Sermon #697 Miscellaneous Sermons

Title: “The Last Words of David”

Text: 2 Samuel 23:1-5

Reading:

Subject: The blessed comfort of covenant grace

Date: Sunday Evening - April 6, 1986

Tape #

Introduction:

There was a hush over the city of Jerusalem. There was a quiet stir in the king’s palace. The people are fearful and anxious. The king is on his bed. His brow is wet with a cold sweat. His palms are clammy. His pulse is weak. The king is David, and he is dying. For 40 years David had reigned as king over Israel. And it was a marvelous reign. He had led Israel in battle after battle, from one conquest to another. He had ruled with righteousness and justice in the fear of God. For 40 years David had led the people both in civil righteousness and in spiritual devotion. He had been both God’s king and God’s prophet. But now he was dying. What would become of the kingdom when the king was gone? David had led them and David had spoken to them in the name of God. Would they ever hear from God again? David’s family and friends were gathered around his bed, anxious to hear his last words. The people were gathered in the palace halls and in the streets of Jerusalem, anxious for any word from their beloved king. “No these be THE LAST WORDS OF DAVID.” They are the words of David the son of Jesse, the man after God’s own heart. What will he say?

1. He describes himself (v. 1).

· “The son of Jesse” - A plain, ordinary shepherd boy.

· “The man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob” (1 Sam. 16:1-12).

· “The sweet psalmist of Israel.”

2. He describes his Psalms and prophecies (v. 2).

3. He describes his rule (vv. 3-4).

Read in the preset tense - “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

4. He describes his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (vv. 3-4).

Read in the future tense.

5. He declares his dying hope (v. 5).

Proposition:

When David lay on his bed dying, he found hope and consolation in the covenant of God’s grace.

Divisions:

1. David’s sigh

2. David’s solace

3. David’s salvation

4. David’s satisfaction

I. DAVID’S SIGH

As he lay on his death bed, looking within himself and around upon his family and friends, David remembered many things which caused him much sorrow. He said, “Although my house be not so with God.”

A. David’s heart was heavy, because many in his household neither knew nor worshipped his God.

· Michal (2 Sam. 7:20).

· Ammon and Tamar (2 Sam. 13:6-18).

· Absalom killed Ammon (2 Sam. 13:19-29).

· Abaslom was expelled to Geshur for three years.

· Abaslom’s revolt and death (2 Sam. 18:33).

NOTE: We must be made to know that it is corruption, and not grace, which runs in the bloodlines.

NOTE: David’s house was not as he wished while he lived. And He foresaw that it would be no better after he was gone.

NOTE: David’s house was typical of the church of Christ, which is his house - Often it is not as we might wish.

B. David’s heart, I am sure, was also made to sigh, because of his remembrance of sin.

· His vengeance against Nabal (1 Sam. 25).

· He changed his behavior before Achish (1 Sam. 21:13).

· The matter of Uriah the Hittite (2 Sam. 11 and 12).

· His mourning over Absalom (2 Sam. 19:1-8).

· The numbering of Israel - 70,000 died (2 Sam. 24:1-14).

NOTE: David found no hope or comfort in himself. His “good works” gave him no reason for joy, but only sorrow.

II. DAVID’S SOLACE - “YET!”

NOTE: David knew something about covenant mercy - He and Jonathan.

NOTE: When David looked on Mephibosheth, he saw Jonathan. When God looks on you, he sees Christ.

Illustration: Dr. Gill’s Letter

Let me tell you about this covenant -

A. It is a covenant of pure grace (Psa. 89:19-37; Jer. 31:32-34).

B. It is an everlasting covenant - Both ways.

C. It is an ordered covenant. What ever the covenant requires it promises.

D. It is a sure covenant.

· It will be performed.

· It’s blessings are sure to all who believe (Isa. 55).

III. DAVID’S SALVATION

· “This is all my salvation!” (Jer. 32:38-40).

· I place my hope upon nothing but the covenant.

· Your salvation and mine depends upon the covenant.

IV. DAVID’S SATISFACTION.

· “This is all my desire.”

Mr. Henry said, “Let me have an interest in this covenant and the promises of it, and I have enough. I desire no more.”

To be an heir of the covenant means that -

· I am redeemed.

· I am forgiven.

· I am justified.

· I am born again.

· I am sanctified.

· I am an heir of God!

Application:

“The gospel provides everything you need.”

“Almost well!” Baxter.

“It’s good to know that everything’s under the blood.”