David’s Last Words: FEAR GOD!
Feb. 3, 2002 Northwest Bible Church
2 Samuel 23:1-7
David’s Last Words: FEAR GOD!
INTRO
If we could put in a nutshell what David says in this final song, it is this, How blessed is the ruler who fears the lord.
- DAVID RECOUNTS HIS BLESSINGS (2 Samuel 23:1).
- DAVID SPOKE BY INSPIRATION (2 Samuel 23:2-4).
- David spoke God’s words (2 Samuel 23:2-3a).
- The inspired message (2 Samuel 23:3b-4). "The righteous ruler who fears God will be a blessing to his people."
1) as the light of the morning
2) as tender grass sprouting up in the sunshine after a good rain
III. DAVID REJOICES IN HIS COVENANT BLESSINGS (2 Samuel 23:5).
- it is an everlasting covenant
- it is an ordered covenant
- it is a secured covenant
- it is a fulfillment of his salvation and desires
- it is a covenant of growing blessings
Christ’s kingdom is the ultimate extention of this covenant
- THOSE WHO DO NOT FEAR THE LORD ARE LIKE THORNS DOOMED TO BE BURNED (2 Samuel 23:6-7).
The worthless do not fear God.
The worthless only cause pain.
The worthless must be dealt with using extreme caution.
The worthless will certainly be burned with fire.
Fearing God is not just good for rulers but for everyone.
2 Samuel 23:THE FEAR OF GOD
- What does fearing God mean?
1) Dread of His displeasure
* of hell, judgment, Mt. 10:28; Ps. 90:11; 119:120; Isa. 8:13.
* of discipline on believers, Acts 5:5, 11; Phil. 2:12.
2) Awe of His character
* an emotion of wonder and amazement at the works or manifestations of God
* a deep sense of reverence and worship toward God, Mal. 3:16
- How does a God-fearer act?
1) obedience (Gen. 22:12; Deut. 6:2; 17:19; 28:58; Eccl. 12:13). "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (Jn. 14:15).
2) delights in the fear of the Lord (Isa. 11:3)
3) humility (Prov. 3:7)
4) turns away from, hates evil (Prov. 3:7; 8:13)
5) praise and worship God (Ps. 22:23; 33:8; 118:4; Deut. 6:13), esteem His Name (Mal. 3:16), glorify Him (Rev. 15:4),
6) waiting on God (Ps. 147:11)
- What blessings come to those who fear God?
1) "The fear of the Lord is his treasure" (Isa. 33:6). Not burdensome. It is his delight and joy (Isa. 11:3).
2) "fountain of life" (Prov. 14:27)
3) Salvation, wisdom (Isa. 33:6; Prov. 9:10), "the sun of righteous ness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall" (Mal. 4:2), mercy (Lk. 1:50), His lovingkindness and compassion as from a father on his children (Ps. 103:11, 13), prolongs life (Prov. 10:27), rewards such as riches, honor, life (Prov. 13:13; 22:4), strong confidence (Prov. 14:26), good sleep (Prov. 19:23), food (Ps. 111:5), deliverance from your enemies (2 Kngs. 17:39), the angel of the Lord encamps around them (Ps. 34:7), instructed in the way you should choose (Ps. 25:12), know His covenant (Ps. 25:14), the great goodness of God stored up for those who fear God (Ps. 31:19), God keeps a careful eye on them (Ps. 33:18), have no want (Ps. 34:9), "He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him, He will also hear their cry and will save them" (Ps. 145:19), the favor of God (Ps. 147:11).
4) Those who fear God are a blessing to others (2 Samuel 23:4; Ps. 128:1-4). They continually sow seeds of blessings everywhere they go.
- How does the fear of God grow?
1) from the Word, Deut. 17:19; 31:12-13
2) from seeing the mighty hand of God at work
3) from seeking after wisdom, understanding, and discernment as for precious metals and hidden treasures (Prov. 2:1-5)
4) from the grace of God, Jer. 32:39-40; the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Isa. 11:2).
CONCLUSION