Bring Two Kingdoms Together:  The Fight for God's Will
II Samuel 2-4
September 10, 2000

I. Yieldedness

            David submitted his agenda and plans to the Lord v. 1

-         Right intentions could be wrong moves; e.g. Acts 16, Paul - Asia

-         However well thought-out our plans, they can contain a fatal flaw.  Divine direction assures us.

-         The evidence of divine direction follows obedience v. 4.  David did not assert his kingship; he entrusted it to the Lord.

(Calvin quote fn ## on p. 27 Ralph Davis II Samuel)

-         This demonstrated that David had broken all ties with the Philistines - a new beginning.

-         David anointed as king shows that the people recognized what Samuel had done earlier.

-         The beginning is small, seemingly obscure, but the Lord brings forth His kingdom.

 

II. Action

            David displays winsomeness and appeal.  Are we to sit back and do nothing in the wait for God's will?  Note David's genuine action 4b-7.  Davis:  "David is sincerely complimentary, blatantly political, and earnestly evangelistic - all at once" (29). 

(1)   Gratitude v. 5b

(2)   Proposal v. 6

(3)   Invitation v. 7

David was appealing to them to come under submission to him (as Christ does to us - Matthew 11:29)

 

III. Struggle

            Struggle takes place as God's will unfolds v. 8-11

-         Abner was defiant of not just David but Yahweh (3:9-10,18 he knew what God was doing)

-         It could have been discouraging to David

-         God's will is never hurried; he develops us, giving more attention to our character than our plans

-         This also shows something of those who know God's will but attempt otherwise.  Abner continues to assert his desires and to refuse to bow to God's will vv. 12-17.  Would Abner and Joab "thwart" the will of God?

-         Abner is a study in himself:

o       Knows divine will but does otherwise

o       Initiates conflict with Judah and Joab

o       Sacrifices others for his objectives

o       Had secret ploy of grabbing the kingdom for himself (3:6-11)

o       Acts on political level not theological as self-love, not love for Yahweh, motivates him (similar to Simon in Acts 8)

-         "Our orthodox line about supporting Christ's kingdom may only be a cover for using it" (Davis 38)

-         Abner had his rival in Joab, who connived in killing Abner for more than revenge - jealousy and self-assertion against a rival. 

 

IV. Crisis

            The gore of man does not work the righteousness of God - chapter 4:

-         Sarcasm provides vehicle for truth vv. 1-7:  brave men?  Ishbosheth slept; they stabbed!!  Writer is showing weakness of Saul's kingdom in contrast with David (but was David to "conquer and subdue" or wait on God?)

-         Theology provides cloak for evil 4:8; note theological justification for action.  "For them theology is not truth that lures us to worship God but technique that enables us to justify ourselves" (Davis 46)

David's response:

-         Gratitude provides antidote for idolatry 4:8-9.  David faced temptation to acknowledge some other deliverer than Yahweh - that's idolatry.  David lets them know that he does not need henchmen or devices for protection or God's will - the Lord is sufficient. 

-         Justice provides encouragement for saints vv. 9-12.  Justice prevails demonstrating that David had no part in this scheme

It happens, 5:1-5, the tribes sought out David.

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