1. 2 Samuel/1 Chronicles David

2. David “God removed Saul and made David their king. God spoke favorably about David. He said, ‘I have found that David, son of Jesse, is a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’” (Acts 13:33 – GOD’S WORD)“God removed Saul and made David their king. God spoke favorably about David. He said, ‘I have found that David, son of Jesse, is a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’” (Acts 13:33 – GOD’S WORD)

3. David GoliathGoliath –“You are coming against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the Israelite armies, which you have defied. This very day the LORD will put you in my power; I will defeat you and cut off your head. And I will give the bodies of the Philistine soldiers to the birds and animals to eat. Then the whole world will know that Israel has a God, and everyone here will see that the LORD does not need swords or spears to save his people. He is victorious in battle, and he will put all of you in our power.” (1 Samuel 17:45-47 – GN) Marriage to Saul’s daughterMarriage to Saul’s daughter –“All the king wants from you as payment for the bride are the foreskins of a hundred dead Philistines, as revenge on his enemies.’ (This was how Saul planned to have David killed by the Philistines.)” (1 Samuel 18:25 – GN)

4. “David and his men went out and struck down 200 Philistines. David brought the foreskins, and they counted them out for the king so that David could become the king’s son-in-law.” (1 Samuel 18:27 – God’s Word)“David and his men went out and struck down 200 Philistines. David brought the foreskins, and they counted them out for the king so that David could become the king’s son-in-law.” (1 Samuel 18:27 – God’s Word)

5. David 1 Samuel - Fleeing from Saul1 Samuel - Fleeing from Saul Refusing to kill Saul despite many opportunitiesRefusing to kill Saul despite many opportunities “So David left, fleeing from Saul, and went to King Achish of Gath….he became very much afraid of King Achish. So whenever David was around them, he pretended to be insane and acted like a madman when they tried to restrain him; he would scribble on the city gates and let spit drool down his beard.” (1 Samuel 21:10,12,13 – GN)“So David left, fleeing from Saul, and went to King Achish of Gath….he became very much afraid of King Achish. So whenever David was around them, he pretended to be insane and acted like a madman when they tried to restrain him; he would scribble on the city gates and let spit drool down his beard.” (1 Samuel 21:10,12,13 – GN)

6. Prophets and Inspiration Can a prophet make a mistake?Can a prophet make a mistake? Can you absolutely rely on a prophet’s advice on spiritual matters, all the time?Can you absolutely rely on a prophet’s advice on spiritual matters, all the time? Health matters?Health matters? Relational matters?Relational matters?

7. Prophets and Inspiration “King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD kept him safe from all his enemies. Then the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but God’s Covenant Box is kept in a tent!’ Nathan answered, ‘Do whatever you have in mind, because the LORD is with you.’“King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD kept him safe from all his enemies. Then the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but God’s Covenant Box is kept in a tent!’ Nathan answered, ‘Do whatever you have in mind, because the LORD is with you.’ But that night the LORD said to Nathan, ‘Go and tell my servant David that I say to him, ‘You are not the one to build a temple for me to live in.’” (2 Samuel 7:1- 5 – GN)But that night the LORD said to Nathan, ‘Go and tell my servant David that I say to him, ‘You are not the one to build a temple for me to live in.’” (2 Samuel 7:1- 5 – GN) Is Nathan still a prophet?Is Nathan still a prophet?

8. Prophets and Inspiration JeremiahJeremiah –“Then I said, ‘Lord, you understand. Remember me and help me. Let me have revenge on those who persecute me. Do not be so patient with them that they succeed in killing me. Remember that it is for your sake that I am insulted. You spoke to me, and I listened to every word. I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness. I did not spend my time with other people, laughing and having a good time. In obedience to your orders I stayed by myself and was filled with anger. Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds incurable? Why won’t they heal? Do you intend to disappoint me like a stream that goes dry in the summer?” (Jeremiah 15:15-18 – GN) –“To this the Lord replied, ‘If you return, I will take you back, and you will be my servant again. If instead of talking nonsense you proclaim a worthwhile message, you will be my prophet again.” (Jeremiah 15:19-21)

9. The Bible writers MosesMoses DavidDavid SolomonSolomon JonahJonah PeterPeter

10. Other writers Martin LutherMartin Luther –“King of Hops” C.S. LewisC.S. Lewis

12. Prophets and Inspiration “What hurts me most is this – that God is no longer powerful.” (Psalm 77:10 – GN).“What hurts me most is this – that God is no longer powerful.” (Psalm 77:10 – GN). “Babylon, you will be destroyed. Happy are those who pay you back for what you have done to us---who take your babies and smash them against a rock.” (Psalm 137:9,10 – GN)“Babylon, you will be destroyed. Happy are those who pay you back for what you have done to us---who take your babies and smash them against a rock.” (Psalm 137:9,10 – GN) “I hate them with a total hatred” (Psalm 139:22 – GN)“I hate them with a total hatred” (Psalm 139:22 – GN)

13. Prophets and Inspiration “From David to the time when the people of Israel were taken into exile in Babylon, the following ancestors are listed: David, Solomon (his mother was the woman who had been Uriah's wife), Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, and Jehoiachin and his brothers.” (Matthew 1:6-11 – GN)“From David to the time when the people of Israel were taken into exile in Babylon, the following ancestors are listed: David, Solomon (his mother was the woman who had been Uriah's wife), Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, and Jehoiachin and his brothers.” (Matthew 1:6-11 – GN) “So then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, and fourteen from David to the exile in Babylon, and fourteen from then to the birth of the Messiah.” (Matthew 1:17 – GN)“So then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, and fourteen from David to the exile in Babylon, and fourteen from then to the birth of the Messiah.” (Matthew 1:17 – GN) “Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham…” (1 Chronicles 3:11 – GN)“Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham…” (1 Chronicles 3:11 – GN)

14. Prophets and Inspiration Joseph and Mary flee with Jesus to Egypt:Joseph and Mary flee with Jesus to Egypt: –“This was done to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet, “I called my Son out of Egypt” (Matthew 2:15 – GN) “The LORD says, ‘When Israel was a child, I loved him and called him out of Egypt as my son.“The LORD says, ‘When Israel was a child, I loved him and called him out of Egypt as my son. But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burned incense to idols.” (Hosea 11:1,2 – GN)But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burned incense to idols.” (Hosea 11:1,2 – GN)

15. Prophets and Inspiration “As a result, the punishment for the murder of all innocent people will fall on you, from the murder of innocent Abel to the murder of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the Temple and the altar.” (Matthew 23:35 – GN)“As a result, the punishment for the murder of all innocent people will fall on you, from the murder of innocent Abel to the murder of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the Temple and the altar.” (Matthew 23:35 – GN) “The king (Joash) forgot about the loyal service that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had given him, and he had Zechariah killed. As Zechariah was dying, he called out, ‘May the LORD see what you are doing and punish you!’” (2 Chronicles 24:22 – GN)“The king (Joash) forgot about the loyal service that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had given him, and he had Zechariah killed. As Zechariah was dying, he called out, ‘May the LORD see what you are doing and punish you!’” (2 Chronicles 24:22 – GN)

16. Prophets and Inspiration “Then what the prophet Jeremiah had said came true: ‘They took the thirty silver coins, the amount the people of Israel had agreed to pay for him, and used the money to buy the potter's field, as the Lord had commanded me.’” (Matthew 27:9 – GN)“Then what the prophet Jeremiah had said came true: ‘They took the thirty silver coins, the amount the people of Israel had agreed to pay for him, and used the money to buy the potter's field, as the Lord had commanded me.’” (Matthew 27:9 – GN) Zechariah 11:13Zechariah 11:13

17. Prophets and Inspiration “I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius. No one can say, then, that you were baptized as my disciples. (Oh yes, I also baptized Stephanas and his family; but I can’t remember whether I baptized anyone else.)” (1 Corinthians 1:14-16 – GN)“I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius. No one can say, then, that you were baptized as my disciples. (Oh yes, I also baptized Stephanas and his family; but I can’t remember whether I baptized anyone else.)” (1 Corinthians 1:14-16 – GN) “Now, concerning what you wrote about unmarried people: I do not have a command from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is worthy of trust….That is my opinion, and I think that I too have God’s Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 7:25, 40 – GN)“Now, concerning what you wrote about unmarried people: I do not have a command from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is worthy of trust….That is my opinion, and I think that I too have God’s Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 7:25, 40 – GN)

18. Prophets and Inspiration Are prophets perfect people with perfect advice?Are prophets perfect people with perfect advice? –“The writers of the Bible were God’s penmen, not His pen” Is the Bible perfect?Is the Bible perfect? –It is in our language and everything that is human is imperfect. –“It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired, but the men that were inspired. Inspiration acts not on the man’s words or his expressions but on the man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts.” (1SM 21.2)

19. “The Bible is written by inspired men, but it is not God’s mode of thought and expression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Men will often say such an expression is not like God. But God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God’s penmen, not His pen. Look at the different writers.” {1SM 21.1}“The Bible is written by inspired men, but it is not God’s mode of thought and expression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Men will often say such an expression is not like God. But God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God’s penmen, not His pen. Look at the different writers.” {1SM 21.1}

20. David and Bathsheba In the spring, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, his mercenaries, and Israel’s army to war. They destroyed the Ammonites and attacked Rabbah, while David stayed in Jerusalem. Now, when evening came, David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the royal palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing, and she was very pretty. David sent someone to ask about the woman. The man said, ‘She’s Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ So David sent messengers and took her. She came to him, and he went to bed with her. (She had just cleansed herself after her monthly period.) Then she went home. The woman had become pregnant. So she sent someone to tell David that she was pregnant. Then David sent a messenger to Joab, saying, ‘Send me Uriah the Hittite.’ So Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the troops were and how the war was going. ‘Go home,’ David said to Uriah, ‘and wash your feet.’In the spring, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, his mercenaries, and Israel’s army to war. They destroyed the Ammonites and attacked Rabbah, while David stayed in Jerusalem. Now, when evening came, David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the royal palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing, and she was very pretty. David sent someone to ask about the woman. The man said, ‘She’s Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ So David sent messengers and took her. She came to him, and he went to bed with her. (She had just cleansed herself after her monthly period.) Then she went home. The woman had become pregnant. So she sent someone to tell David that she was pregnant. Then David sent a messenger to Joab, saying, ‘Send me Uriah the Hittite.’ So Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the troops were and how the war was going. ‘Go home,’ David said to Uriah, ‘and wash your feet.’

21. David and Bathsheba Uriah left the royal palace, and the king sent a present to him. But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace among his superior’s mercenaries. He didn’t go home. When they told David, ‘Uriah didn’t go home,’ David asked Uriah, ‘Didn’t you just come from a journey? Why didn’t you go home?’ Uriah answered David, ‘The ark and the army of Israel and Judah are in temporary shelters, and my commander Joab and Your Majesty’s mercenaries are living in the field. Should I then go to my house to eat and drink and go to bed with my wife? I solemnly swear, as sure as you’re living, I won’t do this!’ David said to Uriah, ‘Then stay here today, and tomorrow I’ll send you back.’ So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. David summoned him, ate and drank with him, and got him drunk. But that evening Uriah went to lie down on his bed among his superior’s mercenaries. He didn’t go home. In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In the letter he wrote, ‘Put Uriah on the front line where the fighting is heaviest. Then abandon him so that he’ll be struck down and die.’Uriah left the royal palace, and the king sent a present to him. But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace among his superior’s mercenaries. He didn’t go home. When they told David, ‘Uriah didn’t go home,’ David asked Uriah, ‘Didn’t you just come from a journey? Why didn’t you go home?’ Uriah answered David, ‘The ark and the army of Israel and Judah are in temporary shelters, and my commander Joab and Your Majesty’s mercenaries are living in the field. Should I then go to my house to eat and drink and go to bed with my wife? I solemnly swear, as sure as you’re living, I won’t do this!’ David said to Uriah, ‘Then stay here today, and tomorrow I’ll send you back.’ So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. David summoned him, ate and drank with him, and got him drunk. But that evening Uriah went to lie down on his bed among his superior’s mercenaries. He didn’t go home. In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In the letter he wrote, ‘Put Uriah on the front line where the fighting is heaviest. Then abandon him so that he’ll be struck down and die.’

22. David and Bathsheba Since Joab had kept the city under observation, he put Uriah at the place where he knew the experienced warriors were. The men of the city came out and fought Joab. Some of the people, namely, some of David’s mercenaries, fell and died-including Uriah the Hittite. Then Joab sent a messenger to report to David all the details of the battle. And he commanded the messenger, ‘When you finish telling the king about the battle, the king may become angry. He might ask you, ‘Why did you go so close to the city to fight? Didn’t you know they would shoot from the wall? Who killed…Abimelech? Didn’t a woman on the wall…throw a small millstone at him and kill him? Why did you go so close to the wall?’ If the king asks this, then say, ‘Your man Uriah the Hittite is also dead.’ The messenger left, and when he arrived, he reported to David everything Joab told him to say.Since Joab had kept the city under observation, he put Uriah at the place where he knew the experienced warriors were. The men of the city came out and fought Joab. Some of the people, namely, some of David’s mercenaries, fell and died-including Uriah the Hittite. Then Joab sent a messenger to report to David all the details of the battle. And he commanded the messenger, ‘When you finish telling the king about the battle, the king may become angry. He might ask you, ‘Why did you go so close to the city to fight? Didn’t you know they would shoot from the wall? Who killed…Abimelech? Didn’t a woman on the wall…throw a small millstone at him and kill him? Why did you go so close to the wall?’ If the king asks this, then say, ‘Your man Uriah the Hittite is also dead.’ The messenger left, and when he arrived, he reported to David everything Joab told him to say.

23. David and Bathsheba The messenger said, ‘Their men overpowered us and came to attack us in the field. Then we forced them back to the entrance of the city gate. The archers on the wall shot down at your mercenaries, and some of Your Majesty’s mercenaries died. Your man Uriah the Hittite also is dead.’ David said to the messenger, ‘This is what you are to say to Joab, ‘Don’t let this thing trouble you, because a sword can kill one person as easily as another. Strengthen your attack against the city, and destroy it.’ Say this to encourage him.’ When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband Uriah was dead, she mourned for him. When her mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to his home, and she became his wife. Then she gave birth to a son. But the LORD considered David’s actions evil. (2 Samuel 11:1-27 – GN)The messenger said, ‘Their men overpowered us and came to attack us in the field. Then we forced them back to the entrance of the city gate. The archers on the wall shot down at your mercenaries, and some of Your Majesty’s mercenaries died. Your man Uriah the Hittite also is dead.’ David said to the messenger, ‘This is what you are to say to Joab, ‘Don’t let this thing trouble you, because a sword can kill one person as easily as another. Strengthen your attack against the city, and destroy it.’ Say this to encourage him.’ When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband Uriah was dead, she mourned for him. When her mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to his home, and she became his wife. Then she gave birth to a son. But the LORD considered David’s actions evil. (2 Samuel 11:1-27 – GN)

24. David and Bathsheba UriahUriah –“This is the list of David’s famous soldiers. Together with the rest of the people of Israel, they helped him become king, as the LORD had promised, and they kept his kingdom strong.” (1 Chronicles 11:10 – GN) –“….Uriah the Hittite…” (1 Chronicles 11:26-47 – GN) How was David looked upon?How was David looked upon? –“…the king is like God’s angel and can distinguish good from evil” (2 Samuel 14:17 – GN) What should God do?What should God do?

25. David and Bathsheba “The LORD sent the prophet Nathan to David. Nathan went to him and said, ‘There were two men who lived in the same town; one was rich and the other poor. The rich man had many cattle and sheep, while the poor man had only one lamb, which he had bought. He took care of it, and it grew up in his home with his children. He would feed it some of his own food, let it drink from his cup, and hold it in his lap. The lamb was like a daughter to him. One day a visitor arrived at the rich man’s home. The rich man didn’t want to kill one of his own animals to fix a meal for him; instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared a meal for his guest.’ David became very angry at the rich man and said, ‘I swear by the living LORD that the man who did this ought to die! For having done such a cruel thing, he must pay back four times as much as he took.’“The LORD sent the prophet Nathan to David. Nathan went to him and said, ‘There were two men who lived in the same town; one was rich and the other poor. The rich man had many cattle and sheep, while the poor man had only one lamb, which he had bought. He took care of it, and it grew up in his home with his children. He would feed it some of his own food, let it drink from his cup, and hold it in his lap. The lamb was like a daughter to him. One day a visitor arrived at the rich man’s home. The rich man didn’t want to kill one of his own animals to fix a meal for him; instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared a meal for his guest.’ David became very angry at the rich man and said, ‘I swear by the living LORD that the man who did this ought to die! For having done such a cruel thing, he must pay back four times as much as he took.’

26. David and Bathsheba ‘You are that man,’ Nathan said to David. ‘And this is what the LORD God of Israel says: ‘I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul. I gave you his kingdom and his wives; I made you king over Israel and Judah. If this had not been enough, I would have given you twice as much. Why, then, have you disobeyed my commands? Why did you do this evil thing? You had Uriah killed in battle; you let the Ammonites kill him, and then you took his wife! Now, in every generation some of your descendants will die a violent death because you have disobeyed me and have taken Uriah’s wife. I swear to you that I will cause someone from your own family to bring trouble on you. You will see it when I take your wives from you and give them to another man; and he will have intercourse with them in broad daylight. You sinned in secret, but I will make this happen in broad daylight for all Israel to see.’‘You are that man,’ Nathan said to David. ‘And this is what the LORD God of Israel says: ‘I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul. I gave you his kingdom and his wives; I made you king over Israel and Judah. If this had not been enough, I would have given you twice as much. Why, then, have you disobeyed my commands? Why did you do this evil thing? You had Uriah killed in battle; you let the Ammonites kill him, and then you took his wife! Now, in every generation some of your descendants will die a violent death because you have disobeyed me and have taken Uriah’s wife. I swear to you that I will cause someone from your own family to bring trouble on you. You will see it when I take your wives from you and give them to another man; and he will have intercourse with them in broad daylight. You sinned in secret, but I will make this happen in broad daylight for all Israel to see.’ ‘I have sinned against the LORD,’ David said. Nathan replied, ‘The LORD forgives you; you will not die. But because you have shown such contempt for the LORD in doing this, your child will die.’ Then Nathan went home. The LORD caused the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David to become very sick.” (2 Samuel 12:1-15 – GN)‘I have sinned against the LORD,’ David said. Nathan replied, ‘The LORD forgives you; you will not die. But because you have shown such contempt for the LORD in doing this, your child will die.’ Then Nathan went home. The LORD caused the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David to become very sick.” (2 Samuel 12:1-15 – GN)

27. How have others responded? Jeroboam: “Seize that man!” (1 Kings 13:4 – GN)Jeroboam: “Seize that man!” (1 Kings 13:4 – GN) Eli: “He is the LORD. May he do what he thinks is right” (1 Samuel 3:18 – GN)Eli: “He is the LORD. May he do what he thinks is right” (1 Samuel 3:18 – GN)

28. David’s response “Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin! I recognize my faults; I am always conscious of my sins. I have sinned against you---only against you--- and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me. I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful. Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom. Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you have crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again. Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all my evil.“Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin! I recognize my faults; I am always conscious of my sins. I have sinned against you---only against you--- and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me. I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful. Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom. Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you have crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again. Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all my evil.

29. David’s response Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me. Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you. Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness. Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you. You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings. My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart. (Psalms 51:1-17 – GN)Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me. Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you. Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness. Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you. You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings. My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart. (Psalms 51:1-17 – GN)

30. Healed or Pardoned? A new heart and a right spiritA new heart and a right spirit We are infected with the principles of self-centerednessWe are infected with the principles of self-centeredness We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received” (Isaiah 53:5).We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received” (Isaiah 53:5). Jeremiah:Jeremiah: –“Why are my wounds incurable? Why won’t they heal…LORD, heal me and I will be completely well” (Jeremiah 15:18, 17:14). Are we healable?Are we healable? –“Make these people close-minded. Plug their ears. Shut their eyes. Otherwise, they may see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their minds, and return and be healed” (Isaiah 6:10, GOD’S WORD).

31. The diagnosis of spiritual death Judah: –“The LORD God of their ancestors repeatedly sent messages through his messengers because he wanted to spare his people and his dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words, and made fun of his prophets until the LORD became angry with his people. He could no longer heal them” (2 Chronicles 36:15,16, GOD’S WORD). –“Is there no medicine in Gilead? Are there no doctors there? Why, then, have my people not been healed? (Jeremiah 8:22). –“The Lord says to his people, ‘Your wounds are incurable, your injuries cannot be healed. There is no one to take care of you, no remedy for your sores, no hope of healing for you’” (Jeremiah 30:12:13).

32. The diagnosis of spiritual death AssyriaAssyria –“There is no remedy for your injuries, and your wounds cannot be healed” (Nahum 3:19) Babylon:Babylon: –“Babylon will suddenly fall and be shattered. Cry for it. Bring medicine for its pain. Maybe it can be healed. We wanted to heal Babylon, but it couldn’t be healed. Let’s abandon it and go to our own land. God has judged Babylon. Its judgment is complete.” (Jeremiah 51:8,9, GOD’S WORD). Egypt:Egypt: –“People of Egypt, go to Gilead and look for medicine! All your medicine has proved useless; nothing can heal you.” (Jeremiah 46:12 – GN)

33. Healed or Pardoned? The rebels who died in the wilderness:The rebels who died in the wilderness: –“The LORD answered, ‘I will forgive them, as you have asked. But I promise that as surely as I live and as surely as my presence fills the earth, none of these people will live to enter that land. They have seen the dazzling light of my presence and the miracles that I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, but they have tried my patience over and over again and have refused to obey me.’” (Numbers 14:20-22 – GN) StephenStephen –“Lord! Do not remember this sin against them!” (Acts 7:60 – GN). JesusJesus –“Forgive them, Father!” (Luke 23:34 – GN).

34. Healed “Yes, may you come to know his love—although it can never be fully known—and so be completely filled with the very nature of God” (Ephesians 3:19 – GN).“Yes, may you come to know his love—although it can never be fully known—and so be completely filled with the very nature of God” (Ephesians 3:19 – GN). “And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NLT).“And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NLT). “This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God: if we say that we remain in union with God, we should live just as Jesus Christ did” (1 John 2:5 – GN)“This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God: if we say that we remain in union with God, we should live just as Jesus Christ did” (1 John 2:5 – GN)

35. The physician model 55 year old man comes to see you55 year old man comes to see you He has neglected his high blood pressure and diabetes for yearsHe has neglected his high blood pressure and diabetes for years His diet has been horribleHis diet has been horrible He smokes 3 packs of cigarettes per day.He smokes 3 packs of cigarettes per day. He hasn’t taken his medications, and has missed the last 10 doctor visits. Now he is feeling dizzy and has headaches.He hasn’t taken his medications, and has missed the last 10 doctor visits. Now he is feeling dizzy and has headaches. What would the ideal earthly physician do?What would the ideal earthly physician do? By contrast, what does our Heavenly Physician do with someone who comes to him – equally sick in terms of spiritual deprivation?By contrast, what does our Heavenly Physician do with someone who comes to him – equally sick in terms of spiritual deprivation?

36. Option #1 Earthly physician:Earthly physician: –“I forgive you for not taking your medications, and for your lifetime of poor diet, high cholesterol and obesity which led to this problem. But I forgive you. Go home. All is well!” Heavenly physician:Heavenly physician: –“I forgive you for your sins and for not spending time with me. You are now in good legal standing with me because you are forgiven and the price for your sins has been paid by my Son. All is well.”

37. Option #2 Earthly Physician:Earthly Physician: –“Please trust me and follow my advice. If you don’t, because of my intolerance for this sort of behavior, it will cause me to some day find where you live and worsen your underlying disease.” Heavenly Physician:Heavenly Physician: –“Please trust me and accept what I have done for you. I have to tell you though, that if you don’t, because of my justice and hatred of sin, I will one day be forced to punish you.”

38. Option #3 Earthly Physician:Earthly Physician: –“I’m so glad that you finally came and I won’t hold it against you for missing all of our appointments together and for not taking your medications. You are very sick and need my help. Please trust me this time. If you do, and if you keep your appointments with me and follow my directions, I can help you and you will get better. The symptoms you are experiencing are a natural result of not keeping your appointments with me and of not following my advice. If you follow my treatment plan, you will get better. But how can I impress on you the serious consequences of not trusting me and following my advice?” –Patient: You mean I have to do something?You mean I have to do something?

39. Option #3 Heavenly Physician:Heavenly Physician: –“I am so glad that you have come – I have been longing for you to return. Of course I forgive you! I am forgiveness personified and I would just as soon not have you focus on your past failures, but instead look to me. You are here with me now – if you stay, I can absolutely guarantee perfect healing and restoration. The things you are now experiencing are a natural result of living apart from me. Please stay with me long enough to learn the truth. Let me explain the scriptures to you, and see for yourself how I treated the worst of sinners. I am going to lose you if you don’t stay with me, and if you are not willing to listen – and the natural consequences of that are so serious. The good news is I have never lost one of my patients who trusts in me and is willing to listen.” –Us: God, please don’t heal me completely please.God, please don’t heal me completely please.

40. “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 – NIV)“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 – NIV) “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (Matthew 5:48 – The Message)“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (Matthew 5:48 – The Message) Thief on the crossThief on the cross

41. God’s case in court “Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.”“Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.” “True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they broke their promises, does that mean God will break his promises? Of course not! Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say, ‘He will be proved right in what he says, and he will win his case in court.’” (Romans 3:4 – NLT)“True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they broke their promises, does that mean God will break his promises? Of course not! Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say, ‘He will be proved right in what he says, and he will win his case in court.’” (Romans 3:4 – NLT)

42. God’s case in court God does not use his superior power to restore trust - - he provides convincing evidenceGod does not use his superior power to restore trust - - he provides convincing evidence –Abraham, Job, Moses, David, the nation Israel, Jesus “Wherever they went, they brought disgrace on my holy name, because people would say, ‘These are the people of the LORD, but they had to leave his land.’ That made me concerned for my holy name, since the Israelites brought disgrace on it everywhere they went. ‘Now then, give the Israelites the message that I, the Sovereign LORD, have for them: What I am going to do is not for the sake of you Israelites, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have disgraced in every country where you have gone. When I demonstrate to the nations the holiness of my great name---the name you disgraced among them---then they will know that I am the LORD. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. I will use you to show the nations that I am holy. I will take you from every nation and country and bring you back to your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you and make you clean from all your idols and everything else that has defiled you. I will give you a new heart and a new mind. I will take away your stubborn heart of stone and give you an obedient heart. I will put my spirit in you and will see to it that you follow my laws and keep all the commands I have given you. (Ezekiel 36:20-27 – GN)“Wherever they went, they brought disgrace on my holy name, because people would say, ‘These are the people of the LORD, but they had to leave his land.’ That made me concerned for my holy name, since the Israelites brought disgrace on it everywhere they went. ‘Now then, give the Israelites the message that I, the Sovereign LORD, have for them: What I am going to do is not for the sake of you Israelites, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have disgraced in every country where you have gone. When I demonstrate to the nations the holiness of my great name---the name you disgraced among them---then they will know that I am the LORD. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. I will use you to show the nations that I am holy. I will take you from every nation and country and bring you back to your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you and make you clean from all your idols and everything else that has defiled you. I will give you a new heart and a new mind. I will take away your stubborn heart of stone and give you an obedient heart. I will put my spirit in you and will see to it that you follow my laws and keep all the commands I have given you. (Ezekiel 36:20-27 – GN)