1 Samual 27:1-28:2 – The Dangers of Spiritual Drift

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, July 5 . They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.


1 Samual 27:1-28:2

Intro

  • David ended chapter 26 walking by faith.
  • Chapter 27 begins with David walking in fear.
  • His circumstances had not changed. God’s promises had not changed. David’s perspective had changed.
  • The Progression
    • God had promised David the kingdom.
    • David forgot God’s repeated faithfulness.
    • David feared Saul more than he trusted God.
    • David acted on that fear.
    • David became entangled in his decisions.

David’s Fear – 27:1–4

  • David reasons within himself instead of seeking the Lord (v.1).
  • Fear overshadows God’s promises (v.1).
  • David flees to Achish and finds temporary relief (vv.2–4).
  • Fear causes us to forget what we once believed.
  • Guard your heart before making decisions.
  • Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 26:3–4; Philippians 4:6–8; Psalm 42:5–11

David’s  Compromise – 27:5–12

  • David settles in Ziklag (vv.5–7).
  • David deceives Achish concerning his raids (vv.8–12).
  • Achish believes David has turned against Israel (v.12).
  • Compromise usually begins one step at a time.
  • Choose conviction over comfort.  Walk by faith. 2 Cor. 5:7
  • God remains faithful even when we falter. 2 Tim. 2:13

David’s Dilemma – 28:1–2

  • Achish expects David to fight against Israel (v.1).
  • David’s compromise places him in an impossible situation (v.2).
  • Today’s fearful decision can become tomorrow’s crisis.
  • Proverbs 14:12; 16:9

The What Now….When You Have Drifted

  • Own your past.1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)
  • Return to the Lord – James 4:7–8  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (ESV).
  • Do the next thing right. Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV) James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (ESV)
  • Be patient with the process.Galatians 6:1-10 (READ) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (ESV)
  • Walk with God’s people.Hebrews 10:24–25  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV))
  • Press on in faith.Philippians 3:13–1 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

1 Samuel 26:1–25 – Faith that Endures

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, June 7 . They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.


1 Samuel 26:1–25

Intro

  • God has been preparing David for the throne by developing his faith and character.
  • Each trial has taught David another lesson in following the Lord.
  • The wilderness has become God’s classroom, and David has been God’s student.
  • Now David faces another familiar test—not to reveal what God knows, but to reveal what David has learned.
  • This chapter teaches us what it means to live by faith.
  • Faith trusts God’s promises, follows God’s ways, and rests in God’s timing.

Stand with Conviction – vv. 1–12

Faith Chooses Obedience Over Opportunity

The Test is Repeated (vv. 1–5)

  • The Ziphites betray David again.
  • Saul pursues David with 3,000 chosen men.
  • David wisely confirms Saul’s location.

The Opportunity (vv. 6–8)

  • David enters Saul’s camp.
  • Abishai urges David to kill Saul.
  • The opportunity appears to be from God.

David’s Conviction (vv. 9–12)

  • David refuses to strike the Lord’s anointed.
  • He trusts God to remove Saul in His own way.
  • David leaves with Saul’s spear and water jug.
  • 1 Peter 2:20–23; Acts 5:29; James 4:17

Never sacrifice biblical conviction for a favorable opportunity.

Rest in Confidence – vv. 13–20

Faith Leaves the Outcome to God

David Calls out to Saul (vv. 13–16)

  • David exposes Abner’s failure.
  • The spear proves David’s integrity.

David Appeals to Saul (vv. 17–20)

  • Saul recognizes David’s voice.
  • David declares his innocence.
  • David entrusts justice to the Lord.
  • “The LORD will strike him…” (v. 10)
  • David doesn’t know how God will act. He simply knows God will act.
  • Romans 12:17–21; 1 Peter 2:23; Philippians 4:6–7; Hebrews 10:30

Leave what you cannot control in the hands of the God who controls all things. Faith leaves room for God to do what only God can do.

Persevere with Hope – vv. 21–25

Faith Looks Beyond Today’s Circumstances

Saul’s Confession (vv. 21–24)

  • Saul admits his sin.
  • David returns the spear.
  • David trusts the Lord to reward righteousness and faithfulness.

David Keeps Walking by Faith (v. 25)

  • Saul acknowledges David’s future kingdom.
  • David still does not become king.
  • David continues walking by faith.
  • Romans 8:24–25; Hebrews 10:35–36; James 1:2–4; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18

Hope rests in God’s promises, not today’s circumstances.


The What Now

Stand with convictionWhat should I do?

  • Let God’s Word shape your decisions.

Walk with confidenceWhat should I do?

  • Trust God’s sovereign care.

Persevere in hopeWhat should I expect?

  • Remember that God always keeps His promises.

Mark 5:21-43 – Jesus the Divine Healer

My Bible study notes for Wednesday night, June 24. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.


Mark-5:21-43

Intro

  • Mark 5 continues answering the question: “Who then is this?” (Mark 4:41)
  • Jesus has already demonstrated authority over nature and demons.
  • Now He demonstrates His authority over disease and death.
  • Two desperate people come to Jesus and discover that faith in Him is never misplaced.

Jairus – vv. 21-24

  • Jairus was a synagogue ruler and respected community leader.
  • His position and influence could not save his daughter… He was a desperate father.
  • His twelve-year-old daughter was dying.
  • He fell at Jesus’ feet and pleaded for help.
  • Begged” (parakaleō) means to plead earnestly or urgently.
  • Desperation drove him to Jesus.
  • Human resources have limits, but Christ does not.
  • Faith begins when we recognize our need and turn to Jesus.

The Woman — vv. 25–34

  • A desperate woman… she had suffered for twelve years from a flow of blood.
  • She had spent everything seeking help but only grew worse.
  • Her condition left her physically exhausted and ceremonially unclean.
  • She believed Jesus could do what no one else could.
  • “Faith” (pistis) means trust, confidence, or reliance.
  • Jesus not only healed her body but restored her dignity.
  • He called her “Daughter,” assuring her of His care and acceptance.
  • No one is beyond the reach of Christ’s mercy.
  • Faith looks away from self and trusts Christ.

The Daughter – vv. 35-43

  • News arrives that Jairus’ daughter has died.
  • Jesus tells him: “Do not fear, only believe.”
  • Fear focuses on circumstances; faith focuses on Christ.
  • The mourners laughed when Jesus said the child was sleeping.
  • Talitha cumi” means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”
  • Jesus speaks and death obeys.
  • The girl immediately rose and walked.
  • Jesus has authority over death itself.
  • What is impossible for man is possible with God.

The What Now

  • Bring your burdens and needs to Christ.
  • Trust Jesus in seasons of suffering and uncertainty.
  • Refuse to let fear have the final word.
  • Rest in the power and compassion of King Jesus.
  • Live with confidence in the One who conquered death.

Jairus teaches us to trust Christ in our desperation. The woman teaches us to trust Christ in our suffering. The daughter reminds us that Christ’s authority extends even over death. Faith in King Jesus is never misplaced.

Philippians 3:12-14 – Pressing On

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, June 21 . They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.


People do not drift into spiritual maturity; they are intentional and determined. They press on in Christ through devotion, discipline, and diligence.

Devotion: Christ Must Be the Goal – v. 12

  • Christ pursued us before we pursued Him.
  • A godly father’s life is centered on Christ.
  • Devotion flows from grace, not guilt.
  • Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-3; John 15:1-11

What has more of your heart than Christ right now? Reorder your priorities and pursue Him first.

Discipline: Growth Requires Intentional Effort – v. 13

  • Spiritual growth does not happen by accident.
  • Leave past failures and successes behind.
  • Godly men train themselves for godliness.
  • 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

A Simple Plan for Spiritual Growth (15 MIN A DAY)

1. Read the Bible for 5 Minutes

  • Get up 15 min and find a spot. Do not look at your phone.
  • Read a portion of Scripture.
  • Ask
    • What does this teach me about God?
    • What does this teach me about myself?
    • Is there something to obey, avoid, believe, or apply today?

2. Read a Good Christian Book for 5 Minutes

  • Learn from faithful believers who have walked before you.
  • Feed your mind with truth and wisdom.

3. Pray and Reflect for 5 Minutes

  • Thank God for what you read.
  • Pray through the truths you learned.
  • Think about your day.
  • Ask: How can I live this out today?

Then…WIN THE DAY


We don’t drift into godliness. We pursue it. And by God’s grace, small daily disciplines produce long-term spiritual growth.

Where do you need greater discipline this week… God’s Word, prayer, purity, your speech, your time, or leading your family?

Diligence: Faithful Fathers Keep Pressing On – v. 14

  • The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Faithfulness matters more than perfection.
  • God calls His people to persevere.
  • Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:18: Galatians 6:6-10

Where are you tempted to quit? Keep praying, keep leading, keep trusting Christ, and keep pressing on.


The What Now

1. Pursue Christ Above Everything Else – Make Christ your greatest priority. Let your family see that He has your heart before anything else.

2. Practice Daily Spiritual Discipline – Spend time in God’s Word, pray consistently, and lead your home intentionally. Growth does not happen by accident.

3. Keep Pressing On – Do not quit when you fail, grow weary, or become discouraged. Trust Christ, get back up, and keep moving forward.

A godly father is not a perfect father. He is a man who keeps pressing on in Christ through devotion, discipline, and diligence.

Mark 5:1-20 – The Transforming Power of Jesus

Mark 5:1–20

Intro

  • Jesus has demonstrated authority through His teaching, miracles, and the calming of the storm.
  • The disciples were left asking: “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41)
  • Mark 5 continues answering that question.
  • Jesus encounters a man completely overcome by demonic power and beyond human help.
  • The One who calmed the storm on the sea is about to calm the storm in a man’s soul.

Lostness — vv. 1–5

The Condition of the Sinner

  • The man was demon-possessed, isolated, and hopeless.
  • He lived among the tombs—a picture of spiritual death.
  • Human effort could not change his condition.
  • Sin promises freedom but produces bondage.
  • Apart from Christ, people are spiritually dead and unable to save themselves.
  • Truth: Our greatest problem is not external but spiritual.

Lordship — vv. 6–13

The Authority of Christ

  • The demons immediately recognized Jesus.
  • “Most High God” emphasizes God’s supreme authority over all powers.
  • The name “Legion” suggests a large number of demons and overwhelming bondage.
  • The demons feared Christ because they knew His authority.
  • Jesus speaks and the demons obey.
  • Truth: There is no power greater than King Jesus.
  • Truth: Satan is powerful, but Christ is sovereign.

Transformation — vv. 14–17

The Power of the Gospel

  • The man is now sitting, clothed, and in his right mind.
  • Jesus did not merely improve the man; He completely changed him.
  • Salvation is more than behavior modification; it is heart transformation.
  • The gospel changes our desires, direction, and identity.
  • The townspeople were amazed by the change but unwilling to embrace Christ.
  • Truth: The power of the gospel is seen in transformed lives.
  • Truth: People may admire change while still rejecting Christ.

Witness — vv. 18–20

The Mission of the Redeemed

  • The healed man wanted to stay with Jesus.
  • Jesus sent him home to tell others what God had done.
  • “Tell” means to announce, report, or proclaim.
  • The first missionary to the Decapolis was a man radically changed by grace.
  • Every believer has a testimony of God’s mercy.
  • We are called to point others to Christ, not ourselves.
  • Truth: Those who receive mercy should proclaim mercy.
  • Truth: A transformed life becomes a powerful witness for Christ.

What Now?

  • Remember what Christ has saved you from.
  • Rest in the authority of King Jesus.
  • Walk in the transformation He provides.
  • Tell others what the Lord has done for you.

Digging Deeper: Challenges We Face as We Live Out the Gospel (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5)

This is the list of challenges I shared on Sunday morning as introduced the sermon.

This list is not meant to criticize or condemn. Rather, it helps us understand the times in which we live and reminds us why we must Continue in the Word, Preach the Word, and Stand Firm in the Word.

I encourage you to check out the sermon on 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5 at pastorjonbeck.com as we consider why Paul’s charge to Timothy remains so relevant to the church today.


Challenges We Face Today

1. Moral Relativism

  • Truth is treated as personal preference.
  • Right and wrong are determined by feelings rather than God’s Word.
  • “Live your truth” has replaced “Thus says the Lord.”

2. Confusion About Gender and Sexuality

  • God’s design for male and female is being rejected.
  • Gender is increasingly viewed as self-defined rather than God-given.
  • Biblical marriage and sexual ethics are often dismissed as outdated.

3. The Devaluing of Human Life

  • Abortion continues to take innocent human life.
  • Assisted suicide is gaining acceptance.
  • Human worth is increasingly measured by convenience, ability, or usefulness rather than being made in God’s image.

4. The Breakdown of the Family

  • Marriage is often viewed as temporary rather than covenantal.
  • Fatherlessness continues to impact communities.
  • Many children are growing up without biblical foundations in the home.

5. The Celebration of What God Calls Sin

  • Behaviors once recognized as sinful are now applauded and promoted.
  • Christians are pressured not merely to tolerate sin, but to affirm it.
  • Darkness is called light and light called darkness.

6. The Worship of Self

  • Personal happiness has become life’s highest goal.
  • Self-expression is valued more than self-denial.
  • The call to repent and follow Christ is often replaced with self-fulfillment.

7. Biblical Illiteracy

  • Many people have access to the Bible but little knowledge of its truth.
  • Social media and culture often shape beliefs more than Scripture.
  • Feelings increasingly outweigh biblical conviction.

The challenges are real, but so is our calling. Let us be a people who continue in the Word, preach the Word, and stand firm in the Word. By God’s grace, may we remain faithful to Christ and His truth as we PRESS ON.

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 – A Charge for Great Commission Faithfulness

2 Timothy 3:14–4:5

Intro

  • Truth matters because God’s Word matters.
  • Churches do not drift toward faithfulness; they drift toward compromise.
  • Paul wrote 2 Timothy during a time of false teaching and growing pressure.
  • Timothy’s assignment was simple: remain faithful to Christ and His Word.
  • In a time of confusion and compromise, God’s people must continue in the Word, preach the Word, and stand firm in the Word.

Continue in the Word – 3:14–17

Hold Fast to the Truth

  • Know the truth.
  • Believe the truth.
  • Remain in the truth.

Submit to the Authority of Scripture

  • Scripture is breathed out by God.
  • Scripture is our final authority.
  • Scripture teaches, corrects, and equips.

The church does not have authority over Scripture. Scripture has authority over the church.

Preach the Word – 4:1–4

Preach with Urgency

  • Christ is coming.
  • Eternity is at stake.

Preach the Whole Counsel of God

  • Reprove — expose error.
  • Rebuke — confront sin.
  • Exhort — encourage obedience.

Preach Despite Opposition

  • Many will reject sound doctrine.
  • The church must not change its message to fit the culture.

When the church stops preaching the Word, it loses its voice.

Stand Firm in the Word – 4:5

Think Biblically

  • Remain sober-minded.
  • View life through Scripture.

Endure Faithfully

  • Truth often carries a cost.
  • Persevere through opposition.

Finish Well

  • Stay focused on Christ’s mission.
  • Fulfill the ministry God has given you.

A faithful church is not measured by popularity but by perseverance.


The What Now

Continue in the Word. Know it. Believe it. Obey it. Refuse to let culture have more influence over your thinking than Scripture.

Prioritize the Preaching of the Word. Commit yourself to hearing, receiving, and applying God’s truth as it is faithfully preached and taught.

Stand Faithful and Finish Well. Remain steadfast in Christ. Hold your convictions with humility and courage. Fulfill the ministry God has given you and finish well.

1 Samuel 25:1–44 -Learning to Lead Well

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, June 7 . They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.


1 Samuel 25:1–44

INTRO

  • Saul continues pursuing David, forcing him to live as a fugitive in the wilderness.
  • God has repeatedly protected and provided for David.
  • Jonathan has strengthened David’s faith and reminded him of God’s promises (1 Sam. 23).
  • David has just spared Saul’s life in the cave, refusing to take the kingdom by force (1 Sam. 24).
  • David is learning that God’s purposes are accomplished God’s way.
  • Chapter 25 presents a new test… not from Saul, but from an ordinary conflict that reveals what is happening in David’s heart.

Responding to Circumstances – vv. 1-13

  • Samuel dies. David loses His spiritual mentor
  • David faces uncertainty.
  • Nabal responds with selfishness and contempt.
  • David reacts in anger and prepares for revenge.
  • David’s greatest challenge was not Nabal’s actions but his own response.
  • Circumstances do not excuse sinful reactions.
  • Being wronged does not give us the right to respond wrongly.

Receiving Wise Counsel – vv. 14-35

  • God providentially uses a servant and Abigail.
  • Abigail acts with wisdom, humility, and courage.
  • She reminds David of God’s promises and God’s purposes.
    • Remember who God is.
    • Remember what God has promised.
    • Remember what God is doing.
    • Remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
  • She warns David against taking vengeance into his own hands.
  • David listens, receives correction, and changes course.
  • Wise leaders are teachable leaders.

Resting in God’s Justice – vv. 36-44

  • Nabal celebrates while judgment approaches.
  • God deals with Nabal.
  • David recognizes God’s hand in the situation.
  • God restrains David from sin and vindicates him.
  • David learns to trust God’s timing and God’s justice.
  • God will and can win His battles.
  • God is fully capable of defending His servants.

The What Now?

  • Respond biblically to difficult circumstances. Don’t allow emotions to control your actions.
  • Receive wise counsel. God often protects and guides us through the wisdom of others.
  • Rest in God’s justice. Trust God’s timing and refuse to take matters into your own hands.