Jesus positioned us for stability. Psalm 40:1–3 (NIV) 1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
Matthew 25:14–30 (NLT) 14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. 16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. 19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ 21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ 23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Blame Shifting:
“Blame shifting is a victim mindset.”
Here, the blame was placed on the Master: Matthew 25:24–25 (NLT) 24 ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid…
Owning Personal Responsibility Galatians 6:1–10 (NIV) 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load. 6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
1. Develop a healthy perspective about God.
A wise master: Matthew 25:18(NLT) “Dividing it in proportion to their abilities
“A solid view of God will help you develop a solid relationship with God.”
Ways people see God: Santa clause, Darth Vader, ONLY ANGRY, The way we should see God: JESUS.
God is always Good.
Psalm 119:68(NLT) You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. The goodness of God doesn’t nullify our responsibility.
2. Take responsibility Romans 14:12 (NIV). Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
“The irresponsible will always have excuses.”
3. Maintain a sowing and reaping mindset.
“Fear hides and fear hoards.”
A. You reap what you sow. 3 T’s: Time Talent Treasure.
“The size of the seed is always smaller than the harvest.”
B. You reap how you sow 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
C. You reap where you sow.
D. You reap after you sow “If you want to grow it, you have to sow it.”
E. Reaping takes longer than sowing. Galatians 6:9(NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
“Faith or doubt fills the tension between seeing and reaping.”
Psalm 1:1–4 (NIV) 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
See Also (Jeremiah 17:7–8, Ezekiel 47)
Walk, Stand, Sit: A Slippery slope
1. Walk in the counsel of the wicked. “The slippery slope starts with going along for a walk.”
A. Influences/Voices
Offense is a trap, not a virtue. Proverbs 18:19 (NIV) An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city.
B. Counselor/ therapist
2. Stand in the way of sinners.
3. Sit in the seat of mockers.
“When we affirm sin, there is no need for a savior.”
--- 1 Peter 5:8–9 (NIV) 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
Psalm 1:2 (NIV) His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. “Our delight is Jesus & on Jesus, we meditate day & night.”
“Our thought leader is The Living and The Written Word.”
Mental Fortitude Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) 6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
1. Build a Mental Framework Colossians 3:1–2 (NIV) 3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Our Framework: The Biblical-Christian World view.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
2. Develop your Belief System
If an idea its not worth defending, its not worth having.
3. Guard your gates Philippians 4:8–9 (NLT) 8 Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
4. Advance the message
2 Corinthians 10:1–5 (NIV) 10 By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Psalm 16:8–9 (NIV) I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.
The sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) Matthew 7:24–28(NIV) 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. *See also Luke 6:46–49
The Storms Proverbs 10:25 (NIV) When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
Illustration
Storms are seasonal.
“You will face storms; the storm won’t last, but will you last?”
“If you get your foundation right, you can outlast any storm.”
Foundations “In being solid, our emphasis is not perfection but our foundation.”
A Foundation plan
Matthew 7:24(NIV) “Therefore everyone who hearsthese words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
1. Who Hears
2. These words of mine
“We have to get Jesus right!” “Just because its branded Jesus doesn’t mean its Jesus.”
1 John 4:3 (NIV) Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
3. Puts them into practice. Jesus calls us to follow him. Luke 6:46(NIV) “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
James 1:22 (NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.Do what it says.
Self-deception is a byproduct of disobedience.
Building a foundation 1. Take Jesus his words seriously. 2. Devote yourself to him and his teaching.
Get over yourself. Matthew 16:24–26 (NKJV) “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
3. Be authentically faithful
“Don’t be fake, be faithful.”
What are you building your life on?
Ministry: John 16:33(NIV) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
“His revealed presence is an expression of his dominion.”
Davids Significance: 1. David’s desire Psalm 27:4 (NIV) One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
2. David’s Vow Psalm 132:1–5 (NIV) 1O Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured. 2He swore an oath to the Lord and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: 3 “I will not enter my house or go to my bed— 4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, 5 till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
3. David’s Prayer 2 Samuel 7:1–16 (NLT) 1 When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, 2 the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!” 3 Nathan replied to the king, “Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.”
The Davidic Covenant:
A Great Name(v9)
A Homeland (v10)
Rest(V10, 11)
A Dynasty of Kings(V11)
An Everlasting throne/kingdom(16)
1000 years later… Luke 1:31–33 (NLT) 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
At the end of David’s reign: 1 Chronicles 28:2–7 (NLT) 2 David rose to his feet and said: “My brothers and my people! It was my desire to build a Temple where the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, God’s footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it, 3 but God said to me, ‘You must not build a Temple to honor my name, for you are a warrior and have shed much blood.’
Solomon dedicates the temple: 2 Chronicles 5:13–14 (NLT) 13 The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. 14 The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God.
“When Jesus finished his work, the glory of the Lord filled His temple. “
1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV) Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?
Dominion that remains 1. Centralize and obsess over Jesus.
“The new life that God has planned for you is a supernatural work.”
John 3:3 (NLT) Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:17–21 (NIV) 17 If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
When you are reborn: 1. A New Slate
Hebrews 8:12 (NIV) I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
2. A New Identity John 1:12 (NIV) Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Colossians 3:9–10 (NIV) You have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
“You are no longer identified by your disfunction.”
3. A New Purpose Hebrews 10:20 (NLT) By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way…
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
John 3:16–18 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
2 Chronicles 20: 15-17 Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them and the Lord will be with you.
Before The Battle We See God: 1)Speaking to their fears 2)Be specific on how the enemy will attack 3)Reassure them 4)Call them to obedience 2 Chronicles 20:18-19 “Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.”
2 Chronicles 20:21-23 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.’ And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so they were routed. For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped destroy one another… none had escaped.
During the Battle We See God: 1)Move in to fight for them
Their worship preceded their victory.
2)God completely defeats the enemy Things that can strengthen our weapon of worship: 1) Gratitude Psalm 22:32 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
2) Seeking Him
Are we seeking things from Him or are we content seeking just Him?
"We don’t worship God because we’ve gotten what we want; we worship God because He is what we want."
2 Chronicles 20:12 For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
3) Remembering Who He is
"Your circumstances may change, but God never will." Hebrews 13:84 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
4) Revelation
Revelation 4:8 “Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty — The one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”’
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. How can we take Dominion over our emotions? Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! How can we take Dominion over our emotions? 1.Rejoice Always! John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Philippians 4: 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Vs 6 Do not be anxious about anything, Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Matthew 25 : 25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Where is your trust at? Philippians 4:6 continues - but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 2.Have an Attitude of Gratitude Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 3.Meditate on Him Proverbs 23:7 For as he Thinketh in his heart, so is he.
“Sow a thought and you reap an action; Sow an act and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit and you reap a character; Sow a character and you reap a destiny.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Philippians 4:9 - Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Matthew 7:24-27 24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 4.Build on a Firm Foundation
2 Samuel 6:12–19 (NIV) 12 Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. 13 When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, 15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 16 As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. 17 They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. 18 After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty.
Praise that Dominates: Psalm 22:3 (NLT) You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. “God’s dominion is carried in our praise.”
Psalm 24:7 (NKJV) Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.
1. Awe of God A. David was in awe of God’s greatness. B. David was in awe of God’s holiness. C. David was in awe of God’s goodness.
John 4:23 (NLT) The time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
“God is not looking for worship he is looking for worshippers.”
2. Affection to God 2 Samuel 6:14 (NIV) Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, 15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.
Affection: The expressive response of ones value.
Praise is a relentless expression.
Sacrificial Affection:
“Comfortable worship won’t take you very far.”
Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.
3. Arrangements for God 2 Samuel 6:17 (NIV) They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord.
“A good host is intentional.”
Psalm 132:2–5 (NLT) 2 He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel, 3 “I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. 4 I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber 5 until I find a place to build a house for the Lord, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
2 Samuel 6:20-23 (NIV) 20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” 21 David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” 23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.
“It is impossible to worship when we are offended.”
1 Samuel 7:1–2 (NIV) So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the Ark of the Lord. They brought it to Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the Ark of the Lord. 2 The Ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all. Then all the people of Israel turned back to the Lord.
The House of Abinadab:
Abinadab was passive and negligent.
“We can’t be passive with the presence of God.”
“We can’t be negligent to prayer.”
Abinadab failed to lead his house well.
2 Samuel 6:1–7 (NIV) 6 David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand. 2 He and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the Ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the Ark. 3 They set the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart 4 with the Ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. 5 David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals. 6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. 7 The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the Ark of God.
1. The Ark was on a cart
Psalm 127:1 (NIV) Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
2. The Ark was touched.
“If human hands build it, they will have to stabilize it.”
Psalm 20:7 (NIV) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
The House of Obed Edom: 2 Samuel 6:8–12 (NIV) 8 Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. 9 David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” 10 He was not willing to take the Ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 11 The Ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household. 12 Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went down and brought up the Ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.
The presence and blessing of God made Obed-Edoms obscure life significant in God’s Story.
A blessed home: The Ark of the Covenant represent s his presence and precepts. 1. Priorities. 1st Commandment No there Gods before me. Don’t expect your kids to honor and follow the Lord if everything else in your like you don’t value him. Deuteronomy 11:18–21 (NLT) 18 “So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.
2. Boundaries. 3. Responsibilities. 4. Consistency. 5. Honesty. “Honesty is the hitch pin of healthy and lasting relationships.” 6. Honor: 7. Apologies 8. Mercy
Psalm 128:1–4 (NLT) 1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! 2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. 4 That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.
PHILIPPIANS 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. MARK 4:35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side.
Joshua 7:1 (ESV) But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan …took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.
Romans 5:17 (NIV) For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
“When we forfeit the fear of the Lord, we sin.”
Dominion Don’ts:
Don’t weaponize the presence of the Lord.
Don’t over-familiarize the presence of God.
Don’t trivialize the presence of God.
Don’t systemize the presence of God.
Don’t Monetize the presence of God.
1. Don’t weaponize the presence of the Lord.
1 Samuel 4: 4-22 (NIV) 4 Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines at Aphek. 2 The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand of them on the battlefield. 3 When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.” 4 So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 5 When the ark of the Lord’s covenant came into the camp, all Israel raised such a great shout that the ground shook. 6 Hearing the uproar, the Philistines asked, “What’s all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?” When they learned that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp, 7 the Philistines were afraid. “A god has come into the camp,” they said. “We’re in trouble! Nothing like this has happened before. 8 Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert. 9 Be strong, Philistines! Be men, or you will be subject to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Be men, and fight!” 10 So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. 11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
“Instead of being used by God, they were using God.”
1 Samuel 2:21 (NIV) 21 She named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel”—because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 She said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”
2. Don’t over-familiarize the presence of God. 1 Samuel 2:12 (NIV) Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord.
3. Don’t trivialize the presence of God. Matthew 15:8 (NIV) “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
It is common for us to experience the presence of God. It’s sin to treat him as common.
1 Samuel 5:1–4 (NIV) 1 After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 2 Then they carried the ark into Dagon’s temple and set it beside Dagon. 3 When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. 4 But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained.
“The greatest Idolotry is “I” dolotry.”
“An idol is nothing that gets more attention or affection than God.”
God is breaking off the headship of self. John 3:30 (NIV) “He must become greater; I must become less.”
Joshua 6:1-20 (NIV) 1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” 6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the LORD and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” 7 And he ordered the people, “Advance! March around the city, with the armed guard going ahead of the ark of the LORD.” 8 When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the LORD went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the LORD’s covenant followed them. 9 The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 10 But Joshua had commanded the people, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11 So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. Then the people returned to camp and spent the night there. 12 Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. 13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the LORD and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets kept sounding. 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! …20 When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.
Breakthrough perspectives #1. A Perspective Shift: It’s HIS Battle Joshua 5:13-15 (NIV) 13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” 14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” 15 The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. “Our role is not to invite him into our battles but to join him in his.”
#2. A Promise remembered 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen.”
#3. Presence centered
#4. Patterns developed Their rhythm was obedience. “Fruitful only comes by being faithful.”
Psalms 18:25(NIV) To the faithful, you show yourself faithful.
“If we don’t stick to God’s process, we will never see the promise.”
#5. People to circle with.
#6. Praise precedes the victory. Joshua 6:16(NIV) “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! “In the kingdom, We have joy because we rejoice.”
“Praise is the posture of quiet gratitude yoked with extravagant exhalation.”
Psalm 67:5-6(NLT) May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us.
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Psalms 24:7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
