Foothills Christian Church
A Tale for our Times | Mark Hoffman | August 18 & 19, 2018
Weekend Services
Locations & Times
Foothills Christian Church
365 W Bradley Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States
Saturday 6:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:45 AM
I Kings 1:6a
His father had never crossed him at any time by asking, “Why have you done so?”
His father had never crossed him at any time by asking, “Why have you done so?”
Amnon - the first born, heir to the throne
Tamar - Amnon’s half sister
Absalom - Tamar’s Brother
Tamar - Amnon’s half sister
Absalom - Tamar’s Brother
Desire or lust is the self-centered desire to have or possess something to bring me pleasure.
Love involves desire but it’s distinguished by a commitment to give, serve and sacrifice for the one who is loved.
II Samuel 13:10-13ab, 14
Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the bedroom, that I may eat from your hand.” So Tamar took the cakes which she had made and brought them into the bedroom to her brother Amnon. 11 When she brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 12 But she answered him, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this disgraceful thing! 13 As for me, where could I get rid of my reproach? And as for you, you will be like one of the fools in Israel…14 However, he would not listen to her; since he was stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.
Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the bedroom, that I may eat from your hand.” So Tamar took the cakes which she had made and brought them into the bedroom to her brother Amnon. 11 When she brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 12 But she answered him, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this disgraceful thing! 13 As for me, where could I get rid of my reproach? And as for you, you will be like one of the fools in Israel…14 However, he would not listen to her; since he was stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.
You feel guilt because of something you have done.
You feel shame because of who you believe you are.
You feel shame because of who you believe you are.
Our tendency is to deny responsibility for the wrong we do but then we often take responsibility for the wrong others have done to us.
We often misuse the word pride to mean self-respect.
Pride is a distorted lens through which we see ourselves and everything else in a distorted way.
The devil wants to keep everything hidden in darkness and shame. It’s his realm where he torments us. Jesus wants to bring everything into His light where He can heal it.
II Samuel 13:28-29a
Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “See now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then put him to death. Do not fear; have not I myself commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” 29 The servants of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded.
Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “See now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then put him to death. Do not fear; have not I myself commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” 29 The servants of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded.
A Tale for our Times
1. Don’t be a permissive parent like David.
1. Don’t be a permissive parent like David.
A Tale for our Times
2. Don’t let lust and sin grow in secret.
2. Don’t let lust and sin grow in secret.
A Tale for our Times
3. Watch who your friends are and who you let influence you.
3. Watch who your friends are and who you let influence you.
A Tale for our Times
4. When things go wrong, don’t be afraid to go to your Father’s house.
4. When things go wrong, don’t be afraid to go to your Father’s house.
How to Get Back to Our Father’s House
1. Bring hidden things into the Light.
1. Bring hidden things into the Light.
James 5:16a
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.
How to Get Back to Our Father’s House
2. Ask God to give you an inner spiritual revelation of His love, acceptance and healing power.
2. Ask God to give you an inner spiritual revelation of His love, acceptance and healing power.
How to Get Back to Our Father’s House
3. Thank God for your future. Trust that God will transform your past into a powerful testimony.
3. Thank God for your future. Trust that God will transform your past into a powerful testimony.