Trinity Bible Church

Prayer

A Psalm or Song for the Sabbath day. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.—Psalm 92:1-4.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Attributed to Dallan Forgaill, 8th Century (Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride); translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E. Byrne, in “Eriú,” Journal of the School of Irish Learning, 1905, and versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt. Music: Slane, of Irish folk origin. Slane Hill is about ten miles from Tara in County Meath. It was on Slane Hill around 433 AD that St. Patrick defied a royal edict by lighting candles on Easter Eve. High King Logaire of Tara had decreed that no one could light a fire before Logaire began the pagan spring festival by lighting a fire on Tara Hill. Logaire was so impressed by Patrick’s devotion that, despite his defiance (or perhaps because of it), he let him continue his missionary work. The rest is history.

BE THOU MY VISION
Click here for tune.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Thought Provoker

Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, said, “It is better to be faithful than famous.” Are you a faithful person? How would you define faithfulness? If you were to define faithfulness as doing what one has promised or keeping one’s word, would you agree or disagree with Roosevelt’s statement? Why?

Dad’s Study

Kings normally went out to battle their enemies in the spring. The armies of that day were not “all weather” armies and they could not withstand the rigors of winter and warfare at the same time. But there was something abnormal about this spring. David sent Joab and the army out to battle, but he stayed in Jerusalem. On the surface this one sentence seems insignificant in Scripture, but read 2 Samuel 11 and see what happened when David stayed in Jerusalem.

It was during this time that David was delinquent in his duties as King that he committed his sin with Bathsheba. Yet, in the midst of this sin God was still merciful to David. God gave him victory over the Ammonites, He was merciful to David in His righteous judgment against Him regarding his sin of adultery and murder, and He continued to give him victory over his enemies, even the descendants of Goliath. 2 Samuel records 10 chapters in this period between the sin with Bathsheba and the final defeat of the giants of the Philistines in 2 Samuel 21. After this, the Scriptures never again mention giants.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

God is merciful and long-suffering with His people. Even though we yet sin, God forgives and is faithful in keeping His promises to His people. God is faithful in calling His people to salvation even though they are sinners (Romans 5:8); God is faithful in forgiving His people when they sin (1 John 1:9); God is faithful in keeping His people from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13); and God is faithful to keep His people to the last day and fulfill all His promises to them (1 Corinthians 1:4-9).

Catechism

Question 65

Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in his life perfectly to keep the commandments of God (Ecclesiastes 7:20), but does daily break them in thought (Genesis 8:21), word (James 3:8), and deed (James 3:2).

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Prayer

O God thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches —Psalm 63: 1-6.

When I began seminary in 1996, my mother gave me a book by a liberal Christian sociologist who at one time was well thought of by many in the evangelical community. It was called The Kingdom of God is a Party. He made a poor argument for saying that the tithe was only for a festival thrown for the poor of Israel. But his point behind his faulty exegesis was golden. The other 90% of our income and possessions are God’s also. Therefore, God is concerned with not just how we dispose of a tenth of our material things, but all of it. It should all be spent or saved with the purposes of God in mind because it all came from God.

Dad’s Study

Verse 1 begins by with “Now after this,” referring to David’s conference with Nathan and his intimate time with God. It is clear in the text that David’s successful campaigns against the Philistines, the Syrians, and other hostile neighbors was related to his reception of God’s revelation to Nathan and David’s subsequent intimate time of thanksgiving and prayer with God. The Lord used these experiences to give David confidence to strike at Israel’s enemies.

Verses 5-13 give detail as to the plunder and tribute that David acquired by his conquests of his enemies and from grateful neighbors. But in this account we don’t hear of David padding his bank account or building a racetrack for the horses he captured, or creating accessories for his houses from the valuable metals he captured or was given in tribute. Here it is recorded that he brought it to Jerusalem and gave much of it to be used in the temple that his son, Solomon, would build. David knew that his success was not his own doing, but God’s. Therefore, his wish was to joyfully use the materials he acquired through the military and diplomatic victories to glorify God through His temple, and as we read in verse 14, justice and fair administration in Israel.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Through our entire life we must be mindful that all we have and experience is from God. If we are lifted up, it is a blessing from God to be used to glorify him and achieve His purposes. If we only know suffering on this Earth, it is also for the glory of God and our future sanctification and glorification (Romans 8:28). Most of us (subscribers to the DDD) live in the wealthiest areas of the world. If we could spend every cent and use every moment with a godly purpose in mind, what might God let us be party to? A great awakening? The discovery and evangelization of an unknown tribe?

Greg Bailey – Greenville, SC

Catechism

Question 65

Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in his life perfectly to keep the commandments of God (Ecclesiastes 7:20), but does daily break them in thought (Genesis 8:21), word (James 3:8), and deed (James 3:2).

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Prayer

“O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as Thee, Lord? Faithfulness is Thy very character. Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of Thy presence, Lord. Amen.”

Today’s Hymn

Words: Attributed to Dallan Forgaill, 8th Century (Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride); translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E. Byrne, in “Eriú,” Journal of the School of Irish Learning, 1905, and versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt. Music: Slane, of Irish folk origin. Slane Hill is about ten miles from Tara in County Meath. It was on Slane Hill around 433 AD that St. Patrick defied a royal edict by lighting candles on Easter Eve. High King Logaire of Tara had decreed that no one could light a fire before Logaire began the pagan spring festival by lighting a fire on Tara Hill. Logaire was so impressed by Patrick’s devotion that, despite his defiance (or perhaps because of it), he let him continue his missionary work. The rest is history.

BE THOU MY VISION
Click here for tune.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Thought Provoker

Bonus Question to pique curiosity (the answer appears at the end):
Two verses in this chapter are credited as the inspiration for one of the most famous and well-beloved of all spiritual songs. What are the two verses in this chapter? What is the name of the hymn?

One parental responsibility in training children is saying “No.” Think back to the last time this occurred in your family (maybe as early as this morning?). How is a negative answer often received by your children (reasons, complaints, accusations, apathy)?

Parents, has God ever told you “No”? How did you respond (reasons, complaints, accusations, apathy)? Maybe you can relate a personal example to your family.

Hearing “No” (from parents or God) may be unpleasant, but is always for our benefit. How we respond often reveals the condition of our heart.

What can we learn from David’s response the day God told him “No”?

Dad’s Study

First Chronicles 17 is divided into three parts: David’s desire to build God a house (1-2); God’s determination to build David a house ([dynasty], 3-15); David’s responsive prayer (16-27). Second Samuel 7 is the parallel passage (in that DDD, the focus was on God’s covenant with David, parallel to verses 3-15 here). Today, we will highlight David’s response (also related in 2 Samuel 7:18-29).

David was called “a man after God’s own heart.” Here we can see why. David first responded in prayer, an act of worship which, in itself, acknowledges the authority and position of God. The words of David’s prayer reveal his humility before the Lord (16-22). Earlier in the chapter, God reminded David of his past—God “took thee” (v. 7) and “was with thee” (v. 8). Ten times God promised for David’s future “I will,” which assured David of His continuing grace and goodness. No wonder David was humbled!

David concluded in prayer by expressing his trust in the Lord to fulfill His covenant (23-27). David did not let the disappointment of a “No” to his request keep him from growing faith in his Lord.

Humility (“blessed are the poor in spirit”) and trust (Acts 16:31) are always an appropriate response to our Lord.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

There is a word play in 1 Chronicles 17 that assists us in applying this chapter. It is the word “sat” in verses 1 and 16 (which is the same Hebrew word again in verse 1, and verses 4 and 5 translated “dwell”). David’s desire to build God a “dwelling” began as he “dwelt” in his own house. After God covenanted with David that He would build him a house (dynasty), David was found “dwelling” before the Lord.

Where do you “sit” today? Do you “dwell” on the blessing of the Lord? Do you “dwell” in the Lord Himself? Both are good. One is best.

“Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word;
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.”
(A.B. Simpson)

Answer to the Bonus Question:
Verses 16-17 inspired the former slave-trader and later preacher of the gospel, John Newton, to write his famous spiritual song, “Amazing Grace” (S.W. Duffield).

Pastor Jim Covington – Bell Gardens, CA

Catechism

Question 65

Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in his life perfectly to keep the commandments of God (Ecclesiastes 7:20), but does daily break them in thought (Genesis 8:21), word (James 3:8), and deed (James 3:2).

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Prayer

Our gracious God, please give us hearts of thanksgiving and worship. You are in every way worthy of the constant praises of your people. May You often hear from us words of thanksgiving and praise. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, Andeliga daggdroppar, 1858 (Tryggare kan ingen vara); translated from Swedish to English by Ernst W. Olson in The Hymnal, 1925. Shortly before writing this hymn, Sandell and her father were on a boat trip, when he fell overboard and drowned before her eyes. It is thought this tragedy gave birth to the lyrics.

CHILDREN OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER
Click here for tune.

Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in Heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.

God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish;
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

Lo, their very hairs He numbers,
And no daily care encumbers
Them that share His ev’ry blessing
And His help in woes distressing.

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers:
Your Protector never slumbers.
At the will of your Defender
Ev’ry foeman must surrender.

Thought Provoker

There are times when I have gone on a trip, and been very thankful for the hospitality that was given, and the way the host family from the church has treated me while I was there. But, after returning home, I almost totally forgot about it, and have even failed at times to send a note of thanks back to them. Part of our sanctification in Christ is becoming increasingly thankful, verbally and tangibly, for the goodness of God. In our lesson today, we will see David display this right reaction to God’s goodness.

Dad’s Study

After the failure of the first attempt to bring the ark into the city, David delightfully brought it home to Jerusalem this time, in the proper way. And now, having experienced the goodness of God in seeing the symbol of His presence brought into his hometown, we see him express his thankfulness to the Lord in several ways. He turned first to His God and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then, he blessed the people verbally and tangibly. He gave out food to all the men and women. Next, we see that as king of the land, he instituted official and continuous praise and thanksgiving to God to show his heart of worship to the Lord.

But the bulk of the chapter is taken up in the song of thanks to the Lord. David sang out his thanksgiving to God. It is clear from everyday life that those things that thrill us and excite us become subjects of song. We are compelled to sing about what is dear to us. Probably every husband reading this has at some time or another, if not frequently, sung to his wife (or, if your voice isn’t very pleasant, at least you have sung about her!). People sing about beautiful places, great events, and even treasured material things. And though David was uniquely inspired by God Himself, we too are called to give the Lord thanks in song: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord!—Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works.” In this song, there are reminders of God’s past works and faithfulness as a covenant keeping God, as well as declarations of His character as glorious, good, faithful, and holiness. So, our songs ought to declare who God is and what He has done.

One final note at the end of the chapter is that David’s experience of God’s special presence, and his joy in the Lord, was something that he intended to bring back to his family. Having experienced this great blessing of the Lord, he went home to share it with those closest to him.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

We should react to the goodness of God in our lives as David did. Do we generously give to the Lord, or show great kindness to others, when God has been good to us? Does the Lord’s goodness to ourselves return on the heads of others that we love? Also, how often do we sing praise to the Lord for His goodness to us? The heart of a healthy Christian is a singing heart. It rejoices and gives thanks to God both for His everyday blessings and His unusual works of kindness in our lives. Let us strive to be a joyful, thankful people.

Pastor James Williamson – Missoula, MT

Catechism

Question 64

Q. Which is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate (1 Cor. 10:10), envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour (Gal. 5:26), and all inordinate emotions and affections to anything that is his (Col. 3:5).

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Prayer

“Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive. Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory” (Jeremiah 13:16-18).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, Andeliga daggdroppar, 1858 (Tryggare kan ingen vara); translated from Swedish to English by Ernst W. Olson in The Hymnal, 1925. Shortly before writing this hymn, Sandell and her father were on a boat trip, when he fell overboard and drowned before her eyes. It is thought this tragedy gave birth to the lyrics.

CHILDREN OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER
Click here for tune.

Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in Heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.

God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish;
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

Lo, their very hairs He numbers,
And no daily care encumbers
Them that share His ev’ry blessing
And His help in woes distressing.

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers:
Your Protector never slumbers.
At the will of your Defender
Ev’ry foeman must surrender.

Thought Provoker

Pride is a strong enemy of the Christian. It manifests itself in so many ways and is constantly present, waiting to cause us to stumble. One way pride is manifested is when we are rebuked for our sin. Pride will tempt us to deny our wrong, make excuses for it, and shift the blame to others. Pride stands in the way of restoration to God and the pathway of obedience. See the example from David of how to overcome pride that attempts to block the path of repentance.

Dad’s Study

David returns to retrieve the ark three months after the ill-fated attempt recorded in 2 Samuel 6. This time, however, after the painful lesson learned regarding the consequences of disobedience, David is diligent to inquire of the Word of God. David gives clear commands regarding who is to move the ark (verse 2) and instructs the Levites to be diligently obedient in how the ark was to be carried (verse 11-12). David did so in clear acknowledgment of his prior error (verse 13) and let the realization of this sin fuel his zeal for obedience in the future.

The end result is that God’s ark was moved in the way in which He commanded it to be moved, God was worshipped in the way He commanded that He be worshipped and this brought great joy to David and all the people. All, that is, except at least one that Scripture tells us about. Michal, Saul’s daughter, David’s wife, despised him when she saw him rejoicing in the Lord. Such is the case, that those who despise God are enraged when they witness His people worshipping Him with great rejoicing.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

David provides an example of zeal in repentance. Even though the consequences of his sin were harsh and the rebuke of God severe, David did not resent it. Instead, he turned to God and eagerly sought in the law to identify his error and correct it. He then pursued obedience with great zeal and was rewarded with closeness to God and great joy in worship.

Catechism

Question 64

Q. Which is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate (1 Cor. 10:10), envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour (Gal. 5:26), and all inordinate emotions and affections to anything that is his (Col. 3:5).

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