About This Project
Shout out to Derek Boyd who provided vocals on our show opener…
“I am Thankful for the opportunity to be featured on the “Deep End Podcast and to work with Pastor Tim. I would really appreciate it if you would take a moment to follow, like, and subscribe to my social media and streaming platform: https://linktr.ee/drockmusic_” -Derek
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Today we talk about the Christian’s responsibility when the government persecutes and suppresses Christian people. There is no king or ruler that God can not use for His plan and purpose. Stayed tuned for the end of the podcast for a live Q&A segment.
Key Verse: Psalm 54:1-4 “
Save me, O God, by Your name,
And vindicate me by Your power.
Hear my prayer, O God;
Give ear to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen against me
And violent men have sought my life;
They have not set God before them. Selah.
Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
Theme: When “the powers that be” attack what is our response to be?
Scriptures Studied: 1 Samuel 26 ; Hebrews 1:10-12 ; Psalm 54:1-4 ; Romans 13:1 ; 1 Peter 2:13-15; 1 Peter 2:17; Psalm 75:7
Points to Note:
Reminder, the story of Saul & David is Our Story:
- Saul: [Kingdoms of this world] Self-Centered, Demanding, Disobedient to God, Seeks His Own Glory
- David: [Kingdom of God] Other-Centered, Giving/Self-Sacrificing, Obedient to God, Seeks the Glory of God
Kingdom of Saul | Self-Absorbed and Insecure | Passing Away
- Every moment is about himself
- Everyone is suspect
- Everyone is a threat
- Willing to kill for his kingdom
- Estranged from everyone he loved
- On the road to self-destruction
Kingdom of David | Self-Less & Dependent on God | Arriving
- Wounded by the Lord
- Made useful to those wounded in the world
- Contrite, Compassionate, and Hungry for God
- Made ready to serve others
Symbolism:
- Abishai represents the impulse in us all to strike at our enemies, to fight with violence, to meet hate with hate, and to do evil to those who would do evil with us.
Episode Points:
- David was anointed by God and His chosen king, however, Saul was the reigning king in Israel
- On two occasions David is given an opportunity to kill Saul and get away with it
- David held God and His Word in honor
- There is no king or ruler that God can not use for His plan and purpose.
- There is always going to be some who think their political aspirations are going to be directed by God
Recognize the Following:
Two Things Can Be True at Once:
- God had decided to put Saul in charge of Israel at this time even though he was vengeful and selfish and hated David
- God could and would protect David from Saul’s vengeance, selfishness, and hatred
Two Things Can Be True at Once:
- Christians can maintain a Godly witness in our behavior and actions (we do not riot or destroy public/private property)
- Christians can speak out boldly against the overreaches of government and institutions that act in opposition to what is just, fair, and equitable
Questions to Consider:
- How do you live faithfully under God’s anointed when a seemingly wicked person is in power?
- Have you ever had a family member turn on you over political differences?
- Do you recognize the voice of Abishai in yourself?
- In what ways do you hold God and His Word in honor?
- Do you pray for your leaders?
Further Consideration:
- 1984 by George Orwell: Written more than 70 years ago, 1984 was George Orwell’s chilling prophecy about the future. And while 1984 has come and gone, his dystopian vision of a government that will do anything to control the narrative.
- Eric Metaxas’ Book Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.
Viewer Questions: [You can always send us interesting news articles at ask@thedeepend.tv or text them to 508-316-9333 as well as ask any questions you may have (It’s anonymous!]
Thank you for the many viewer questions tonight!
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