KJV Sermon Outlines

HOW TO LOVE THE KING?

Text: 2 Sam. 19:24-30
Intro: In these verses, we witness the reunion of David and a man who loved the king more than his own life. In these few Old Testament verses, there is a valuable lesson for the children of God. You see, by the testimony of this man named Mephibosheth, we are given a clear cut example of how we, God's redeemed children, are to love the Lord Jesus Christ.

I. LOVE HIM WITH ABSOLUTE DEVOTION
Mephibosheth demonstrates his devotion to King David in various ways in verses 24, 26, 27, 28, 30.

A. The Cause Of His Devotion - The reason Mephibosheth was so devoted to David can be seen in what David had done for him, 2 Sam. 9:1-13; 2 Sam. 19:28) As the son of Jonathon, Mephibosheth was in line to ascend to the throne of Saul. In reality, he was a rival to David for the office of King. Yet, David, instead of acting with justice and executing Mephibosheth, as he had other members of Saul's family, extended grace to this little, crippled man. David had every right to kill Mephibosheth, but because of his great love for Jonathon, he spared Mephibosheth's life, 2 Sam. 9:3; 1 Sam. 20:15.

When the child of God stops and ponders what God has done for him through Jesus, it is plain to see that we have more than abundant reason to love Him with every fiber of our beings. John reminds us that our love for Jesus is rooted in the fact that Jesus first loved us. Think of what you were and how you have sinned against the Lord. If you and I got what we deserved this morning, we would all be in Hell right now. If we received justice, we would have been forever separated from the presence of God. However, through Jesus, we have received grace.

B. The Course Of His Devotion - Mephibosheth's great love for David translated into a life of service and devotion. Because he loved the king, it showed in his life. Mephibosheth lived a life of total devotion and absolute faithfulness toward the king.

When a child of God genuinely loves the Lord with his entire being, it will show in his life. In other words, you won't have to run around saying, "I love the Lord!" It won't need to be said, because it will be clearly seen in everything you do. It will be seen in your prayer life, your attention to Scripture, your attendance upon the worship of the Lord, your witnessing life, your manner of life. All I am saying is that when we are in love with Jesus, whole heartedly, it cannot be hidden. It will tell on you! What does your life say about your love for the Lord?

II. LOVE HIM WITH ABSOLUTE DEDICATION

There are 3 ways in which Mephibosheth demonstrated his dedication to King David, these traits ought to be seen in God's children.

A. Mephibosheth Forsook The World - As the grandson of Saul, he had every right to lay claim to the throne.Yet, because he loved the king, he refused to get caught up in the affairs of the world. He placed his devotion to the king ahead of any selfish ambitions that he may have possessed.

What a lesson for the church! There is always a danger that our connection with the world will override our dedication to Jesus. The child of God must always beware, the cares of this world steal our love for Jesus

B. Mephibosheth Forgot Himself - According to verse 24, the entire time David was away, a period of several months, Mephibosheth neglected himself in what was a display of mourning for David' return.

Again, there is a lesson here for the child of God. The lesson is that our will is to be swallowed up in the will of the Lord. We are to come to the place where we lose sight of ourselves and of our own interests and become consumed with and focused on the Lord Jesus Christ

C. Mephibosheth Followed The King - Remember that this man is crippled. When David had to leave Jerusalem because of Absalom's rebellion, Mephibosheth tried to go to David. However, a wicked servant named Ziba deceived Mephibosheth and went to David alone. He tried to discredit his master before the king, Yet, Mephibosheth gave his heart to the task of following the king!

III. LOVE HIM WITH ABSOLUTE DELIGHT

(Mephibosheth looked rough on the outside, but his heart was glowing with the love he had for David. In this, he sets an example for those of us who claim to know the Lord Jesus. By his witness, he shows us what we are to be doing while we wait for our king to return. I don't know if you have noticed it or not, but we are in much the same shape as Mephibosheth. Our King, Jesus, the One who died for us is in Heaven with His Father. The day is coming when He will return to this earth and will be seen by His children. Notice the attitudes that need to fill our hearts as we wait for him to come back.

A. He Looked For The King - It is apparent from the story that Mephibosheth lived with the anticipation of the king's return to Jerusalem. It consumed his thoughts and controlled his life! He spent his days waiting to hear the heralds declare the news, "The king is coming!"

Our King, the Lord Jesus, is also returning one day? He is coming, and we are to be looking for that time when He will return,

B. He Longed For The King - Mephibosheth exhibited all the classic sign of being in mourning for David. His hearts desire was to see the King once again. This is proven by his statement in verse 30. He didn't care about his land or his money, all he cared for was to see the face of the king.

This ought to describe every heart of every Christian here today. Is there a burning desire in your heart to see and be with the Lord? This was the attitude of John while on Patmos. It was also the desire of the Apostle Paul. Does this describe our heart today? Is there a strong desire to see the Lord and be with Him.

C. He Looked Upon The King - Mephibosheth lived long enough to see his desire become reality. He got to see the king when he returned.

David's response in verse 29, but Mephibosheth cared for nothing but the fact that he was now with his king!

Just as Mephibosheth's dream became a reality, so shall ours. One glorious day, we will stand in the presence of the One who climbed Calvary's Hill. To redeem our souls from Hell. We will see His face and we will worship Him. Our day will come.

Are you saved this morning? If not, then you do not know the King. The first step for you is coming to Him and asking Him into your heart to be your personal Savior. If you will come before Him, I promise you that He will save your soul and that He will forgive you of all your sins. He will give you a new life and will prepare you a home in Heaven where you too will spend a perfect eternity in His presence. All that if you will come and receive Him.

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