the four stones

the four stones...

Whhhooo are you?

Part 3: Purpose

Who was David?• How would you describe King

David in a sentence?

• Describe him from a functional standpoint.

• How was David viewed by those he ruled over?

Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, "For some time you have wanted to make David your

king. Now do it! For the LORD promised David, 'By my servant

David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their

enemies.' "

2 Samuel 3:17-18

All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "We are your own flesh and blood. In the

past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the

LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you

will become their ruler.' "

2 Samuel 5:1-2

2 Samuel 5:17-25

David’s Victories• 2 Samuel 8:–Subdued the Philistines–Defeated the Moabites• Subjugated through decimation –

tribute–Fought King of Zobah• Control of Euphrates–Captured 1000 chariots, 7000

charioteers, 20000 foot soldiers–Hamstrung all but 100 chariot horses

David’s Victories–Struck down 22,000 Arameans• Subjugated at Damascus, tribute

–King of Hamath voluntarily brings tribute–Struck down 18,000 Edomites• Subjugation, garrisons

• The LORD gave David victory wherever he went. (v.14)

David’s Victories• Killed 700 charioteers and

40,000 foot soldiers rallied by the Ammonites (2 Samuel 10)

• Defeated the Ammonites and their king (2 Samuel 12)

• Put down multiple internal rebellions (but that’s the 4th stone…)

Abrupt Change…• Read 2 Samuel 21:15-17–War with the Philistines–David went with his men to fight–He became exhausted–Targeted by a well-equipped and

vengeful giant–David’s men swear to prevent him

from fighting again, for fear of ramifications

Exhaustion• David, one of the greatest

warriors ever recorded, became tired.

• What changed?• If God has ordained a limit to our

youth, energy, and commission to a task, what should we do about it?–David did not squander his physical

ability to fight when God willed him to fight.

Targeted for Defeat• Safe assumption that killing King

David was one of the greatest military quests in the history of warfare.

• In your capacity, the higher you rise, the greater your profile to the enemy.

• What do you make of David’s willingness to fight despite this reality?

Attacked by a “New Sword”

• Do not let past victories convince you that the enemy doesn’t come up with new tactics.

• The enemy is perfectly capable of tailoring his attack to exploit your vulnerabilities.

• Don’t narrowly interpret! A “new sword” can be anything designed to take you off-guard…including a smooth stone!

Time for Change• This battle was pivotal in two ways:–This marked the end of David’s long

career on the battlefield. God has other purposes for him now.–This marked a time for others to fill

this role, which they handily did.

• David could have stood in the way, imperiling both.

New Testament Reassignments

• Stephen• Paul–Each man ended with radically

different tasks than they started with.–Each man gave their all in their

former assignments.–Each man gave their all in their

new assignments.

2 Samuel 7:8-16

Personal Application• How has God used you in the

past?• How has that equipped you for

what you’re doing now?• What pockets of resistance to

you have to change?• How can you know it’s God’s will

for you to change (vs. persevere)?

Personal Application• Are you resisting change now, to

the peril of your mission and purpose?

• What “new swords” are you facing in your own journey?

• Whom are you mentoring to fill your place when God has ordained you to move on?

• Are you spending every ounce of your strength for the task a hand?