or pressures
      1.  Self-inflicted trauma due to poor choices
    1. When people don’t seek the Lord, then suicide is possible
  3. God provides for David
    1. David arrives safely over the Jordan
    1. Absalom chose Amasa to be his general (Amasa had violated Abigail, Joab’s cousin and David’s niece)
    1. Barzillai, the Gileadite from Mahanaim (territory of Gad and Reuben) met David with provisions of food and drink
      1.  Barzillai was the father of Adriel, husband of Princess Merab, Saul’s daughter
      1.  God had moved Barzillai to help David
    1. Even though David was being punished for his affair with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah, he was still God’s choice to remain on the throne and to head the line to the Messiah
      1.  David had confessed his sins and repented
      1.  Judgment was not up to Absalom or Ahithophel
    1. God had not forced Amon or Absalom to act wickedly, but he had allowed them to choose their own wicked path
      1.  Providence allows wicked men to fulfill the will of God (pharaoh, Haman, Herod, Judas, Antichrist)
      1.  Habakkuk 2 God will use evil men and then punish them

Sep 5, 2021. I Thessalonians 4:9-12

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A WORTHY LIFE.  I Thessalonians 4:9-12.  9/5/2021.  #9.

I Thessalonians 4:9-12 [New King James Version]

9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

  1. The primacy of love
    1. The Thess. showed much Christian love in body and to others
      1.  Not only had they learned grace and patience in the short time, but had demonstrated charitable love
      1.  Paul wanted them to continue to grow in this trait
    1. Four categories of love: agape’ (chartable and self-sacrificing), phileo (affectionate), eros (physical; romantic), storge’ (conceptual, non-personal; i.e., love of country or nature)
    1. Paul emphasizes both brotherly love (affection) and charitable love here = both liking brethren and sacrificing for them
      1.  Titus 2:3-5 wives are to have affection for husbands
      1.  Matthew 22:34-40 – the greatest commands = to love God with all being and to love neighbor as self
      1.  John 13:34-35 Christ’s disciples are to love one another (foundation of relationships)
    1. Love, the motivation of kindness, charity, giving, and forbearing, is the motivation of worship and ministry
  2. The Christian lifestyle
    1. Beyond not sinning (immoral, lying, cheating, hating…), there is a proper way for believers to conduct themselves
    1. Christians are not to be obnoxious, boisterous, controlling, demanding, prying, meddling, imposing, or unfriendly
      1.  This may take some personality adjustments
      1.  The fall adversely impacted personalities also
      1.  Undesirable personality traits can be controlled
    1. Salvation brings the indwelling of Holy Spirit, who can alter irritating and boorish personality flaws as Word is applied
    1. Paul highlights 3 aspects: quiet life, taking care own business, and working with your hands
    1. Aspire (aim) to live a quiet life
      1.  aspire = phileo + timeo (to love honor or worthiness) => to desire to live a worthy life or to reach a higher standard
      1.  Quiet life = tranquil and peaceable (not raucous, narcissistic, or disquieting)
      1.  Going about own business with dignity and honor
    1. Minding your own business
      1.  Not a busybody in other people’s affairs (I Peter 4:15 = lit., “working around” => meddling)
      1.  Some things are our affair and need our intervention (confronting grievous sin but not minor transgressions [Ephesians 5:11; I Peter 4:8] or intervene to protect and help others [Philippians 2:3])
    1. Work with your hands
      1.   I Timothy 5:8 taking care of own family (II Thessalonians 3)
      1.  A man is responsible to support self and family, pay his taxes, give to Lord, and help others
    1. 3 categories of legitimate charity
      1.  James 1:27 those who are unable to support self
      1.  I Timothy 5:9-16 elderly or infirmed family members
      1.  I Thessalonians 5:14 those feeble in mind and body
  3. Walking properly
    1. 2 categories of walking properly: righteousness and appropriateness (dignity, non-offensive, decently)
    1. We are to walk becomingly (euschemonos = with a good scheme or standard) = not embarrassingly
    1. Our testimony begins with our deportment and image (do we attract people or repel them?)
      1.  A believer can be winsome or repulsive
      1.  Can draw people to Christ or drive away
    1. To have a good lifestyle of holy living = lack nothing

Key verse: Matthew 22:34-40

34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Sep 5, 2021. II Samuel 17:1-14

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THE HUSHAI HUSTLE.  II Samuel 17:1-14.  09/05/2021.  #38.

II Samuel 17:1-14 [New King James Version]

1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. 2 I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king. 3 Then I will bring back all the people to you. When all return except the man whom you seek, all the people will be at peace.” 4 And the saying pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel. 5 Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he says too.” 6 And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel has spoken in this manner. Shall we do as he says? If not, speak up.” 7 So Hushai said to Absalom: “The advice that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time. 8 For,” said Hushai, “you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are enraged in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field; and your father is a man of war, and will not camp with the people. 9 Surely by now he is hidden in some pit, or in some other place. And it will be, when some of them are overthrown at the first, that whoever hears it will say, ‘There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 And even he who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt completely. For all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men. 11 Therefore I advise that all Israel be fully gathered to you, from Dan to Beersheba, like the sand that is by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in person. 12 So we will come upon him in some place where he may be found, and we will fall on him as the dew falls on the ground. And of him and all the men who are with him there shall not be left so much as one. 13 Moreover, if he has withdrawn into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city; and we will pull it into the river, until there is not one small stone found there.” 14 So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.

  1. Ahithophel’s advice
    1. Ahithophel’s advice was always wise and effective
    1. Absalom asks for Ahithophel’s advice:
      1.  Strike David while he is weak and vulnerable
      1.  Ahithophel will lead 12,000 men against David’s troop with the goal of killing David
      1.  Once David is dead, all of Israel will turn to Absalom
    1. Absalom and his men were pleased with Ahithophel’s advice
      1.  It was sound reasoning based on the situation
      1.  David’s men were in no condition to fight a superior force while Israel watched David flee
      1.  All the momentum was on Absalom’s side
    1. Had Abs. attacked immediately, apart from divine intervention, David would have been overwhelmed
  2. Hushai’s gambit
    1. Abs. calls Hushai in to give his advice
      1.  Absalom should have suspected that Hushai was working for David
      1.  God was working to overthrow Ahithophel’s counsel
    1. Abs. informs Hushai of Ahithophel’s advice
      1.  Asks for Hus.’s opinion
      1.  Hushai states that Ahithophel’s advice is not good now
    1. Hushai provided many reasons for caution:
      1.  David is a mighty man of war
      1.  David’s army is full of mighty veteran men
      1.  David’s men are enraged like a bear deprived of her cubs and would fight like madmen
      1.  David would not be with his army, but hidden somewhere, so Ahithophel could not get at him
      1.  When David’s veteran troops defeat the first wave of attackers, the rest of Abs.’s army will flee
    1. Hushai’s advice
      1.  Gather all the people to you from all of Israel
      1.  Attack as one massive unit
      1.  All of David’s men would be crushed
      1.  If the last of David’s army hid in a city, Israel will pull down its walls and cast the stones into the river
    1. Hushai describes an absolute glorious victory for Absalom
      1.  Leaves visions of grandeur in minds of rebels
      1.  The intoxicating narrative is embraced by all
  3. Wishful thinking fantasies
    1. Hushai’s advice is a pie-in-the-sky illusion
      1.  Plays on Abs. and his men’s egos
      1.  Their initial success leaves them over confident
    1. Hushai plays on their ego
      1.  Turns the goal of defeating David into the vision of humiliating all his followers
      1.  Hushai is buying time for David to regroup
    1. Hushai’s advice was unrealistic (only the gullible follow)
      1.  Not all or even most of Israel would flock to Abs.
      1.  Abs. greatly overinflates his popularity and support
      1.  Abs. imagines that all of Isr. wants David gone
    1. Politicians, generals, and business leaders tend to exaggerate their assets and minimize their challenges
      1.  Overconfidence usually end in ruin
      1.  Absalom needed a realistic assessment of his position
      1.  “One rebel is worth ten yanks”, “they will flock to me”

God uses man’s pride against him to destroy him