10/27/2002 Promising a Righteous Ruler1. MotivateYou overhear someone end what they are saying with, “I just don’t know what this world is coming to!” What kinds of things do you think they might they have been talking about?- world events- the economy- the behavior of young people today- the price of gasoline- the Cowboys won!- the drought, the flood, the heat, the cold- poor service at a store, a restaurant- the spiritual condition in our world- lack of proper attire to come to church (shorts, jeans, short skirts, etc.)2. TransitionWhy might some people have the impression that God is no longer in control of the world?- all the bad things that are happening- how evil seems to continue to triumph- so much world turmoilToday  we will look at how God's covenants demonstrated his care and love for Hispeople. Ultimately God fulfilled His covenant in the person of Jesus, the Messiah, The Righteous Ruler During good times and times of uncertainty and stress, we can be assured thatGod's covenant holds firm3. Bible Study3.1 A Promise to Count OnWhat kind of covenants or contracts or deals did you make with your children when they were growing up?- do chores for allowance- homework before TV- call if you are going to be late- we’ll pay for the car, you pay for gas/insurance, keep grades upListen for the covenant God makes with David2 Samuel 7:8-16 "Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. [9] I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the 110/27/2002 Promising a Righteous Rulernames of the greatest men of the earth. [10] And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppressthem anymore, as they did at the beginning [11] and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders overmy people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. " 'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: [12] When your days are over and you rest with your fathers,I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. [14] I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. [15] But my love will never be taken away from him,as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. [16] Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.' " What had God done for David in the past?- took from pasture to be ruler- been with him where he went- cut off enemies before himWhat was God promising He would do for David in the future?- make name great- provide place for Israel, give them a home of their own, no longer disturbed- no more oppression, rest from all enemies- establish a house for David- raise up offspring to succeed David- discipline for David’s successor- love never taken away from David’s son, David’s offspring (like Saul)- house, kingdom, throne established foreverWhat promises in God's word have you claimed and see God fulfill?- provide a job- physical healing when elders prayed according to James 5- protection for children- wisdom for a hard decision- joy in the midst of turmoilUpon what or who did God's promises to David depend?- On God- on God's faithful love- not on the faithfulness of David, nor that of his heirs  The fulfillment of God's promises to us is not based on human strength- Not based on our deservedness- It is based n God's divine power and authorityNote the use of the word “throne” in the passage. What are some different meanings for this word?- the physical chair the ruler sat in- can refer to the ruler’s royal dignity, authority, power, judgment210/27/2002 Promising a Righteous RulerHow was it used in this passage?- God promised to establish the ongoing authority of David’s line- forever!- God was thinking far beyond the time of David and Solomon’s time- Ultimately it implied the spiritual rule of Jesus, the Messiah3.2 A Reason to HopeAs we read this passage, underline the words that describe God. Circle the words that describe David.Psalm 89:1-4 I will sing of the LORD'S great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. [2] I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself. [3] You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, [4] 'I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.' " List the descriptive words for …God David- great love- faithfulness thru all generations- love stands firm forever- God's chosen one- my servantThis is a hymn/psalm – the people sang this in worship. What are some hymns and gospel songs that express these same concepts about God?- How Great Thou Art- Oh Worship the King- “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever”- Love divine all loves excelling- Amazing Grace- Oh For a Thousand Tongues- Wonderful Grace of JesusIf you wrote a song about God's steadfast love in your life, what examples would you include of that love?- constant supply- God is able - times when He answered prayer- the enjoyment of the beauty of a garden- God's artistry in beautiful sunsets- the joy of loving family- encouragement when I feel down- strength to go on3If you have a pianoand a pianist, youmight sing one ofthese more wellknown songs.10/27/2002 Promising a Righteous RulerWho are some people to whom we need to declare God's loving kindness and great faithfulness?- neighbors- family members- people on our class list - people who cannot make it out to Sunday services- people who need encouragement in their new found faith- kids, grandkids God wants us to maintain our confident hope, in spite of difficult circumstances.3.3 A Ruler to ComeListen for words which describe the One for which Isaiah hoped.Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty