David wants to build a house for the Lord, but God promises that David’s descendants will sit on his throne forever (2 Samuel 7:1-16). What does this mean? How does this tap into our longing for a just, righteous ruler as revealed in Jesus? (2 SAMUEL 7:1-16)
Sermon Outline
“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16)
David: a Picture of the One Worth Believing In
- Anointed by Samuel the Prophet (1 Samuel 16)
- Victorious over his enemies (1 Samuel 17, 30; 2 Samuel 5, 2)
- Unifying a divided people (2 Samuel 5)
- Honoring God in his victories (2 Samuel 6)
- Still struggling with his humanity (2 Samuel 11, 13, 15)
God’s Commitment to David and All Humanity (2 Samuel 7:1-16)
- God does not fit into a box (2 Samuel 7:1-7)
- God has brought David success (2 Samuel 7:8-9)
- God will establish David (2 Samuel 7:9-11)
- God will build David’s ‘house’ (2 Samuel 7:11-14)
- God will extend His love and blessing forever (2 Samuel 7:15-16)
Longing for Someone to Believe In
- Longing for an eternal ruler (Micah 5:2)
- Longing for a victorious ruler (Psalm 132:11-12, 17-18)
- Longing for a righteous and just ruler (Isaiah 9:6-7)
- Longing for a wise and equitable ruler (Isaiah 11:1-5)
- Longing for a saving ruler who brings God’s goodness (Jeremiah 33:14-18)
- Longing for a peace-giving ruler (Ezekiel 37:24-28)
Jesus: the One Worth Believing In
- Genealogy (Matthew 1:1, 17, 20)
- Angelic announcement (Luke 1:28, 31-33)
- Human acclamation (Matthew 9:27; 20:30)
- His teaching (Mark 12:35-36)
- A summary (Romans 1:1-5)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- This weekend we continue our series, “All I Want for Christmas,” by looking at 2 Samuel 7:1-16. Begin with prayer, asking God to speak through your study of Scripture. Then read the Bible passage aloud.
- Background: This passage is part of the story of David, who was chosen as the king by God while still an unknown young man working with the sheep (1 Samuel 16). David’s rise to power and struggles as king are found in 1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 1. Here in 2 Samuel 7, God commits to David as king, as well as the generations to follow him.
- The situation that leads to God’s commitment centers around David’s desire to build a ‘house’ for God. Before this time, the presence of God was symbolized through the ark of the covenant (see Exodus 25:10-22) and the moveable tabernacle (see Exodus 26:137). Based on what we read in 2 Samuel 7:1-7, why does God tell David not to build Him a house?
- In 2 Samuel 7:8-9, God reminds David of how He has been at work in David’s life. What things does God mention and why is this important for David to remember?
- What are some specific ways God has been at work in your life this past year that you can recount right now?
- God goes on to make three specific promises to David in verses 9-11. What are they and why might they be important to David?
- Playing on David’s desire to build a ‘house’ for God, God says that He will “establish a house” for David in verses 11b-16. Given the history of Israel, why is this important?
- The promise is for David, his son who will follow him as king (vss 12-14), but also for enduring generations (vss 15-16). This section of Scripture forms the basis of the expectations of a Messiah who will one day come from the line of David. Take a few moments to read through these Scriptures and reflect on how the expectation of the Messiah connect with 2 Samuel 7:
- Micah 5:2
- Psalm 132:11-18
- Isaiah 9:6-7
- Isaiah 11:1-5
- Jeremiah 33:14-18
- Ezekiel 37:24-28
- Jesus came as the Messiah figure, bringing together the hopes of 2 Samuel 7:16 and the verses above. We see this in Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17, 20), the angel’s announcement to Mary (Luke 1:30-33), Jesus’ teaching (Mark 12:35-36), the acclamation of people (Matthew 9:27; 20:30), and more. What do you think this means?
- What is one thing you will take away from this study as you prepare for Christmas? If you are alone, share that with someone this week. If you are with a small group, take some time to discuss these things with one another. Close in prayer.