23-1008a - Detailed Summary

The speaker refers back to a previous lesson from September 17th in the series "Jesus the Great I Am: I Am the True Vine," focusing on Jesus' interactions with humanity throughout the Bible.

Discussion on how the second person of the Godhead, Jesus, appeared in different forms or "faces" in the Old Testament, like to Moses as the angel of the Lord and Yahweh.

Explanation of how Jesus was known to the patriarchs as El Shaddai (God Almighty) but not as Yahweh until later, illustrating the continuity of Jesus' presence in the Old Testament.

Jesus' incarnation in the flesh as the Christ during the Gospel era, linking both scripture readings to the theme of freedom in Christ.

The speaker mentions an upcoming continuation of the "I am the true vine" discussion.

The sermon explores the concept of freedom in Christ, questioning whether this freedom allows for anything in worship or if it comes with conditions.

Freedom in Christ exists so long as one walks in the light; the sermon will explore freedom in relation to God’s commands using Old Testament history.

The importance of staying in God’s grace by walking in the light, explaining the consequences of unrepentant sin.

Explanation of being in either Christ’s or Satan’s kingdom, emphasizing the dire situation of being in Satan’s kingdom due to unrepentant sin.

The possibility of returning to God’s kingdom through repentance but warning against dual citizenship in both kingdoms.

Encouragement to choose a side resolutely, citing Jesus' metaphor of being lukewarm and the necessity of obedience to show love for Christ.

The need for Christians to deny ungodliness, self-desires, and to follow Christ daily.

Discussion on the conflict between personal desires and following Christ’s teachings.

Explanation that while Christians do not follow the old law, it serves as a learning tool, with Paul’s teachings in Romans and Corinthians as examples.

Introduction of the principle regarding the treatment of blood, consistent across biblical dispensations, starting from Noah.

Detailed explanation from Leviticus on the command not to eat blood and the principle behind it, linking life with blood.

Further exploration of the connection between life, blood, and the consequences of sin, emphasizing respect for life and blood.

Discussion on how blood represents redemption and the need to value life because humans are made in God’s image.

Historical context of animal sacrifice starting from Adam and Eve, illustrating substitutionary atonement.

Explanation of animal sacrifices as a temporary measure until Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, highlighting the law of sin and death.

The perfection of Christ’s sacrifice compared to animal sacrifices, which could only temporarily atone for sin.

Reference to Acts 15 where rules for Gentiles included not drinking blood, reinforcing the principle of blood’s treatment.

Introduction of love as a fundamental biblical principle across all ages.

Definition of agape love from 1 Corinthians 13.

Emphasis on following God’s commandments without adding or subtracting, using Deuteronomy as an example.

Yahweh as the angel of the Lord appeared as a pillar of fire at night and a column of smoke by day, guiding Israel.

Israel followed this cloud with Moses, experiencing events like the sweetening of the bitter waters of Mara.

God provided manna, quail, and water from the rock, with Paul identifying the rock as Christ.

Their clothes and sandals did not wear out during their journey.

Before reaching Sinai, Israel’s first battle was against the Amalekites, described as scoundrels.

The battle is recounted in Exodus 17.

Moses instructed Joshua to choose men to fight while he would hold the staff of God on a hill.

Israel prevailed when Moses' hands were up, held by Aaron and Hur, leading to victory over Amalek.

God commanded the recording of the event as a memorial, intending to blot out Amalek’s memory.

Amalek’s cruelty against Israel, especially targeting the weak, justified this divine command.

By the time of the judges, nearly 400 years later, Amalek’s fate is set due to their actions.

Israelites demanded a king as per Deuteronomy 17:14, leading to Samuel anointing Saul from Benjamin.

Saul received the Spirit of God upon anointment but faced challenges with the Philistines.

Saul’s impatience led him to offer a sacrifice himself, contrary to God’s command.

Samuel rebuked Saul for his actions, foretelling that his kingdom would not endure.

Jonathan’s bravery led to a victory over the Philistines, providing context for the next narrative.

The sermon will focus on a verse-by-verse study of 1 Samuel 15 for the evening sermon.

God instructs Saul through Samuel to destroy Amalek completely, echoing the earlier divine command.

Saul defeated Amalek but spared Agag and the best of the livestock, contrary to God’s command.

God repents of making Saul king due to his disobedience, leading Samuel to grieve all night.

Saul claims to have followed God’s command but is confronted by Samuel about the sounds of livestock.

Saul admits to sparing the livestock for sacrifice, but Samuel clarifies that obedience is better than sacrifice.

Samuel equates Saul’s disobedience with divination and idolatry, leading to Saul’s rejection as king.

Saul confesses his sin but Samuel insists that God has rejected him from being king.

Saul tears Samuel’s robe, symbolizing the kingdom being torn from him and given to another.

Agag is brought before Samuel, who kills him, fulfilling the command Saul failed to complete.

Samuel and Saul part ways, with Samuel grieving over Saul, and God regretting making Saul king.

The sermon highlights disobedience as sin, comparable to idolatry and witchcraft, stressing adherence to God’s commands.

Despite freedom in Christ, Christians are still bound by the principle of following God’s revealed word, not adding or subtracting from it.

An invitation for repentance or baptism is extended to the congregation.