We can only understand the Christian family within the context of the church family-and that begins by understanding the church itself. The local church is the community in which our identity as followers of the King is best expressed. Alistair Begg helps us understand the church's role and importance by pointing us to the biblical context of Colossians 3, our present cultural setting, and the Gospel solution for our lonely and fractured world.

Truth For Life - Alistair Begg

The Christian Family

The ripple effects of sin-even forgiven sin-often extend far beyond the original offense. Examining the consequences of David's transgression with Bathsheba, Alistair Begg explains that the king's story illustrates what happens when we resist God's rule in our quest for moral autonomy. Thankfully, though, no one is beyond the reach of God's amazing grace and love. By confessing our sin, we can rejoice in God's provision of a Savior and confidently proceed with our lives in light of His mercy.

Restoration

The account of David's repentance in 2 Samuel 12 is complemented by Psalm 51, where the king recognizes that sin is a matter not of what he has done but of who he fundamentally is. Alistair Begg reminds us that repentance like David's is evidence of God's grace at work in our heart. Through Christ, we can come to the Lord humbly yet confidently, trusting in His compassion and knowing that He who has provided reconciliation in His Son has also justly and mercifully dealt with our sins.

"You Are the Man!" — Part Two

Externally, King David's attempt to cover up Uriah's murder appeared successful-but the Lord saw it and was displeased. In His mercy, God sent His servant Nathan to confront the king. Exposed by God's word, David confessed his sin and received the Lord's pardon. While the consequences of the king's sin would still be devastating for his family and dynasty, Alistair Begg reminds us that the same scandalous grace God gave David is on offer to us through Christ, who died for us.

"You Are the Man!" — Part One

Paul wrote to the early church in Philippi to help them get their spiritual bearings amid a crooked and twisted generation. Today's world is similarly warped, seeking to dethrone God in favor of selfish pursuits and nebulous beliefs. Reminding us of our true identity in Christ, Alistair Begg warns believers not to be passive. Instead, we are to stand firm in one Spirit, strive side by side for the faith of the Gospel, and shine in the midst of the world's darkness.

Getting Our Spiritual Bearings

While the Lord promised to establish David's throne forever, the kingdom was not safe in the king's hands. After committing adultery with Bathsheba, David callously planned the death of her husband, Uriah. His heart had grown increasingly hardened by sin's deceit. Did God's promises come to a crashing halt at the king's moral collapse- Not for a moment- Alistair Begg reminds us that the fulfillment of the Lord's designs lies not in the goodness of men and women but in the goodness of God Himself.

Murder, He Wrote

Hiding sin is always a futile exercise. King David knew this-yet when he allowed his lust for Bathsheba to triumph over obedience to God's laws, he still attempted to conceal his wrongdoing. Twice David tried to use Bathsheba's husband Uriah to cover his sin, and twice he failed. As Alistair Begg explains, David's actions reveal our own propensity for deception and should cause us to tremble at the approach of sin and commit afresh to trusting in God's promises.

A Failed Solution

Is it possible to erase a lifetime of usefulness in one moment of weakness- That seemed to have been the case with David. He lived an exemplary life that pointed forward to Jesus-until his sordid affair with Bathsheba. As Alistair Begg recounts the defining moment of the king's moral collapse, he points out dangers to avoid and warnings to heed. Yet as we seek to deal with temptation in its infancy, we must also trust that God overcomes sin and shame, never abandons His people, and never loses control of His purposes.

David and Bathsheba

Without the ascension, Christ's nativity, passion, and resurrection would have been pointless. The ascension is the defining moment that marked the end of Jesus' personal ministry on earth and the beginning of the Great Commission. Alistair Begg walks us through the Gospel plan, the Holy Spirit's enabling power, and the personnel God uses to accomplish His purposes. As every believer joins in His mission, Jesus continues to reign from heaven, seeking the lost through weak, fearful servants like us.

"He Was Taken Up to Heaven"

After the Ammonite king's death, David sent servants to offer condolences to the king's son and successor. His kindness was rejected, however, and his men were sent back in shame and humiliation. Joab, the army commander who was sent to deal with the enemies, exhorted his men to be courageous yet confident in God's sovereign care. Alistair Begg shows how this passage points us to King Jesus, who covers our shame and whom we can trust to do what is good and right.

"Till All His Foes Submit" — Part One

Although the Syrians and Ammonites fled from battle before Joab and his mighty host, the Syrian army gathered again to defeat David. With all of Israel at his command, however, David destroyed them. Alistair Begg explains how the battle against David's kingship, although historical, also points us to the eternal consequences of rejecting a far greater King. Before He comes in judgment, Jesus patiently bids us to come to Him now in faith, to lay down our arms, and to find refuge in His saving kindness.

"Till All His Foes Submit" — Part Two

With Israel's kingdom secured, David enjoyed a time of grateful reflection. Recalling his promises to Jonathan and Saul, he sought their remaining heir-Jonathan's crippled son, Mephibosheth. Land, servants, and honor were restored, and Mephibosheth was welcomed like a son to the king's table. Alistair Begg explains how David's expression of God's covenant loving-kindness foreshadowed Christ, who seeks us in our frailty and welcomes us into His kingdom. Like Mephibosheth, our response to such undeserved, amazing grace should be humble astonishment.

Kingdom of Kindness

During his reign, King David administered justice to his people and chose faithful personnel to help with this task. But even David's reign was not perfect. As Alistair Begg explains, the king's rule was the result of promises God had made to David-promises that would find their fulfillment in Jesus, the ascended King. Our hope today remains grounded in the reality of Christ's return to reign in righteousness over His people.

"So David Reigned Over All"

During his reign, King David struck down his enemies according to God's purposes, which were to enact judgment against those who opposed His rule and to preserve a people for Himself. Examining David's military victories in 2 Samuel 8, Alistair Begg encourages us to see the king's actions as a foreshadow of the future ultimate victory of the Lord Jesus Christ. To this day, we wait in eager expectation for Christ's return, when He will subdue every foe-even death-beneath His feet.

"The Lord Gave Victory"

Life is short, and death is the inescapable reality for us all. Our souls will not cease to exist after death- rather, we will stand in judgment before God. As Alistair Begg explains, Christ's death and resurrection are incomparable works that reconcile repentant sinners to God. A risen Lord is the indispensable foundation of our faith. Thanks be to God, who grants us victory through Christ-

The Resurrection

The newest sermons from Truth For Life - Alistair Begg on SermonAudio.

hubhopper

Truth For Life - Alistair Begg

hubhopper