September 11, 2005 Summit AM

A Person After God’s Heart

Introduction

A. Text – Acts 13:13-41

B. Background

            1. Paul is on his 1st missionary journey

            2. He & Barnabas are deep into the heart of Asia (modern day Turkey)

            3. John Mark has abandoned them

            4. Paul is invited to address the synagogue

C. Many lessons in this sermon

            1. How God worked through nation of Israel

            2. The rejection of God’s message by their leaders

            3. The exaltation of Jesus etc.

D. Our focus – vs.22 – David a man after God’s heart

1. Point - God was thrilled with him

                        After heart = dear to; gives me great joy to remember

            2. God’s is always interested in man’s heart – sincerity, devotion

E. Pray

 

I. Question - Why Would God Say This About David?

            A. David was a man of deep faith & conviction

                        1. Psalms show his deep love & devotion

                                    a. Ps.8 – how majestic is your name in all the earth

                                    b. Ps.9 – I will praise you with all my heart

                                    c. Ps.18 – I love you Lord, my strength

                                    d. Ps.19 – The heavens declare the glory of God

                                    e. Ps.21 – The king rejoices in your strength

                        2. Examples of his faith & conviction

                                    a. Man of integrity – not lift his hand against Lord’s anointed

                                                1) Not matter what Saul did to him

                                                2) Always waited faithfully for God’s direction & timing

                                    b. Famous story – David & Goliath (God give him victory)

                                    c. Deep desire to be right with God

                                                1) Ps.51:10 – create in me a pure heart

                                                2) Ps.139:23,24 – search me & try me; see if any false way

            B. Never allowed fear to hinder his walk with God

                        1. Often faced overwhelming odds

                                    a. Times when seemed all Israel stalked him

                                    b. Though pursued by Saul – remained faithful servant

                        2. Fearlessly faced all enemies – trusting God’s promises

                                    a. Anointed him as king – would be

                                    b. Never took matters into own hands to make happen sooner

            C. Not try shift blame for his sin

                        1. Many of his sins are recorded

                                    a. Adultery with Bath Sheba; Murder of her husband

                                    b. Not discipline children; censes of Jerusalem fighting men

                        2. When brought to light – readily admits his guilt; responsiblity

                                    a.  Not a helpless victim (disease; God’s fault; can’t help self)

                                    b. Not blame people or his servants, advisors etc

                                    c. 2 Sam.12:7-14 – I am the man

                        3. Could not bear the guilt of his sin

                                    a. Ps.32:1-6 – hand heavy upon me

                                    b. Ps.38:1-8 – my guilt has overwhelmed me

            D. Willing to fully obey God

                        1. Acts 13:22 – will do everything I want him to do

                        2. When God had a task for him – jumped at the opportunity

 

II. What Would Be God’s Comment About Us?

            A. Our heart?

                        1. Opportunity to be pure in heart – 1 Pet.1:22

                        2. 1 Tim.1:5-7 – goal is pure heart

            B. Our faith & devotion

                        1. Is our faith & devotion seen in our actions?

James 2:14 – faith without works is dead

Gal.6:9,10 – as have opportunity do good

                        2. Making excuses why not doing

                                    Lk.14:24-33 – unwilling to deny self

                                    Jn.12:42,43 – feared being ostracized by men

C. Allowing our fears to stifle us spiritually

            1. Fearful to speak to others about Him

                        Mt.10:32-39 – not acknowledge you before My Father

                        2. Fear being accountable - responsible

Prov.28:13 – conceal wrong never prosper

            C. Reaction concerning our sin

1. Making excuses for them instead of repenting

                        2. Blaming others or circumstances

                        3. Deny that we have sin

                        4. Tremendous consequences when do – 1 Tim.4:1,2

            D. Our willingness to fully obey God

                        1. Does our obedience have limits?

                        2. Lk.14:33 – willing to denounce everything

                        3. Are we doing what we know is the will of God – procrastinating?

 

III. David’s Attitude Made Him A Great Servant For God – Will Ours?

            A. Used mightily by God to lead Israel

                        1. As a soldier – as a king – as a spokesman & witness

                        2. Made mistakes but able to rise above them

            B. What about us?

                        1. If heart not right – never be usable in God’s kingdom

                        2. If heart is right – not matter how talented = be great

                        3. 1 Pet.1:22 – purified heart in obedience of truth

                        4. Rom.6:15-18 – whose slave are you?