A Warning to Us

Eagle's Landing Sermons

“There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.” — 2 Samuel 3:1 1. Abner: A picture of the sin of selfishness. “While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.” — 2 Samuel 3:6 We cannot live for the Kingdom of Jesus and the Kingdom of Self simultaneously. “For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 2:21 There is nothing more miserable than living for self. “Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, ‘Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?’ ” — 2 Samuel 3:7 “Am I a dog's head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman.” — 2 Samuel 3:8 “God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.” — 2 Samuel 3:9-11 Selfish people make selfish decisions. 2. David: A picture of the sin of carelessness. “And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, ‘To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.’ And he said, ‘Good; I will make a covenant with you…’ ” — 2 Samuel 3:12-13a Even the godly fall. 3. Joab: A picture of the sin of bitterness. “When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace.” Then Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone?" — 2 Samuel 3:23-24 “You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.” — 2 Samuel 3:25 “Let all bitterness…be put away from you…Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:31-32 4. Jesus: A picture of the forgiveness of sin. “And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people.” — 2 Samuel 3:36 Sometimes the worst things to ever happen are the best things ever done.