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SERMON SEEDS K15 FOR 6/24/07

#1 · June 26, 2007, 7:06 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on June 26, 2007, 7:06 pm
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
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SERMON SEEDS FOR JUNE 24, 2007

www.sermonseeds.org

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ALL THAT SHE (HE) HAD A FUNERAL MESSAGE FOR A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN

                                                  BASED ON THE I AMS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

All that she (he) had of real importance in this life can be summed up in four words: THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) BREAD OF LIFE

John 6:47-48 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. [48] I am that bread of life.

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) LIGHT



John 8:12 - I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) DOOR

John 10:9 - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) SHEPHERD

John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:14 - I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

JESUS IS HER (HIS) RESURRECTION

John 11:25-26 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

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Message Psalm 16:11

A FUNERAL MESSAGE

Psalm 16:11 - Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

This little verse will help you enjoy life now and forever.

Three words help us explain this verse.

PATH

PRESENCE

PLEASURES

PATH - Thou wilt show me the path of life.

Almost everyone wants to go to Heaven. They want eternal life.

There is a hindrance to eternal life. It is called sin. Sin is disobedience to God.

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death

So people are looking for a way to forgiveness and everlasting life.

Some people think that there are many paths to Heaven.

There is only one.

Matthew 7:13-14 - Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

My friend, Jesus the sinless Son of God died for your sins. He did for you what you could not do.

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

How does one get on the path of life? It is simply a matter of trust.

John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Put your total faith in Christ and get on the path of life.



PRESENCE In thy presence of fullness of joy

Jesus wants this life to be a life of joy for those who trust Him.



John 15:11 - These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

As we practice the presence of Jesus in our lives through prayer, reading of His Word and the guidance of His Holy Spirit we will have fullness of joy.

PLEASURES - at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

As we said the path of life is eternal life. That means that there are pleasures in the physical presence with Jesus that will last forever.



Revelation 22:1-5 - And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. [2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: [4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. [5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

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Genesis 25:20-34

BROTHERS

In answer to Isaacs prayers, Rebekah became pregnant. When the two boys struggled within her she inquired of God. This was the first indication that the two brothers that would be distinct from each other. Vss. 20-22

DISTINCT PEOPLES (Nations) Vs 23

DISTINCT PROFILES Vss. 24-27

DISTINCT PREJUDICES Vs. 28

DISTINCT PRIORITIES Vss. 29-34

·       Joseph Cooked Vs. 30

·       Esau Asked Vs. 30

·       Jacob Valued (the birthright) Vss. 31, 33

·       Esau Despised (the birthright) Vss. 32, 34

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1 Samuel 18:3 etc.

BACK WATCHERS

FOR THE COMPLETE NOTES TO THIS MESSAGE AND A POWER POINT, PLEASE EMAIL A REQUEST TO ME AT jpeters@alltel.net.

When someone says, Ive got your back, it means that they are watching out for you. A true friend is someone who cares so much about you that hes watching your back to look out for you. Hes a back watcher.

We want to look at the life of someone almost everyone has heard about, King David.

·       David was a mighty warrior.

·       David killed the giant Goliath.

·       David became King of Israel, conquered many enemies, and ruled effectively.

·       David was a man after Gods own heart.

·       David had many friends who watched his back.

Davids friends were back watchers. You and I can learn to be good back watchers from these friends of David. Also, we can learn from these people if the people who say they are our friends really are. A friend will mess up once in a while, but if a person isnt watching my back on a regular basis, hes not my friend. If Im not watching his back on a regular basis, Im not his friend.

So, lets find out what makes a person a good back watcher.

BACK WATCHERS LOVE

King Saul was King of Israel when David was a boy and a teenager. He started well, but rebelled against God. God, through the Prophet Samuel, had told Saul that he disqualified himself as king. God announced that Saul and his family would lose the crown.

Then came the days when Israel was challenged by a mighty giant named Goliath. Goliath terrorized Israel on the battlefield for many days until David, the shepherd boy, stood up to Him. David challenged the giant and then slew him with his sling and one rock guided by God into the head of Goliath. In true warrior fashion David took Goliaths own sword and cut off Goliaths head.

Someone was watching David that day. That someone was the kings son and supposed heir to the throne, Jonathan.

Jonathan was a brave warrior and a godly man in his own right. When David slew Goliath, there was an instant rapport between these two men, although Jonathan was probably about 20 years older than David.

1 Samuel 18:1 - And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

As well see in a few moments, Jonathan would become one of Davids back watchers. But this friendship began with a brotherly love that was as strong as a persons love for ones self.

Jesus tells us how important a back watching friendship is. Matthew 22:37-40, John 13:34-35

We are to love each other as Jesus loved us. Jesus loved us enough to watch on backs. He died on the cross so that we might have forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Thats love! Thats friendship! Thats back watching!

1 Samuel 18:3 - Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

A covenant is a pact. It is an agreement. It is a commitment between two individuals or families. Because Jonathan loved David he made a covenant, an agreement to watch Davids back.

BACK WATCHERS PROTECT

1 Samuel 19:1-2 And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. [2] But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

You would think that Davids life became easier after he became a national hero having slain Israels biggest enemy, Goliath.

But that was not so. It wasnt long before King Saul figured out that the person who was going to succeed him as King was David. Saul didnt like that. He wanted to remain King in spite of what God said. He wanted his descendants to reign in his stead.

Saul became Davids enemy. It wasnt long before Saul put out a contract on Davids life. He told Jonathan and all his servants to kill David.

Because Jonathan loved David, he was watching his back. The first thing he did was to tell David to hide or lay low for a while. He warned David to stay out of sight so he didnt get himself killed.

In 1 Samuel 19:4-7, Jonathan went and spoke up to his father in Davids behalf. He went to his father and spoke of Davids innocence and faithfulness.

The end result was a temporary reprieve for David. For a time, the death wish on David by Saul was suspended. David was back in King Sauls good graces.

Jonathan watched Davids back by protecting him.

Part of protecting somebody is warning them.

Just as Jonathan warned David, you and I as good back watchers need to warn our friends when they are in danger.

You are not being disloyal to a friend when you tell him or her the truth! You are protecting them!

Galatians 6:1

Notice also that part of protecting a friend is to speak up in his or her behalf.

Jonathan not only warned David, but he spoke up for him.

Jonathan approached his father, King Saul, and pointed out that a death wish against David just wasnt right! He pointed out what David had done to prove that he was a loyal servant. He championed Davids innocence.



There are times when we are to speak up for our friends to protect them.

Back watchers protect their friends by warning them and speaking up for them.

BACK WATCHERS ENCOURAGE

1 Samuel 23:16 - And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

We are skipping a bunch of history here. Sauls antagonism against David escalated. Davids life was in danger big time. David had no other choice but to flee.

While Saul was doing all he could to kill David, David was hiding. Jonathan made a secret and dangerous trip to David in order to encourage David.

If Saul found out what Jonathan had done, Jonathan would have been in big trouble!

Jonathan went and encouraged David in the things of God.

David was getting pressured by Saul.

David was probably getting discouraged.

Jonathan, watching Davids back, came to David and encouraged Him in the things that mattered, the things of God.

You call yourself a Christian.

A Christian uses the Word of God with the help of the Spirit of God to encourage his or her friends.

If your friend is not a Christian, you should encourage him or her to become one, even if that person becomes angry with you.

If your friend is a Christian, encourage him or her using the principles of Gods Word.

Watch your friends back by encouraging him or her!

BACK WATCHERS ARE TESTED

2 Samuel 15:19, 21 - Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. [21] And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

David did eventually become king.

Many years later after his kingdom was well established, his son, Absalom, staged a rebellion against David. David again had to run for his life.

Many of Davids loyal subjects fled with him.

One of those people was a relative new comer and someone who was an exile from his own country, Ittai the Gittite.

I dont know whether he meant to or not, but David tested his friend. He told his friend that he could back and be loyal to the new king. David was saying, This isnt your battle Ittai. Go on home and dont worry about me!

Sometimes you will be tested by your friends.

They will tell you Dont worry about me. Go live your own life. This isnt your battle. Its mine. Dont get yourself involved.

And sometimes we tell our friends the same thing.

The temptation, the test, is to distance ourselves from the problems of our friends and not get involved.

That is not what Ittai did.

2 Samuel 15:21 - And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

Ittai told David, As God lives, Im with you wherever you are!

Yes, we will be tested and tempted to distance ourselves from the problems of our friends. But a real friend, a real back watcher sticks with his or her friend to the end!

BACK WATCHERS ARE FAITHFUL

Having said what I just said about friends sticking with friends, sometimes we help our friends best by not being right with them, but by supporting them at a distance.

The religious leaders, the high priests, were on Davids side. So they picked up the most sacred piece of religious furniture, the Ark of the Covenant, and left Jerusalem!

David would not allow them to do that! 2 Samuel 15:25-28

David was basically sending the priests back for two reasons. First, he was sending them back to be faithful to God. God had called them to be priests and in Zadoks a prophet. They were to remain faithful to God.

They were also to be part of Davids intelligence system and report to David through their sons, what was going on in Jerusalem.

The best thing you can do as a back watcher is to be faithful to God.

When you are faithful to God you will do what is best for your friends!

2 Samuel 15:29 - Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

BACK WATCHERS ARE TRUSTED

2 Samuel 15:34 - But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

There was a man in Davids court whose position was friend of the King. He was to be a loyal, faithful friend.

Hushai was the mans name. Logically, the friend of the King planned on leaving with the King. He was his friend.

David sent him back as a spy and as someone to confuse the counsel of a very wise man, Ahithophel. Ahithophel was out to get David. Hushai was to prevent that from happening.

David trusted Hushai.

We are to be equally trusted.

Our friends should be able to trust us to do what is right and what is best for them even if it is dangerous, unpleasant and different.

We watch our friends backs when we are faithful

BACK WATCHERS SHARE

2 Samuel 17:28-29 - (They) Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, [29] And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

David had friends who took care of the physical needs of David and those that fled with him.

Sometimes we as friends watch our friends backs when we share with them and meet their needs in tough times.

Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Are you a good back watcher?

Are you watching the backs of your friends and loved ones?

GOOD BACK WATCHERS:

       LOVE

       PROTECT

       ENCOURAGE

       ARE TESTED

       ARE FAITHFUL

       ARE TRUSTED

       SHARE

Whos watching your back?

Whose back are you watching?

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Matthew 17:1-8

GLORY ON THE MOUNTAIN

Jesus took some of His Apostles aside to demonstrate His glory!

THE SEPARATION OF JESUS DISCIPLES Vs. 1

THE SHOW OF JESUS GLORY Vss. 2-3

THE SUGGESTION OF AN OVERWHELMED MAN Vs. 4

THE STATEMENT BY JESUS FATHER Vs. 5

THE SUPPORT OF SCARED MEN Vss. 6-8

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 etc.

THE INNER DISCIPLINES

These three inner disciplines are to be practiced continually:

PRAISING - 1 Thessalonians 5:16,18, Ephesians 5:18-20

PRAYING - 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Peter 4:7

PONDERING - Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2-3, John 15:7

It is impossible to accomplish these without the filling of the Holy Spirit!

Sermon Seeds D49

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Revelation 20:1-10

SATAN'S LAST HURRAH

Satan will lose the Battle of Armageddon to the Lord Jesus.

He will be imprisoned and then released for one last rebellion.

SATAN RESTRICTED - Vss. 1-3 - TO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT

SAINTS RESURRECTED - Vss. 4-6 - TO REIGN WITH CHRIST

SATAN RELEASED - Vss. 7-9a - TO INDUCE REBELLION

Those entering the Millennium will have children who will not all become believers. It is these unbelievers who will follow Satan.

SATAN REMOVED - Vss. 9b-10 - TO THE LAKE OF FIRE

Sermon Seeds G2



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SERMON SEEDS FOR JUNE 24, 2007

http://www.sermonseeds.org

************************************************************************************

ALL THAT SHE (HE) HAD A FUNERAL MESSAGE FOR A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN

BASED ON THE I AMS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

All that she (he) had of real importance in this life can be summed up in four words: THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) BREAD OF LIFE

John 6:47-48 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. [48] I am that bread of life.

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) LIGHT

John 8:12 - I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) DOOR

John 10:9 - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) SHEPHERD

John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:14 - I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

JESUS IS HER (HIS) RESURRECTION

John 11:25-26 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

*****************************************************************************

Message Psalm 16:11

A FUNERAL MESSAGE

Psalm 16:11 - Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

This little verse will help you enjoy life now and forever.

Three words help us explain this verse.

PATH

PRESENCE

PLEASURES

PATH - Thou wilt show me the path of life.

Almost everyone wants to go to Heaven. They want eternal life.

There is a hindrance to eternal life. It is called sin. Sin is disobedience to God.

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death

So people are looking for a way to forgiveness and everlasting life.

Some people think that there are many paths to Heaven.

There is only one.

Matthew 7:13-14 - Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

My friend, Jesus the sinless Son of God died for your sins. He did for you what you could not do.

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

How does one get on the path of life? It is simply a matter of trust.

John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Put your total faith in Christ and get on the path of life.

PRESENCE In thy presence of fullness of joy

Jesus wants this life to be a life of joy for those who trust Him.

John 15:11 - These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

As we practice the presence of Jesus in our lives through prayer, reading of His Word and the guidance of His Holy Spirit we will have fullness of joy.

PLEASURES - at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

As we said the path of life is eternal life. That means that there are pleasures in the physical presence with Jesus that will last forever.

Revelation 22:1-5 - And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. [2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: [4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. [5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

**************************************************************************

Genesis 25:20-34

BROTHERS

In answer to Isaacs prayers, Rebekah became pregnant. When the two boys struggled within her she inquired of God. This was the first indication that the two brothers that would be distinct from each other. Vss. 20-22

DISTINCT PEOPLES (Nations) Vs 23

DISTINCT PROFILES Vss. 24-27

DISTINCT PREJUDICES Vs. 28

DISTINCT PRIORITIES Vss. 29-34

· Joseph Cooked Vs. 30

· Esau Asked Vs. 30

· Jacob Valued (the birthright) Vss. 31, 33

· Esau Despised (the birthright) Vss. 32, 34

************************************************************************************

1 Samuel 18:3 etc.

BACK WATCHERS

FOR THE COMPLETE NOTES TO THIS MESSAGE AND A POWER POINT, PLEASE EMAIL A REQUEST TO ME AT jpeters@alltel.net.

When someone says, Ive got your back, it means that they are watching out for you. A true friend is someone who cares so much about you that hes watching your back to look out for you. Hes a back watcher.

We want to look at the life of someone almost everyone has heard about, King David.

· David was a mighty warrior.

· David killed the giant Goliath.

· David became King of Israel, conquered many enemies, and ruled effectively.

· David was a man after Gods own heart.

· David had many friends who watched his back.

Davids friends were back watchers. You and I can learn to be good back watchers from these friends of David. Also, we can learn from these people if the people who say they are our friends really are. A friend will mess up once in a while, but if a person isnt watching my back on a regular basis, hes not my friend. If Im not watching his back on a regular basis, Im not his friend.

So, lets find out what makes a person a good back watcher.

BACK WATCHERS LOVE

King Saul was King of Israel when David was a boy and a teenager. He started well, but rebelled against God. God, through the Prophet Samuel, had told Saul that he disqualified himself as king. God announced that Saul and his family would lose the crown.

Then came the days when Israel was challenged by a mighty giant named Goliath. Goliath terrorized Israel on the battlefield for many days until David, the shepherd boy, stood up to Him. David challenged the giant and then slew him with his sling and one rock guided by God into the head of Goliath. In true warrior fashion David took Goliaths own sword and cut off Goliaths head.

Someone was watching David that day. That someone was the kings son and supposed heir to the throne, Jonathan.

Jonathan was a brave warrior and a godly man in his own right. When David slew Goliath, there was an instant rapport between these two men, although Jonathan was probably about 20 years older than David.

1 Samuel 18:1 - And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

As well see in a few moments, Jonathan would become one of Davids back watchers. But this friendship began with a brotherly love that was as strong as a persons love for ones self.

Jesus tells us how important a back watching friendship is. Matthew 22:37-40, John 13:34-35

We are to love each other as Jesus loved us. Jesus loved us enough to watch on backs. He died on the cross so that we might have forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Thats love! Thats friendship! Thats back watching!

1 Samuel 18:3 - Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

A covenant is a pact. It is an agreement. It is a commitment between two individuals or families. Because Jonathan loved David he made a covenant, an agreement to watch Davids back.

BACK WATCHERS PROTECT

1 Samuel 19:1-2 And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. [2] But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

You would think that Davids life became easier after he became a national hero having slain Israels biggest enemy, Goliath.

But that was not so. It wasnt long before King Saul figured out that the person who was going to succeed him as King was David. Saul didnt like that. He wanted to remain King in spite of what God said. He wanted his descendants to reign in his stead.

Saul became Davids enemy. It wasnt long before Saul put out a contract on Davids life. He told Jonathan and all his servants to kill David.

Because Jonathan loved David, he was watching his back. The first thing he did was to tell David to hide or lay low for a while. He warned David to stay out of sight so he didnt get himself killed.

In 1 Samuel 19:4-7, Jonathan went and spoke up to his father in Davids behalf. He went to his father and spoke of Davids innocence and faithfulness.

The end result was a temporary reprieve for David. For a time, the death wish on David by Saul was suspended. David was back in King Sauls good graces.

Jonathan watched Davids back by protecting him.

Part of protecting somebody is warning them.

Just as Jonathan warned David, you and I as good back watchers need to warn our friends when they are in danger.

You are not being disloyal to a friend when you tell him or her the truth! You are protecting them!

Galatians 6:1

Notice also that part of protecting a friend is to speak up in his or her behalf.

Jonathan not only warned David, but he spoke up for him.

Jonathan approached his father, King Saul, and pointed out that a death wish against David just wasnt right! He pointed out what David had done to prove that he was a loyal servant. He championed Davids innocence.

There are times when we are to speak up for our friends to protect them.

Back watchers protect their friends by warning them and speaking up for them.

BACK WATCHERS ENCOURAGE

1 Samuel 23:16 - And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

We are skipping a bunch of history here. Sauls antagonism against David escalated. Davids life was in danger big time. David had no other choice but to flee.

While Saul was doing all he could to kill David, David was hiding. Jonathan made a secret and dangerous trip to David in order to encourage David.

If Saul found out what Jonathan had done, Jonathan would have been in big trouble!

Jonathan went and encouraged David in the things of God.

David was getting pressured by Saul.

David was probably getting discouraged.

Jonathan, watching Davids back, came to David and encouraged Him in the things that mattered, the things of God.

You call yourself a Christian.

A Christian uses the Word of God with the help of the Spirit of God to encourage his or her friends.

If your friend is not a Christian, you should encourage him or her to become one, even if that person becomes angry with you.

If your friend is a Christian, encourage him or her using the principles of Gods Word.

Watch your friends back by encouraging him or her!

BACK WATCHERS ARE TESTED

2 Samuel 15:19, 21 - Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. [21] And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

David did eventually become king.

Many years later after his kingdom was well established, his son, Absalom, staged a rebellion against David. David again had to run for his life.

Many of Davids loyal subjects fled with him.

One of those people was a relative new comer and someone who was an exile from his own country, Ittai the Gittite.

I dont know whether he meant to or not, but David tested his friend. He told his friend that he could back and be loyal to the new king. David was saying, This isnt your battle Ittai. Go on home and dont worry about me!

Sometimes you will be tested by your friends.

They will tell you Dont worry about me. Go live your own life. This isnt your battle. Its mine. Dont get yourself involved.

And sometimes we tell our friends the same thing.

The temptation, the test, is to distance ourselves from the problems of our friends and not get involved.

That is not what Ittai did.

2 Samuel 15:21 - And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

Ittai told David, As God lives, Im with you wherever you are!

Yes, we will be tested and tempted to distance ourselves from the problems of our friends. But a real friend, a real back watcher sticks with his or her friend to the end!

BACK WATCHERS ARE FAITHFUL

Having said what I just said about friends sticking with friends, sometimes we help our friends best by not being right with them, but by supporting them at a distance.

The religious leaders, the high priests, were on Davids side. So they picked up the most sacred piece of religious furniture, the Ark of the Covenant, and left Jerusalem!

David would not allow them to do that! 2 Samuel 15:25-28

David was basically sending the priests back for two reasons. First, he was sending them back to be faithful to God. God had called them to be priests and in Zadoks a prophet. They were to remain faithful to God.

They were also to be part of Davids intelligence system and report to David through their sons, what was going on in Jerusalem.

The best thing you can do as a back watcher is to be faithful to God.

When you are faithful to God you will do what is best for your friends!

2 Samuel 15:29 - Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

BACK WATCHERS ARE TRUSTED

2 Samuel 15:34 - But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

There was a man in Davids court whose position was friend of the King. He was to be a loyal, faithful friend.

Hushai was the mans name. Logically, the friend of the King planned on leaving with the King. He was his friend.

David sent him back as a spy and as someone to confuse the counsel of a very wise man, Ahithophel. Ahithophel was out to get David. Hushai was to prevent that from happening.

David trusted Hushai.

We are to be equally trusted.

Our friends should be able to trust us to do what is right and what is best for them even if it is dangerous, unpleasant and different.

We watch our friends backs when we are faithful

BACK WATCHERS SHARE

2 Samuel 17:28-29 - (They) Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, [29] And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

David had friends who took care of the physical needs of David and those that fled with him.

Sometimes we as friends watch our friends backs when we share with them and meet their needs in tough times.

Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Are you a good back watcher?

Are you watching the backs of your friends and loved ones?

GOOD BACK WATCHERS:

LOVE

PROTECT

ENCOURAGE

ARE TESTED

ARE FAITHFUL

ARE TRUSTED

SHARE

Whos watching your back?

Whose back are you watching?

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Matthew 17:1-8

GLORY ON THE MOUNTAIN

Jesus took some of His Apostles aside to demonstrate His glory!

THE SEPARATION OF JESUS DISCIPLES Vs. 1

THE SHOW OF JESUS GLORY Vss. 2-3

THE SUGGESTION OF AN OVERWHELMED MAN Vs. 4

THE STATEMENT BY JESUS FATHER Vs. 5

THE SUPPORT OF SCARED MEN Vss. 6-8

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 etc.

THE INNER DISCIPLINES

These three inner disciplines are to be practiced continually:

PRAISING - 1 Thessalonians 5:16,18, Ephesians 5:18-20

PRAYING - 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Peter 4:7

PONDERING - Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2-3, John 15:7

It is impossible to accomplish these without the filling of the Holy Spirit!

Sermon Seeds D49

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Revelation 20:1-10

SATAN'S LAST HURRAH

Satan will lose the Battle of Armageddon to the Lord Jesus.

He will be imprisoned and then released for one last rebellion.

SATAN RESTRICTED - Vss. 1-3 - TO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT

SAINTS RESURRECTED - Vss. 4-6 - TO REIGN WITH CHRIST

SATAN RELEASED - Vss. 7-9a - TO INDUCE REBELLION

Those entering the Millennium will have children who will not all become believers. It is these unbelievers who will follow Satan.

SATAN REMOVED - Vss. 9b-10 - TO THE LAKE OF FIRE

Sermon Seeds G2

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