The sermon titled "To Comfort Them That Mourn," preached by Eric Lutter, addresses the theological concept of divine comfort and grace in light of the historical narrative found in 2 Samuel 10:1-5. Lutter highlights how King David’s act of sending comforters to the grieving King Hanun of Ammon serves as a foreshadowing of God's grace extended to sinners through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He draws parallels between the death of Adam, the federal head of humanity whose sin results in spiritual death, and the comfort offered through Christ, who provides righteousness and restoration to those mourning over their sin. Key Scripture references include Romans 5:12, focusing on the universality of sin through Adam, and Romans 10:9-13, which emphasizes faith in Christ as the path to salvation. The practical significance of the sermon illustrates the Reformed doctrine of total depravity, the necessity of grace, and the assurance of comfort for believers who, despite their sin, can find security in the sufficiency of Christ’s redemptive work.
Key Quotes
“He [David] covered their shame. And he consoled and comforted them with an abundance of grace.”
“The righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise… For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
“This message of comfort is made known through the preaching of the gospel, that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart, that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
“The world looks at it with suspicion and mockery. This cannot be possible. This is absurd. How can it be that God, holy God, would graciously save people who aren't working for it.”
The Bible illustrates comfort through the kindness of God's grace, particularly in the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
In 2 Samuel 10, King David attempts to comfort Hanun after the death of his father, Nahash. This story symbolizes God's grace extended to sinners. Despite initial mockery, God's kindness is ultimately revealed through the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who offers comfort and reconciliation to those mourning over their sin. Just as David showed grace to Hanun, God demonstrates His mercy towards humanity, granting comfort through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5).
2 Samuel 10:1-5, Ephesians 2:4-5
God's kindness is demonstrated through His merciful actions and the provision of salvation in Christ.
God's kindness is clearly manifest in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to save sinners. Ephesians 2:4-5 reveals that God's mercy towards us is rooted in His great love, even while we were dead in our sins. The account in 2 Samuel 10 parallels this kindness as David sent servants to comfort Hanun, showing goodwill even to enemies. This act symbolizes how God initiates salvation, offering His kindness regardless of our past, ultimately inviting us to find comfort and forgiveness in Christ (Titus 3:5).
Ephesians 2:4-5, Titus 3:5
Trusting in Christ is essential because He is our righteousness and the only way to reconciliation with God.
Trusting in Christ is vital for salvation because He embodies the righteousness we require before a holy God. Romans 10 clearly explains that righteousness is not attained through our works but through faith in Jesus. When we believe in Him, we are accepting His sacrifice, which atones for our sin and justifies us before God. Those who rest in Christ will not be ashamed (Romans 10:11). This reliance on Christ's righteousness, rather than our own, is foundational in Reformed theology, underscoring the grace of God towards us amidst our sinful condition (Romans 5:1-2).
Romans 10:11, Romans 5:1-2
2 Samuel 10 illustrates God's grace by showing how He reaches out to comfort and restore those mourning for their sin.
The narrative in 2 Samuel 10 conveys a profound lesson about God's grace towards sinners. When David sends comforters to Hanun, it reflects God's initiative in reaching out to those in need. Despite the mocking rejection of the message, David's act of kindness represents how God extends grace through Christ to reconcile lost sinners. This account serves as a reminder that while we are deserving of judgment, God offers comfort and redemption through faith in Jesus Christ, ensuring that those who mourn for their sins can receive grace and healing (2 Corinthians 5:19).
2 Samuel 10:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:19
Faith is essential in the Reformed perspective because it is the means by which believers receive and rest in Christ's righteousness.
In the Reformed perspective, faith is crucial because it serves as the instrument by which we receive God's grace. It allows us to lay hold of Christ's righteousness, setting aside our efforts to achieve salvation through works. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves, underscoring our complete dependence on God’s mercy. The act of believing is a gift from God, assuring us of our justification and standing in Christ (Romans 5:1). Therefore, faith is not simply intellectual assent but a profound trust and reliance on Christ for salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1
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