Taking a Stand (2 Sam. 23:10-12)

This was my Father's Day sermon.

Introduction:  "Man of Steel" > David's Mighty Men (2 Sam. 23:8ff)
1. You are in the fight of your life (1 Pet. 5:8).
2. What you are defending is worth the fight (marriage, children, etc.).
3. Hold onto the sword no matter what (Eph. 6:17).
4. Expect the fight to weary you. You can receive renewed strength, however, from God (Isa. 40:31).
Conclusion: Both Eleazar and Shammah took a stand. Rise up, men of God! Take your stand today!

Gentleness and Greatness (2 Sam. 22:36)

The KJV uses "gentleness" instead of "help" (NIV). God's gentleness is responsible for any greatness in me. This flies in the face of secular thought, which suggests we are self-made people.  Gentleness and greatness -- what a combination!

Seek God During Calamity (2 Sam. 21:1)

When an extended calamity happens, shouldn't believers ask God why? Things happen just because we live in a fallen world. Other times, God may be wanting to get our attention and reveal what needs to change. Too often we sit there and suffer, or watch others suffer, and never bother to inquire. Doesn't God still speak today?

The Spirit of Absalom (2 Sam. 15:1-6)

The spirit of Absalom is alive and well today! It is marked by two things: (1) It secretly and systematically undermines the integrity, intent and tactics of current leadership; (2) It boldly promotes itself as a more reasonable, competent choice versus current leadership.

If you had to summarize the spirit of Absalom in one word, it would be "stealing." Absalom "stole the hearts of the people." Leaders would do well to remember the commandment, "Thou shalt not steal."

If I might recommend a resource....  A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards.

Physical and Spiritual Death (2 Sam. 14:14)

"Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him" (2 Sam. 14:14, NIV)

1. Physical death is guaranteed and irreversible, except the Rapture happens (Rom. 6:23; Heb. 9:27: 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

2. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:32). He does seem to take pleasure in the death of the righteous (Psa. 116:15).

3. God provided a way for the banished one. That way is Jesus (Jn. 3:16; 14:6; Heb. 9:12,14).

Joab Isn't Listed (2 Sam. ch. 23)

In this list of great warriors and impressive accomplishments I find it interesting Joab himself is not mentioned except in the phrase, "brother of Joab."

Loyalty and passion (That was his track record.) don't make you great. At some point you have to do something -- take a risk, seize a challenge and overcome, exceed the ordinary, demonstrate determination and control. You need more than a title or position. Competence without character leaves you without a positive legacy.

I Will Celebrate (2 Sam. 6:21)

By mid-morning, this biblical phrase came strongly to mind:  "I will celebrate."  News from an appointment yesterday was negative and disappointing.  There is nothing I can do now, after two weeks, to change the news I received.  That news, however, shouldn't dominate me.  I should still be rejoicing in Sunday's victories!  I should be rejoicing in advance about this coming Sunday's victories!  I determined to focus upon the Lord and what He's done, not upon men.  I got out my guitar and sang to Jesus.  For the record, yes, I did feel better.  The news hadn't changed, but I had.

Bad news might be Satan's attempt to steal your joy and reposition your thinking.  The bad news is still going to be bad news, no matter how much you beat yourself up over it or wish it never happened.  If you focus on what didn't go right, you're going to have a hard time celebrating.  Determine today:  "I will celebrate."  If you need some fodder to get you going, try Psalms 103 and 136.

You're excused.  I understand you have some celebrating to do.