2 Samuel 12:15-31

Question: What do we need to watch for in relation to Christ's Coming so that we will be counted worthy to escape all the things that will come to pass in the future in relation to the Lord's judgments? Answer: We need to take heed that our hearts are not weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of this life. And so we need to ask ourselves another question: Does the way that I am living my life, both privately and publicly show to my Lord that I should be counted worthy to escape all these things of chastening and earthly judgments, and the eternal judgment of hell? Certainly, we know that none of us is worthy of the mercy that has been shown to us in Christ. But there is a judgment that will be rendered on the Last Day when Christ returns. And that judgment will be whether or not we were counted worthy to escape all the judgments which God will bring. These verses are saying that Christ's disciples need to take heed; it may indeed be possible that we could become weighed down with the cares of this life, and even drunkenness and carousing, and not be ready for His return. He could come suddenly and unexpectedly to that person, and they would be ashamed at His Coming. The goal of the Christian life is that we would walk worthy of His having called and chosen us.

After asking when the LORD would intervene by chastening Judah and receiving the shocking answer that it would be quite soon by the hand of the Babylonians, Habakkuk is so taken aback that he asks how the LORD could answer in that fashion. Yet even here, Habakkuk's faith, though tested and causing perplexity, expects that the LORD does indeed have an answer - He is God and He is eternal and His plan will prevail!

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 12 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanierhttps://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

Email address: [email protected] Mailing address: The Lighthouse, P.O. Box 1317, Baxley, Georgia 31515 LHRBS #2276 - Isaiah 63:7-14 Key points from the Lesson: The Lord keeps His Covenant. He always delivers His people. He paid the price for our sins. He ends our rebellion and brings us to Himself. Additional Passages: Psalm 40:5 Exodus 3:7 Ephesians 4:30 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Genesis 1:26 Genesis 11:6-7 Exodus 14:16 Exodus 9:16 Genesis 15:13-14

The Lord calls upon His people to awaken to the salvation that is theirs.

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When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Psalms 32:3-5) ~~~~ This sermon was preached at Priory Road Strict Baptist Chapel, Maidstone. ~~~~ *1/ The hand of the Lord turning our life into the drought of summer. 2/ The hand of the Lord bringing us to acknowledge and confession our sin. 3/ The hand of the Lord in blessing.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon explores the spiritual process by which God brings sinners to forgiveness through His chastening hand. Using Psalm 32, the text illustrates how divine affliction acts as a drought that strips away self-reliance and exposes the soul's need for a Saviour. The preacher emphasizes that this hardship is not punitive but pastoral, intended to break hardness of heart and lead individuals to honest confession. By acknowledging sin without hiding it, believers receive the assurance of complete pardon through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the message offers hope that God's discipline always leads to restoration and the blessing of renewed fellowship with Him.

This sermon explores the practical application of Proverbs 3, emphasizing total trust in God over human understanding. It addresses the theological concept of divine chastening, clarifying that discipline serves as evidence of God's fatherly love and a believer's status as His child rather than merely punitive action. The speaker also highlights the principle of honoring God with firstfruits, illustrating how faithful stewardship invites and allows God's supernatural provision and care. By acknowledging God in all decisions, believers receive clear direction and experience physical and spiritual health, avoiding the stress that comes from self-reliance. Ultimately, the message encourages reliance on God's wisdom to find peace and confidence in daily life.