5. THE LONG AWAITED THRONE

5. THE LONG AWAITED THRONE

2 Samuel 3:1 – Sometimes it takes longer to prepare character than it does to prepare a kingdom. God was getting David mentally, emotionally, and physically ready to take over that position.

TIME + CONFLICT= CHANGE

THREE SIMILARITIES WITH DAVID

1. We also have been promised a kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).

2. We, too, will reign with Him (Revelation 5:10).

3. We also are being prepared for that kingdom through time plus conflict.

PART 1: THE REQUIREMENT OF CHANGE (Philippians 3:6)

Change is inevitable in anyone’s life. Sometimes we are so resistant to change, but change is necessary. We cannot remain the same. God always finishes that which He starts.

Romans 8:28-29 – God’s desire is to conform us to the likeness of His Son. Likeness means a stamped image on a coin (Matthew 22:20). We are God’s absolute treasured possession (Deuteronomy). What He promises, He will begin and complete in us, is His desire to take the stamp of His Son, and press it on this treasure.

Two priority agendas:

1. Redemption.

2. Completion.

Once we are redeemed, Hid number one focus is completion. It is a continuous work – change.

PART 2: THE ROLE OF TIME (Philippians 1:5-6)

THE FIRST DAY – NOW – THE DAY OF CHRIST

God is working on that completing process in your “now.” We are living in the midst of a changing process in our lives.

A. God’s activity is good (agathos, Greek), which means good, excellent, best, distinguishable. He is doing an excellent work in your life. Recognize excellence when we see it. Do everything unto the glory of God. Whatever God is doing in your life is specifically designed for you. You are distinguishable to Him. What He is doing in you, in your “now,” is completely your own. Very individual. Very much yours. It is a very personal encounter with Christ.

It is also beneficial and profitable. God is building the character in us that we are going to need in the kingdom. He is building something in us to benefit us.

B. God’s activity is work (ergon, Greek), which means labor, or business. God is about His business in your life. It takes God’s energy; He labors toward it, doing a business in our lives to complete that He started.

Isaiah 43:22-25 – it is not you doing all the work. God says “You are making me weary because you are not working with me here.”