The Preserving Power Of God

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES

Text: I Chronicles 17:16-27 (18:6, 13) IBCSWS June 7, 2009

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

Studying about the preserving power of God from the Bible is truly worthwhile and needful while we live in this survival-conscious world. Any person in his right mind would like to experience the preserving power of God in his life. In I Chronicles 18:6, it is written, Then David put garrisons in Syria-damascus; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. (KJV) In this verse, we could see how God preserved the life of David in a tremendous way.

A careful study of the word “preserved” in chapter 18 verses 6 and 13, offers us a wider understanding concerning God’s loving-care for His people. The word “preserved” does not only mean: delivered, rescued, saved, helped, freed; but it is also an expressive word which depicts “victory”. Reading the whole chapter will make us realize how God made David victorious over his enemies.

Beyond doubt, David’s great victories came from God. He was used of God in a mighty way because of his God-fearing attitude and unquestionable servant’s heart. In Acts 13:22, the Bible says, And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. (KJV) God uses ordinary people in an extra-ordinary way to fulfil His blessed will in every generation and He prefers people with a humble heart.

Some believers may be wondering how they could gain the loving-favour of God and enjoy His preserving power in their daily lives. Evidently, the Bible tells us that we must be reliant on God’s Word and must do what is delightful before Him, and surely, God will guide us and lead us in the path of victory. It is plainly written in Psalm 37:4, Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (KJV) What a hope-giving passage from the Scriptures to think about. May the Lord find us pleasing before Him and may His preserving power be upon us as we follow His blessed plan for our lives and for the ministry that He has entrusted to us.

(I) For Prayerful People

I Chronicles 17:16-22

Prayerful believers are delightful to God. Every time they kneel down to pray, they show their reverence and submissiveness to God’s perfect will. Behind their requests is their unquestionable faith in the trustworthy God. David was a man of prayer and his deep communion with the Lord is perceptible through his writings. A closer look on his recorded prayer will teach us how to be more dependent on God’s working.

-With honest and humble heart v16

An honest and humble heart is always welcome before God’s throne of grace. God sees our hearts and He gives favour to those who come to Him with a pure heart. David’s heart was undeniably pleasing before God. Take note what Samuel said about David in I Samuel 13:14, But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. (KJV)

-With believing heart vs17-18

An unbelieving heart displeases God, but a believing heart unleashes the loving-kindness of the Lord. Through the words of David, we could perceive his believing heart when he said, 17 And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God. 18 What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant. (KJV) Truly, God knows our hearts.

-With appreciative heart vs19-22

A thankful heart gives pleasure to the Lord. David was so grateful of God’s blessings and God provided all his needs. In verses 19 to 22, David said, 19 O LORD, for thy servant's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. 20 O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt? 22 For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, LORD, becamest their God. (KJV) When was the last time we really appreciate God’s kindness toward us? Give thanks to God always.

(II) For Those Who Are Willing To Follow The Will Of God For Their Lives

I Chronicles 17:23-27

Complete submission to the will of God brings forth good success. The more we submit to God, the more grace we receive from His loving hand; and the more we live by grace, the more we become victorious in our battle for truth. David was a man of war and his victories were amazing results of his faith-triggered prayers. His willingness to follow the will of God led him to enjoy the Lord’s preserving power upon his life.

-With a desire to glorify God vs23-24

One notable thing in David’s life was his intense desire to glorify God in every victory he achieved. He did always acknowledge the power of God behind his success. In verse 24, David said, Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee. (KJV) In everything we must thank God and glorify His Holy Name.

-With godly goals in life v25

Setting godly goals is not only rewarding, but it also glorifies God. David was a goal-oriented person and God was with Him and made him prosperous. In verses 1 and 2, David said, 1 Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains. 2 Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee. (KJV) Solomon built the beautiful and God-glorifying temple, but behind that historic construction was David’s goal-oriented life.

-With mindfulness of the things of God 18:11

People who are really mindful of the things of God are also the kind of believers who are faithful, and David was such as we could see in I Chronicles 18:11, Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek. (KJV) Be faithful to God and mindful of the things pertaining to Him and He will bless the works of your hands.

-With hope vs26-27

Living in hope is an exciting and rewarding life. David is an excellent illustration of a man whose hope is in the Lord. His words in Psalm 39:5-7 revealed his unwavering hope when he said, 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. (KJV)

We must be reminded that life here on earth is so short and man’s best is nothing before God. Truly, life without Christ is vanity, but he that put his trust in the Lord will surely experience the preserving power of God. Like David, his life and family will be established and his inspiring faith will lead many people to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Back to Sermon Outline Page

Hit Counter

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH