ABIMELECH - Wayward Son
Series: Right in God's Eyes
July 16, 2023
Frank Foreman
Philippians 2:9-11, Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ---------- As we turn this week to the story of Abimelech, some of the lessons we can glean from it tie directly back to our recognition of Jesus as King. Having a connection to Jesus Christ as Lord and King over your life, leads to salvation. Ignoring him--not giving him the proper recognition in your life--leads to judgment. All of us have sinned and fallen short of his glory. It isn't a question of whether or not we need forgiveness through the blood of Christ, the question is whether or not we accept his grace and submit to his authority as our King!
Episode Notes
Big Idea: Jesus is our perfect King that cannot be overthrown…
Recognizing Him as such leads to wonderful blessings.
1. Our perfect King teaches us contentment.
(Journal) Judges 9:2, Say in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, “Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.”
Philippians 4:11b-13, I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
2. Our perfect King is worthy of our trust.
(Journal) Judges 9:19, …if you then have acted in good faith and integrity with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
3. Our perfect King gives us the capacity to love.
(Journal) Judges 9:30-31, When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. And he sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you.”
Matthew 22:37-39, And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Next Step: Recognize Jesus as King right now and receive His blessing… or wait until it is too late and receive His justice.
Philippians 2:9-11, Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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