There are many ways to preach historical narratives expositionally. What makes this challenging is determining the best way to preach them to our church. In recent weeks, you might have noticed that I’ve done it three different ways. I have gone through a lengthy narrative, and in each paragraph or break in the action, I’ve explained it, illustrated it, and applied it. I have also discussed narrative specifics at the outset, then explained vital components and how they relate to the gospel. Finally, is something I did on Sunday. Paraphrase the story, then discuss the principles that are seen throughout. None of these are right or wrong. The biggest issue is clarity and faithfulness to God’s word.
Faithfulness
If you’ve been in our church for very long, you have heard me talk about long-term faithfulness. In my mind, Joseph is the first biblical case study of that. We obviously can’t miss the big story of why God put Joseph in Egypt. Joseph was there to provide for God’s people during the famine in Egypt. He was also there to bring Israel to Egypt, eventually bringing Israel’s growth and Exodus to the Promised Land. But Joseph’s faithful service, no matter where he landed. The Lord brought favor in leaders’ eyes each time—from the jailer to Potiphar to Pharaoh.
Many Christians wonder what a successful Christian life looks like. Some say it’s people who pray for hours. Some say it’s those who share the gospel. Some say it’s being “an overcomer” (whatever that might mean). Some say it’s finding a secret understanding in the Bible that will be a key to life. However, the Bible teaches that a successful Christian life is one of faithfulness to God, no matter where God might place us. It’s not results or even fruit. Bearing fruit glorifies God, but we bear fruit by faithfully abiding in Christ (John 15:1-11).
Often, we look at the results or the fruit to determine faithfulness. Think about this: Daniel was faithful to God and had early favor with the King of Babylon, but then was imprisoned and sent to the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6). Doesn’t look like fruit or good results. The surprising favor of the lions allowed Daniel to survive and eventually turn the King’s heart. The same could be said about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were commanded to bow and worship the King’s idol or be tossed into the fiery furnace. They faithfully obeyed God and went to the fires. But God brought the favor of “one like the Son of God,” who walked with them through the furnace and brought them out alive. (Daniel 3)
Results seem to indicate that you’re doing well and that God is on your side. But results don’t always speak of faithfulness. King David had victory on every side and started thinking pretty highly of himself. So, he wanted to count all of us people and take attendance. He wanted to see how big they had become. Instead, the Lord brought a curse (2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21). David wasn’t content with faithfulness. He needed to see results.
Through the years, I’ve battled the ‘results’ test of faithfulness. It’s easy to do. Instead, I have tried to take on a principle: Be faithful to God and leave the results in His hands. No matter the context, this has helped me tremendously. What does faithfulness look like in this moment as a husband, father, or pastor? What does faithfulness look like when speaking to a particular group on a text or topic?
Many Christians talk themselves out of faithfulness when they imagine or think of possible outcomes or results. The problem is, that’s backward. God calls us to faithfulness and brings about the outcomes or results He wants.
Travel Season
My travel season is now upon us. Thank you for praying for us. Sometimes, we’re hesitant to share that we’ll be gone, but knowing that our adult kids will be at our house, helping our younger teens and caring for our home gives us peace.
Things to Pray For
- Safe and easy travel. As you can see, we’re going across the globe. Pray that we can quickly adjust to the changes and not get sick.
- Pray for the encouragement and equipping of our Filipino brothers and sisters. This is a strategic trip to discuss the beauty of gospel partnership. The church culture in the Philippines is very ‘top-down,’ and SGC is most definitely not that.
- Pray that Jill and I have a great time together. This is the first long-distance ministry trip she’s taken with me. She is such a joy to have with me, and she’s a blessing to anyone she meets, so I’m excited to have her with me. She’ll steal the limelight:). But this trip is also a ‘bucket-list’ trip for us with the additional time in Australia. We rarely get time away like this, and we pray that God will use it to make great memories and continue to build our marriage.
Looking Ahead
This coming Sunday, Stan Welch will preach on Genesis 47:13-28, then next Sunday, he’ll teach on Genesis 47:29-49:27.
As I mentioned Sunday, in addition to our concerns about our children and family while we’re gone, I’m concerned that our church doesn’t miss the chance to hear other men preach God’s word to us over the next several weeks. Let’s grow both spiritually and in number while I’m gone. I’m grateful that one of our members caught me Sunday and said, “I’m going to invite five friends to church while you’re gone. “ I hope all of you do that!
From the Cheap Seats
- It sure seems that the Alabama football team didn’t pay attention to this: https://www.on3.com/news/alabama-football-sets-up-traps-nod-nick-saban-iconic-rat-poison-line/
- I love playoff baseball.
- Did anyone notice the Aggies’ score against Missouri? You probably didn’t. I did. Is 41-10 good against the #9 team in the ranking? How about the upsets all weekend?
Have a great week! Christ is King!
In Christ,
Dave York
