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Mighty to Save: Sharing the Truth in the Strength of the Lord
I Peter 3:15 - ”but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
Standing Firm in the Grace of God When Life is Hard
Today we will be looking at Peter’s words of encouragement to churches who have suffered persecution and who are going to suffer more intense trials. He writes to these churches to remind them of the grace of God and to call them to stand firm in it.
We may not face trials and suffering on the same level of physical intensity that our brothers and sisters do around the world. However there is a wider sense in which Peter’s words apply to every situation in our lives. We experience a trial any time when our faith is tested and proved true. We suffer when we feel the effects of sin in our work, relationships and our own bodies.
Peter wants to prepare these believers to stand firm in trials and suffering and so he gives them a ‘vaccination shot’ of a biblical theology of trials and suffering. Whether or not we are facing trials and suffering at this present moment, we need right thinking now so that we will respond with right responses in the future.
Saul Consults a Medium
We have come to one of the strangest chapters in the whole Bible in which King Saul goes to medium (witch/necromancer) to make contact with Samuel, who was dead.
The theme of I Samuel is that Israel needs a leader. Saul was chosen as the first king and had been rejected by the LORD because of his disobedience. David was chosen and anointed to replace Saul.
The ending section of I Samuel records the final decline and death of Saul, along with the rise of David who will be elevated to the throne in II Samuel. In chapters 27-31, the author goes back and forth between Saul, who is desperate, forsaken, and defeated; and David who turns to the LORD and receives deliverance (in spite of his own failures). These chapters are not in strict chronological order. The action in chapter 28 takes place after the events of chapter 29 and simultaneously with chapter 30. We know this because in 28:4 the Philistines have moved north beyond Aphek (where they were when they sent David away 29:1) to Shunem which is near where the battle in chapter 31 takes place.
In chapter 28, Saul finds himself surrounded by the Philistines. He doesn’t want to go into battle without divine guidance, but the LORD will not answer him. The silence of the LORD is judgment for Saul’s disobedience. Saul then turns to a medium (witch) at Endor (a name used in the Star Wars movies) through whom he seeks to speak with (dead) Samuel. To our surprise (and that of the medium) Samuel appears only to rebuke Saul and to pronounce judgment upon him. Israel will be defeated in battle and Saul and his sons will die – tomorrow.
Because this ‘séance’ scene is unique in the Bible, many are very interested in knowing more about how this medium made contact with dead Samuel. That however, is not the point of the text. God’s people are forbidden to delve into the occultic supernatural (Deut. 18:9ff). The fact that God permitted it this one time is not mean to encourage others to imitate or delve into such things. Furthermore, even though Saul succeeds in making contact with Samuel, he didn’t gain from the experience. The knowledge of impending judgment only heightens his misery and fear.
Consider the following questions as we examine this text:
- Where do we see Christ? He, like Saul, was forsaken by God because of sin (but not His own), so that we would never experience what Saul experienced.
- How can we overcome our own tendencies to be like Saul? Where do we turn in distress? When push comes to shove do we do the right thing or do we do the expedient thing?
- Are there some among us who have been hardening themselves as Saul did? Would that they would seek the LORD while He may be found!
The Living Word
In this sermon Dr. Hywel Jones of Westminster Seminary California examines Psalm 119:97-104.
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The Victory of God’s Anointed King
I will be preaching from Psalm 2, which declares the victory of God’s anointed King over those who rebel against Him.
Though the world is in turmoil because of its rebellion against God, He Who sits in heaven is not disturbed. He has established His Anointed One to rule over the earth.
Those who rebel will be crushed which is why all people should submit to God’s Anointed Son while there is time.
As you read the Psalm think of how it speaks of David, how it speaks of Jesus, and how it speaks of our situation.
Radical Grace for Rebellious People
No one likes to hear bad news, but often through it good can come. The same is true for the people of Judah. Their condition was far worse than they imagined, yet the Lord was willing to show them incredible grace. As we look at this passage tomorrow, we will be made aware of the sins that lie deep within our hearts, and be encouraged by God’s gracious work to remedy the situation through faith in Christ.
Please read Isaiah 1 before you come to service tomorrow.