Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 4 October, 2020
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering …” (Col. 3:12)
Morning Service – 11:00 AM
Holding Fast the Form of Sound Words (8)
Hold Fast the Form of Sound Words [youtube]
Scripture Reading: II Timothy 1
Text: II Timothy 1:13-14
I. The Sound Words
II. The Solemn Calling
III. The Spiritual Manner
Psalms: 96:1-7; 119:161-168
Evening Service – 6:00 PM
Images of God’s Spirit [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Luke 11:5-26
Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 20
I. The Finger of God
II. The Dove of God
III. The Breath of God
Psalms: 33:1-7; 143:5-11
For CDs of the sermons and DVDs of the worship services, contact Stephen Murray
If you desire a pastoral visit, please contact Rev. Stewart or the elders
CPRC Website: www.cprc.co.uk • Live Webcast: www.cprc.co.uk/live-streaming
CPRC YouTube: www.youtube.com/cprcni
CPRC Facebook: www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC
Quote to Consider
Herman Hanko: “Christ is our Comforter through the Spirit because Christ efficaciously calls us to His side. He may call us to his side to rebuke us for our sins and foolishness. He may call us to His side to tell us of all the wonderful things He has done for us and, as He says to His disciples, to ‘show us things to come.’ But He always calls us to His side to comfort us. This call comes through the Spirit and the words Christ speaks to us are spoken by the Spirit. The result is that through the Spirit Christ is our strength, our life, our hope, our ability to do what He requires; our forgiver when we fall. We joyfully proclaim as Paul did, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ (Phil. 4:13) … When we consider how the Spirit of truth works, it is crucial that we hold to the truth that the Spirit always binds Himself to the Scriptures. He never does any of the work of Christ in salvation apart from Scripture. Pentecostalism, revivalism and mysticism all reject this truth. They all open the door to extra-biblical revelations whether by visions, dreams, movements of the Spirit within their hearts or subjective guidance. Some speak of doing a certain thing ‘because the Spirit laid it on my heart’ to do it; others follow their own ideas for Christian conduct because, so they claim ‘the Spirit showed me the way.’ All this is to be rejected as more likely the leading of the devil, for it is not the leading of the Spirit. I may never believe anything or do anything unless I can point out where in the Scriptures I am directed to do this or that. A denial of the work of the Spirit through the Word brings us into the quicksands of subjectivism” (The Work of the Holy Spirit, pp. 74-76).
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
Monday catechism classes:
5:45 PM Eleanora, Hannah, Jorja & Somaya (Beginners OT) – Bible study room
6:30 PM Angelica, Bradley, Josh, Samuel & Taylor (Seniors OT) – upstairs open area
7:15 PM Alex, Jacob & Nathan (Essentials) – catechism room
The Council meets tomorrow evening at 8 PM at the church.
Tuesday Bible study at 11 AM will meet at church to consider the effectual call and assurance.
Belgic Confession Class meets this Wednesday at 7:45 PM to continue our discussion of the “community of goods” in connection with Article 36 on “The Magistrates.”
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s day (Gospel 846 MW at 8:30 AM) by Rev. Bruinsma is entitled, “The Benefits of Fearing Jehovah” (Ps. 25:12-13).
Offerings: General Fund: £1,671.86.
Translation Addition: 1 Urdu.
PRC News: Hudsonville PRC has extended a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA). Wingham PRC has extended a call to Rev. Spronk (Faith, MI).
Amnon and Absalom
Brian D. Dykstra
II Samuel 13
The history recorded here is difficult to teach to children. The behaviour of the characters is barely mentionable. We must keep in mind that all of Scripture is beneficial for instruction and reproof. Satan will not leave our children alone regarding temptations related to the seventh commandment, so parents must use the opportunities given by God’s Word to instruct their children, even at a young age, about the character of proper, godly relationships.
Amnon, David’s oldest son, loves his half-sister, Tamar, the sister of Absalom. Amnon’s longing for her was so great he became ill. Amnon’s friend, the cunning Jonadab, David’s nephew, asked Amnon what was troubling him. When Jonadab hears of Amnon’s lust for his half-sister, he does not warn Amnon about his sinful passion and tell him to drive such thoughts from his heart through prayer.
Instead, Amnon develops a plan so Amnon can satisfy his sinful desire. After all, what is the point of being a prince and next in line to be king, if you cannot have everything you want?
David is concerned enough about Amnon to visit him and ask what he needs. Amnon requests that Tamar come to his house to prepare bread for him. It’s possible that, among David’s daughters, Tamar was especially known for her ability in baking and David does not suspect Amnon’s evil intent. Tamar, in innocence and with a heart which wants to help, goes to Amnon’s house. After Tamar comes and the bread baking is finished, Amnon tells his servants to leave him and Tamar alone. Amnon reveals his heart when he asks Tamar to fornicate with him.
Tamar does the best she can to warn Amnon about “this folly.” She knows this will bring shame on her and cause Israel to regard Amnon as a fool. Tamar likely is aware of the law’s prohibition regarding marrying a half-sister but she mentions that Amnon should ask David to arrange a marriage between the two of them. She is doing everything she can to find a way to escape unharmed. Her attempts are futile.
Amnon shows the character of his heart when he refuses to listen to Tamar and forces her to lie with him. This is Amnon’s sin, not Tamar’s. Amnon now has a greater hatred for Tamar than what his love for her had been, showing that there was nothing godly about his love for Tamar in the first place. Those who satisfy their sinful passions discover their hearts are not fulfilled. Sin never delivers the promised satisfaction.
Tamar publicly mourns the loss of her innocence. The king’s virgin daughters wore multicoloured robes. Tamar rent her robe and put dust on her head. This is when Absalom, Tamar’s full-brother, learns what happened. We wonder about Absalom’s attempt to comfort his sister by telling her to put these events out of her mind. How could Tamar ever forget this dreadful event! She wondered about her prospects for marriage after what Amnon had done to her. We read, “So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.” We don’t know how long she lived in Absalom’s house, nor do we read of her again.
David is angry about these events but he does not punish Amnon with death as the law requires. David is the man after God’s own heart but he has his weaknesses. He gave in to his passions by having many wives. He also indulged his children.
Absalom hates Amnon. Absalom’s mother was a princess, whereas Amnon’s mother was a commoner. Absalom felt superior to Amnon by birth. Absalom will have his revenge on the man who treated his sister so shamefully, so he is willing to wait to take matters into his own hands.
When the king’s sons were old enough, they were given property by the king. This land would be the source of income for the princes. Absalom kept sheep. To mark the joyful occasion of shearing the sheep and anticipating a nice payday for all the work invested, Absalom held a feast. Absalom invites all his brothers to come. He even invites David but David declines the invitation. Since David will not come, Absalom requests that Amnon come as the heir-apparent. David, not a father to say no, allows Amnon to attend. Did Amnon really think it was safe for him to go to Absalom’s feast? Was Amnon so naïve that he thought two years was enough time for Absalom to forgive and forget the horrible evil he had done to Tamar?
Absalom tells his servants to notice when Amnon’s heart was “merry with wine,” which does not necessarily mean he was drunk, and then kill Amnon. Absalom tells his servants to be “courageous” when they attack an unsuspecting and unprepared Amnon. David’s other sons fear they could be next, so they flee. The report comes to David that Absalom killed all the king’s sons. The subtle Jonadab knows better and reassures David that only Amnon was dead.
Absalom reckons he has taken care of two problems at one time. Absalom took justice into his own hands and avenged Tamar of her terrible ordeal. There might have been many in Israel who applauded Absalom for what he had done. They might have thought that Amnon received what he deserved and, since David did not see that justice was executed, it was good for Tamar’s brother to step forward. Absalom was ambitious. We know his burning desire to be king. With Amnon out of the way, Absalom’s path to the throne was clear.
Absalom fled to Geshur, his mother’s homeland. We read, “David mourned for his son every day.” This is a reference to Absalom, not Amnon. We are told David was comforted regarding Amnon “seeing he was dead.” It’s striking to read, “And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom.” There is a dispute as to the manner of David’s longing for Absalom. Some say this longing was out of affection for Absalom and David wants him to come back. Others say David’s longing shows disapproval for Absalom and David wants to administer some justice, even though it be mild, upon Absalom for taking the law into his own hand against Amnon. II Samuel 14 will help settle this dispute.
We have had a glimpse into David’s family life. There was sinfully directed passion. Evil plans were laid for fulfilling lustful desires and gaining revenge. We did not read here of any confession and repentance. Amnon did not write his own version of Psalm 51. God had warned His people way back in the days of Moses that, when Israel had kings, these kings were not to “multiply wives” unto themselves (Deut. 17:17). David now faces the consequences of disregarding God’s good counsel. David’s family troubles will continue and deepen!
