1 Chronicles | Nathan Nall | 2023 1 Chronicles 11-12 | Sunday June 7th, 2026 When I’ve had the privilege to fill in, I have been teaching from 1 Chronicles. I know we are a verse-by-verse teaching church, so I need to warn you this study in Chronicles is different in pace and style than what Kyle has been doing through John's letters. It will be more big picture or thematic rather than detailed verse by verse. We are going to cover 11 & 12, and I’m not going to read every verse. Recap of Chronicles When : Post-exile. (timeline) Who : Jews who had come back to the promised land. What : Covers the history of the monarchy pre-exile (1 & 2 Samuel/Kings) Why was it written? To give hope. When the Jews rebuilt the temple, the messiah didn’t come; things were not going great. They were expecting complete restoration but didn’t get it. Things were not what they thought they would be. They needed hope. They needed to remember their biblical expectations, and the writer of Chronicles does this by pointing ppl back to God and His Word The specific lesson I taught last time was about Israel’s first King – Saul. 1 Chronicles 10:13–14 (NASB95) 13 So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the Lord, because of the word of the Lord which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse. If you can’t tell, it was 14 tough verses that ended in tragedy. But the message in those 14 verses is clear. Saul had a clear calling from God, clear instruction from God, and God’s enabling power, but Saul ignored all that and instead trusted in himself, looking to creation to fill only what God can—and that always ends tragically. The story is not over. The writer of Chronicles wants to remind his audience, and you, that a life lived in fellowship with God may not be perfect on your end, but God’s plans are perfect. 1 Chronicles 11:1–3 (NASB95) 1 Then all Israel gathered to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 “In times past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who led out and brought in Israel; and the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be prince over My people Israel.’ ” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord through Samuel. The rest of the chapter goes through and talks about how David selected his commander and the mighty men who came to support him. That continues all the way through chapter 12 At the end, David has the support of over 300k men from all the tribes. All united, ready to move forward. Why aren’t we reading it all and looking at the details? I wanted to! First, notice in V1 “all Israel” - this phrase is used several times (11:1, 4, 10; 12:38, and many more in the following chapters) to demonstrate unity. Second notice V2: “In times past... you were the one.” If we read all the verses, you would clearly see the support for David. My question: was it really that clear in the moment? (times past/the years leading up to it) Is this “all Israel” unity the story we see in 1 Samuel? 1 Samuel 17:3–4 (NASB95) 3 The Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them. 4 Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 1 Samuel 17:9 (NASB95) 9 “If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” 1 Samuel 17:22–23 (NASB95) 22 Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers. 23 As he was talking with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine from Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the army of the Philistines, and he spoke these same words; and David heard them. 1 Samuel 17:26 (NASB95) 26 Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:28–29 (NASB95) 28 Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.” 29 But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?” What is Eliab’s view of David? Is the story of David and Goliath before or after David is anointed king? In my head and most likely yours, we think after Goliath, you know, because in our natural state/flesh, we tend to think that David had to prove himself before God could use him! But in reality, God had already told them privately David would be king in 1 Sam 16 1 Samuel 23:16–17 (NASB95) 16 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God. 17 Thus he said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.” 1 Samuel 23:26 (NASB95) 26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain; and David was hurrying to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to seize them. Men with David and with Saul. In times past, was it clear to “all Israel, the 12 tribes” who was king? 1 Samuel 27:1–2 (NASB95) 1 Then David said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.” 2 So David arose and crossed over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath. Saul and his men have been hunting David, conservatively, between 1.5 and 15 years. To the extent that David is leaving his homeland and thinking he will die. Notice how many men he had with him at this point—600. How many join him when he becomes king? Over 300k. Seems to me like it might not have been clear to “all Israel” in the moment. So, there’s tension; the perspective of the author of Chronicles saying, “all Israel knew,” does not seem to reflect the perspective of 1 & 2 Samuel. Why? Because there are 2 ways to see life, from the human viewpoint and the eternal viewpoint. The writer of Chronicles is writing to remind people of what God is doing and to give them hope from the bigger perspective. Our hope is not in our view, our work, or our faithfulness. Our hope is in God’s view, His work, and His faithfulness. The post-exile Jews needed to know that, and so do you. You and I experience what the post-exile Israelites experienced. We try to live the Christian life, and then life smacks you! We need to be reminded that God is at work. We need to see from the eternal perspective. Romans 8:28–29 (NASB95) 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; God is causing all things to work for good. What’s the good? To be like His Son! Starts at salvation—Gospel of grace—and continues with God’s daily grace. His undeserved favor in making you like Christ. When you live with an eternal perspective, those things that annoy you become God’s grace to you. Those things that stop you from accomplishing your to-do list today become God’s grace. That spouse, parent, sibling, boss, customer, student, or person you didn’t want to talk to becomes God’s amazing grace—because God wants to change you completely and make you like Him. His grace towards you says, “I’ll use everything to refine you into the image of Christ.” He does not call bad good or sin righteousness. He says I’ll use it for good. You can have confidence that God is staying true to His Word and accomplishing His plan to make you like Christ. Just as God stayed true to His word and united the nation under David. Psalm 56:1–4 (NASB95) 1 Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. 2 My foes have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me. 3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. 4 In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? Psalm 56:9–12 (NASB95) 9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; This I know, that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, In the Lord, whose word I praise, 11 In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 Your vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You. Psalms written by David in the midst of adversity. In the time when he had been anointed to be king but was not yet king. Be gracious—man has trampled me (pain/suffering) I’m afraid - I will put my trust in you (emotion) This I know: God is for me. (Do you know that?) Your vows (promises) are binding—I will offer thanks (truth over feelings) That is a person who is seeing the bigger picture. That is a person who understands the bigness of God. That God saw him in his suffering and that He could be trusted. Psalm 62:5–8 (NASB95) 5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. When David was being hunted by Saul, he repeatedly refused to go against God’s anointed king. How/Why? Because it was not time yet. David, in the moment, was able to see beyond the immediate because he looked from an eternal point of view. David did not know the day or hour when he would stop being hunted, when he would become king. So he had to over and over again take refuge in the Rock. He didn’t fall into hopelessness. I am not saying tough times weren’t tuff. Read the psalms he wrote during this period. Read/see/feel the emotion behind them. The ups and downs. Notice the relationship, not just the theology Psalm 73:28 (NASB95) 28 But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. GOD’s nearness is my good! David’s hope-biblical expectation- was in God. God was His Rock. God’s Word was true no matter the circumstance. Saul looked through the human view. Go read the psalms of Saul. You don’t know when you will see Christ face to face. You don’t know what’s next in the day-to-day; hold on to the Rock! When you look from God’s perspective, things aren’t falling apart; they are falling in place. David, in the midst of adversity, stuck with God’s Word. God’s truth and lived in response, not perfectly, but it guided him along. God’s perfect plan for David according to His Word—make him king and unite all Israel God’s perfect plan for you according to His Word - For you to be like Christ! And for you to be united with Him forever. 1 Chronicles 11:9 (NASB95) 9 David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him. 1 Chronicles 11:14 (NASB95) 14 They took their stand in the midst of the plot and defended it, and struck down the Philistines; and the Lord saved them by a great victory. 1 Chronicles 12:18 (NASB95) 18 Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who was the chief of the thirty, and he said, “We are yours, O David, And with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, And peace to him who helps you; Indeed, your God helps you!” Then David received them and made them captains of the band. 1 Chronicles 12:22 (NASB95) 22 For day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God. What do you need to see? If God is in it, He brings the people, He supplies the power, and He accomplishes the plan. Could you imagine the dread, anxiety, and fight-or-flight response that David’s life must have consisted of? If you read the full chapter, you will see the names of those God called, moved, and equipped to serve His perfect plan. David could not have done that! Only God. God brought David the mighty men, and David had to live day by day trusting God, living in response to His Word, and little by little becoming what God declared he would be. The years spent fleeing from Saul were not wasted. Think about this: Who, in your life, has God called, equipped, and moved into your personal bubble to serve His perfect plan in making you like Christ? Who has He brought into your life that is being “God’s help” in knocking all the stuff that doesn’t look like Christ off you? Today! Ask God to help you see things the way He sees. You’re asking for wisdom. Today! Ask God for His grace. You’re asking for your kingdom to be destroyed and for His kingdom to be established. Does not mean everything will be crystal clear in a situation. But it does mean you can have clarity that God is working for eternal purposes, sending His help to make you more like Christ. 1 Chronicles 12:38 (NASB95) 38 All these, being men of war who could draw up in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one mind to make David king. All Israel is united under David, not because perfect men did perfect things and perfectly made it happen. It is because there is a perfect God, who has perfect wisdom and power to accomplish His perfect plans through the equipping and empowering of imperfect people. Our hope is not in our view, our work, or our faithfulness. Our hope is in God’s view, His work, and His faithfulness. Trust God. If He is in it, He brings the people, He supplies the power, and He accomplishes the plan. And He will accomplish what He has set out to do. 1 Corinthians 15:49 (NASB95) 49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly. God has big plans for you! Live like it. 1 Chronicles 13 | Sunday June 14th, 2026 Last week we covered chapters 11 and 12. Today chapter 13. 1 Chronicles 11:1 (NASB95) 1 Then all Israel gathered to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. I’ll remind you that Chronicles is a book meant to give hope. Last week we found hope in seeing the world/circumstances from God’s view, according to His plan, which brings clarity/perspective in an often-unclear world. We also saw that if God is “doing something” then He brings the ppl, supplies the power, equips the individuals, and accomplishes His purposes. 1 Chronicles 12:38–13:4 (NASB95) 38 All these, being men of war who could draw up in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one mind to make David king. 39 They were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their kinsmen had prepared for them. 40 Moreover those who were near to them, even as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought food on donkeys, camels, mules and on oxen, great quantities of flour cakes, fig cakes and bunches of raisins, wine, oil, oxen and sheep. There was joy indeed in Israel. 1 Then David consulted with the captains of the thousands and the hundreds, even with every leader. 2 David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is from the Lord our God, let us send everywhere to our kinsmen who remain in all the land of Israel, also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their cities with pasture lands, that they may meet with us; 3 and let us bring back the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.” 4 Then all the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. The Idea: Bring the ark to Jerusalem. A good desire! Before we move on, I want to make sure and remind you about the Ark. Exodus 25:10–11 (NASB95) 10 “They shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, and one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. 11 “You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and you shall make a gold molding around it. Exodus 25:21–22 (NASB95) 21 “You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony which I will give to you. 22 “There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel. The Ark was the visible representation of the one true God dwelling with them and leading them. 1 Chronicles 13:2–3 (NASB95) 2 David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is from the Lord our God, let us send everywhere to our kinsmen who remain in all the land of Israel, also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their cities with pasture lands, that they may meet with us; 3 and let us bring back the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.” The realization : They are convicted they had neglected a walk with God and they want to get right 1 Chronicles 13:5–8 (NASB95) 5 So David assembled all Israel together, from the Shihor of Egypt even to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 6 David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, which belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, the Lord who is enthroned above the cherubim, where His name is called. 7 They carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. 8 David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, even with songs and with lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals and with trumpets. Look at this crowd and the excitement. They are dancing, singing, they got a brand-new cart for the Ark. What is the outcome? 1 Chronicles 13:9–14 (NASB95) 9 When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, because the oxen nearly upset it. 10 The anger of the Lord burned against Uzza, so He struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark; and he died there before God. 11 Then David became angry because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzza; and he called that place Perez-uzza to this day. 12 David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” 13 So David did not take the ark with him to the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months; and the Lord blessed the family of Obed-edom with all that he had. Great motive, born out of conviction, to please the Lord/draw near to Him, but the results are that God strikes down Uzzah, David gets angry, David gets fearful, and the ark does not make it to the city of David. We need to examine why things happened the way that they did. Exodus 29:45–46 (NASB95) 45 “I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God. 46 “They shall know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God. 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NASB95) 16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? In the chapters where you find the Ark and tabernacle you also find many commandments of God communicating the “how” people should live in fellowship with Him. Kyle—Leviticus and Letters of John What was wrong with David wanting to bring the Ark? What was wrong with Uzzah’s desire to save the Ark? Was God pleased with the cart? Was God pleased with the way the Ark was transported? Why not? David and Israel let their own worldly thinking guide them. Proverbs 16:25 (NASB95) 25 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Exodus 25:12–15 (NASB95) 12 “You shall cast four gold rings for it and fasten them on its four feet, and two rings shall be on one side of it and two rings on the other side of it. 13 “You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 14 “You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark with them. 15 “The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be removed from it. Numbers 4:4–6 (NASB95) 4 “This is the work of the descendants of Kohath in the tent of meeting, concerning the most holy things. 5 “When the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons shall go in and they shall take down the veil of the screen and cover the ark of the testimony with it; 6 and they shall lay a covering of porpoise skin on it, and shall spread over it a cloth of pure blue, and shall insert its poles. Numbers 4:15 (NASB95) 15 “When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is to set out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them, so that they will not touch the holy objects and die. These are the things in the tent of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry. Very clear “how.” But that’s not what they did. They evidently saw how the philistines after capturing the ark had transported it 1 Samuel 6:7–8 (NASB95) 7 “Now therefore, take and prepare a new cart and two milch cows on which there has never been a yoke; and hitch the cows to the cart and take their calves home, away from them. 8 “Take the ark of the Lord and place it on the cart; and put the articles of gold which you return to Him as a guilt offering in a box by its side. Then send it away that it may go. and so then, intentionally or unintentionally, thought to themselves, “We will transport it like the Philistines did.” They had fallen prey to the natural way. Where have you been letting your own thinking guide you in your walk with God? You think I want to live for God (good desire), and this is how I will do it - You try to look really nice—instead of being actually nice You say, I will pray for you"—then forget or spread gossip You are morally “good,” work hard, and don’t cheat people—but are so self-sufficient you don’t actually need God and only remember to pray at meals You attend church – but only as a consumer rather than a participant. You volunteer to serve—but make it all about yourself instead of being there to serve. You try to do stuff for God—but don’t let God transform your heart. You think I don’t struggle with any of these—but don’t realize your pride. When you try to live for God (fellowship) by doing it the way you naturally think is best, you are never going to get the results you want or expect. God will never be pleased when His people ignore His word and instead adopt the world's thinking. I need to be sure you hear me - God is not against thinking! He wants you to use your mind but He doesn’t want you to go at it on your own. Psalm 119:11 (NASB95) 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:29 (NLT) 29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. Psalm 119:80 (NASB95) 80 May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, So that I will not be ashamed. Psalm 119:93 (NLT) 93 I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. If you don’t want your own thinking to get in the way of a walk with God, fill your mind with His truth AND walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:16–17 (NASB95) 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. Don’t confuse energy and passion with being led by the Spirit. David dancing before the ark in ch. 13 has the appearance of what our world calls “spirit-led worship.” You cannot be led by the Spirit and act contrary to His Word. Romans 8:5–8 (NLT) 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. Living by the Spirit pleases God! Your natural self cannot live a life pleasing to God. You need a supernatural work. Galatians 5:25 (NASB95) 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. It is great to be passionate! The Bible says we should stir each other up for good deeds Hebrews 10:23–25 (NASB95) 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. But don’t mistake emotion for fellowship! Emotions are not the enemy; God has emotions; they are part of being made in His “image,” but you should let the emotions follow rather than lead. Let His truth lead. Reiterate that the HEART is a big deal. 1 Chronicles 13:10 (NASB95) 10 The anger of the Lord burned against Uzza, so He struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark; and he died there before God. The anger of the Lord burned—temperature rose, a fire was kindled, God was hot. Don’t miss that this group had the right attitude and passion; they had a worthy goal! But they let their own/worldly thinking guide them and did not act in obedience to God’s Word, so they utterly failed. 1 Chronicles 13:12 (NASB95) 12 David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” David asks, “How?” David is done “doing”; he is done “assuming” and is now seeking God, asking, “HOW?” David is ready for a change in mind . I want to ask you a question: Where are you feeling hopeless? Is it in your job? Your relationships? Your self-image? Health? Propensity to sin? Parenting? Walking with adult children, grandkids who don’t know the Lord? Often, we can feel hopeless in these areas, like God isn’t doing anything and we are doing everything. In whatever area you feel hopeless, maybe it’s time to stop “doing,” take a step back, and ask David, “How, God?” Ask: Where does my thinking need to conform to God’s Word? What has He said? Colossians 3:23–24 (NASB95) 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 1 Peter 2:11–12 (NLT) 11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. Matthew 5:16 (NASB95) 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Maybe you are feeling hopeless because you’ve been thinking if I would have done more when my kids were in the house, then they would be. Or maybe you’re feeling hopelessly lost as a parent. Ask, How should I think about this, God? 1 John 1:9 (NASB95) 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Isaiah 55:11 (NASB95) 11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. The parents who are struggling to parent in a Godly way, realize the way forward is not better “rules/laws” it is in Christ/thru His strength. It is a today walk. 1 Corinthians 15:56–58 (NLT) 56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. God was good to David; He let him fail and brought him to a place to ask, “How, God?” God has been good to you as well; He wants you to ask HOW—He wants you to live in an active relationship with Him. Think about the times when you went at life on your own; was it because you didn’t know God’s instruction or the simple fact you left Him behind? You just “acted,” maybe with good intentions and passion, but YOU acted. Obedience is born out of trust. Trust is built in a relationship. Relationships take communication. ALL THESE TAKE TIME Today, where are you in your relationship with God? How have you been communicating with Him? (prayer) and Him with you? (Word). Have you been putting in the time? Or just doing? I told you last week that David was a good king because He did it trusting God, living in response to His Word, and little by little becoming what God declared he would be. The writer of Chronicles wants you to have hope, so he tells you a story about David and his people that demonstrates a good king does not mean a perfect king. In the same way, a good Christian does not mean being a flawless Christian The hope we find in Chronicles is not that people always do good and think correctly. The hope is that God, knowing their shortcomings, dwells with them and instructs them from their midst, because He is good. Believer, God dwells in you! And He has given you His Word so that you may walk in fellowship with Him. Go for it! Do so remembering there is only 1 perfect King (Christ). Good for you means knowing Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, living empowered by His Spirit, guided by His Word, and little by little becoming what God has declared you to be. 1 Chronicles 13-15 | Sunday June 21st, 2026 Short review and then today we will compare chapters 13 to 15 and talk about what happened in between 1 Chronicles 13:1–4 (NASB95) 1 Then David consulted with the captains of the thousands and the hundreds, even with every leader. 2 David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is from the Lord our God, let us send everywhere to our kinsmen who remain in all the land of Israel, also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their cities with pasture lands, that they may meet with us; 3 and let us bring back the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.” 4 Then all the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. David and the people had an idea (to bring the Ark to Jerusalem) born out of good motives - they had neglected fellowship with God, His presence with them (the Ark), and wanted to get right. But they failed tremendously. They failed because they let their own thinking guide them. And this is how we found hope in a book that is meant to give hope. God got David and therefore the nation right where He wanted them, dependent on Him for guidance to move forward. They stopped doing, stopped assuming, and instead asked “how?” 1 Chronicles 15:1–3 (NASB95) 1 Now David built houses for himself in the city of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it. 2 Then David said, “No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for the Lord chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever.” 3 And David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place which he had prepared for it. 1 Chronicles 15:11–15 (NASB95) 11 Then David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab, 12 and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites; consecrate yourselves both you and your relatives, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place that I have prepared for it. 13 “Because you did not carry it at the first, the Lord our God made an outburst on us, for we did not seek Him according to the ordinance.” 14 So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel. 15 The sons of the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles thereon, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord. David gives clear instructions according to God’s clear commands in Exodus and Numbers. 1 Chronicles 15:16 (NASB95) 16 Then David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives the singers, with instruments of music, harps, lyres, loud-sounding cymbals, to raise sounds of joy. 1 Chronicles 15:25 (NASB95) 25 So it was David, with the elders of Israel and the captains over thousands, who went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-edom with joy. 1 Chronicles 15:28 (NASB95) 28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, and with sound of the horn, with trumpets, with loud-sounding cymbals, with harps and lyres. Compare/Contrast: 13 and 15. 13 - right motive, united people, passion/celebration/all kinds of instruments, David dancing, new cart and failure 15 - we still have right motive, united people, passion/celebration/all kinds of instruments, no cart, Levites are carrying the Ark A successful transport gives people hope but we need to take a deeper dive because there’s bigger message of hope. 2 Samuel 6:2–3 (NASB95) 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him to Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim. 3 They placed the ark of God on a new cart that they might bring it from the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart. 2 Samuel 6:11–12 (NASB95) 11 Thus the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household. 12 Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God.” David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. In Chronicles there is a chapter in between, Ch14 and it is critical for us to get the message of hope. Ch14 demonstrates the grace of walking with God over time. God gives David 3 months between the 2 transports and in these 3 months David gets to practice the “How” 1 Chronicles 14:1–2 (NASB95) 1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons and carpenters, to build a house for him. 2 And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted, for the sake of His people Israel. In Chapter 13 David is angry and afraid. Fear changes things. In this case it led to a great question. We think fear is bad. But the Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. (not saying David’s fear was) Proverbs 9:10 (NASB95) 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 14:2 (NASB95) 2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him. What does it mean to fear the Lord? Looking up to God, seeing Him for who He really is, in all His glory, and then responding with the proper respect and awe for His position. 1 Chronicles 14:1–2 (NASB95) 1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons and carpenters, to build a house for him. 2 And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted, for the sake of His people Israel. Now if you were “trying to fellowship with God” and then He clearly shut it down, wouldn’t that leave you with some questions? Might you think/feel as is God has withdrawn from you? But… God is still with David - messengers from a foreign land arrive to build David a house. God assures David, He has not left him and assures him of who he is, his Identity. He was God’s chosen king. Identity from Outside-In or Inside-Out. Both are problematic because things are always changing, so your life will be chaotic. God is the one who defines life (yours and mine) When you see God for who He is, in all His glory, and respond with the proper respect, you end up with a Top-Down ID – God defines your life. Ephesians 2:4–6 (NASB95) 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Gospel Hebrews 11:13–16 (NASB95) 13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. That’s the first bit of hope– God did not leave David and David could be sure of who he was based on God’s truth (ID). You see the next bit in these verses. 1 Chronicles 14:8–16 (NASB95) 8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up in search of David; and David heard of it and went out against them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. 10 David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will You give them into my hand?” Then the Lord said to him, “Go up, for I will give them into your hand.” 11 So they came up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there; and David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like the breakthrough of waters.” Therefore they named that place Baal-perazim. 12 They abandoned their gods there; so David gave the order and they were burned with fire. 13 The Philistines made yet another raid in the valley. 14 David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. 15 “It shall be when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” 16 David did just as God had commanded him, and they struck down the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even as far as Gezer. Look at God’s grace! In Ch13 David had a good idea but did it his own way. In Ch14 God gives David a chance to ask “how” “David inquired of God.” God gives David the grace of practicing a walk/relationship with Him over time. Our biblical expectation – hope – is that God allows for growth over time! For David the Philistines were a trial – something “out here” that pressed on him and revealed what’s “in here” (heart) an opportunity to for the “proving of his faith”. When you fear God, know that He is with you, are informed of vertical ID and then ask “how”, it will not lead to nothingness or idleness, it will lead to practiced dependence, as God provides opportunity. Where are you getting this same chance? What are you doing with it? In Chapters 11-12 we found hope seeing from an eternal perspective- God has a perfect plan but just b/c we know that doesn’t mean we are perfect. We still will go at life based on our own thinking. But God is at work; God’s grace is so good that He gives you opportunity and room to grow. Romans 5:1–5 (NASB95) 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Identity – trial/practice – hope David did not know how much time would pass between the 1 st and 2 nd transports of the Ark, but the assurance that God was with Him (ID) did not lead to nothingness or idleness; it led to practiced dependence, as God provided opportunity. This led to David’s growth in obedience. He did not in one day figure it out, you in one day are not going to change every wrong way of thinking/acting. But if you get the day, you have the chance. Ephesians 5:15–17 (NASB95) 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. God is the giver of time. You have zero capability to get more or less of it. Don’t try to acquire it, instead make the most of it! And the only way you are going to make the most of it is to do this life in fellowship with God. 1 Timothy 4:4–8 (NASB95) 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. 6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Thessalonians 5:14–21 (NASB95) 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; As part of the body of Christ, admonish, encourage, help, be patient. Rejoice with, pray for, give thanks, examine and hold onto that which is good. That’s how you will make the most of your time! Hebrews 12:12–13 (NASB95) 12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Therefore, strengthen hands that are weak and knees that are feeble. – be healed. Experience the refreshing, the healing, life lived in relationship with God. (not perfect, but purposeful) How did we get from chapter 13 to 15? David’s thinking changed which led to a change in the how – the doing. But this did not happen in isolation – it was fleshed out over time as God gave David opportunity to turn to Him, depend on Him and respond in faith/obedience. It is God’s grace that gives you time to practice living out His Word. God wants what’s best for you – a sanctifying walk with Him! If you get today – and you have it – that is God’s grace towards you. Given so that you will live in fellowship with Him. Thinking according to His word, remembering the bigger picture, acting in faith toward Him. This is the hope of Chronicles; God gave David time to trust Him and go up before he transported the Ark again. Today you have time, put your faith in God and go up!