3282 Pastor Carlos Stahl "SALMO 18"

Prayer and Reflection on God's Guidance

Opening Prayer

• The speaker expresses gratitude to God for the Holy Spirit and His word, acknowledging the guidance provided in life’s journey.

• A request is made for spiritual nourishment and strength to continue following God's path.

Welcome and Introduction

• The speaker welcomes attendees, both present and online, emphasizing the importance of studying God's ways.

• Personal testimony is shared about how these teachings have fostered a closer relationship with God.

Understanding David's Role in Spiritual Leadership

David as a Teacher

• David is introduced as a significant biblical figure who serves as a teacher and witness according to Isaiah 50 and 55.

• The speaker highlights that David's experiences can guide believers in understanding God's actions in their hearts.

Prophetic Nature of Jesus

• Discussion on Jesus being a prophetic character whose writings foreshadow events fulfilled during His ministry.

• Emphasis on the belief that Jesus will personally train King David during the millennial reign, based on prophetic interpretations from Ezekiel.

Exploring 2 Samuel 22: David's Experiences

Transition to Scripture Study

• The focus shifts to 2 Samuel chapter 22, which encapsulates David's experiences expressed through song after being delivered from his enemies.

• Mention of parallel passages in Psalm 18, indicating an exploration of both texts for deeper understanding.

Human Mortality and Dependence on God

• Acknowledgment that human mortality remains until transformation occurs at Christ’s return; this dependence fosters reliance on Jesus Christ.

David's Song of Deliverance

Contextualizing Psalm 18

• The speaker references Psalm 18 as it relates closely to the themes found in 2 Samuel 22, noting personal annotations made over time for deeper study engagement.

Key Themes in Psalm 18

• Introduction of key phrases such as "my strength," "my rock," "my fortress," highlighting personal ownership of faith through experience with God.

Invocation and Salvation: Understanding David's Cry

The Power of Invoking God's Name

• David emphasizes the importance of invoking the name of Jehovah, who is worthy of praise, as a means to be saved from enemies. This principle applies universally to those seeking salvation from fear and sin.

• The act of invoking involves calling upon God by name, specifically Jesus, especially when surrounded by external or internal adversaries.

• Expressing love and gratitude through worship—such as clapping, dancing, and singing—is highlighted as a way to demonstrate faith in God’s ability to save us from our struggles.

Personal Experiences with Divine Intervention

• The speaker shares personal experiences where invoking God's name during crises led to relief from overwhelming thoughts and despair.

• David learned this practice while fleeing Saul in the wilderness; he often called upon God in dire situations, which became a source of strength for him.

The Struggle Between Truth and Captivity

• Believers possess a new identity in Christ but may still face moments where they feel captive by their circumstances or sinful inclinations that hinder them from acting on truth.

• There are times when individuals know what they should do but struggle due to feelings of being trapped or overwhelmed by stronger forces than the truth within them.

Learning Through Adversity

• In challenging times, believers must learn how to invoke God's name even when feeling powerless or unsure about what scripture might help them rise above their struggles.

• It is emphasized that one does not need great energy or volume to call upon Jesus; simply invoking His name can bring comfort and support during trials.

Divine Response to Our Cries

• Even in moments of quiet desperation—where one may only whisper "Jesus"—the act of invocation is powerful enough for divine intervention.

• When feeling utterly drained and unable to take another step, calling out "Jesus" serves as an essential lifeline that connects believers with divine assistance.

• The passage illustrates how God responds dramatically (e.g., earthquakes), indicating His readiness to rescue those who earnestly call upon Him amidst distress.

The Struggle Between Truth and Human Nature

The Clamor for Help

• The speaker emphasizes that it is Christ who cries out when we are in distress, highlighting the conflict between our human nature and the divine truth within us.

• There is a struggle where the truth inside us feels captive, yet it calls out for help to God, indicating an internal battle against despair.

The Leviathan's Influence

• Job 41 describes Leviathan as a metaphor for the serpentine nature that has infiltrated human will since the Garden of Eden, representing chaos and temptation.

• This nature seeks to capture the truth within us, leading to existential crises when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances.

God's Response in Darkness

• When we face darkness and despair, it is crucial to remember that God approaches with power to lift us up; this often occurs during moments of increased turmoil.

• The speaker reassures that even when things seem darker while invoking God's name, it signifies His imminent presence and intervention.

The Battle Against Carnal Nature

• Our human mortality resists acknowledging truth; this inner serpent despises what is true and tries to suppress our awareness of it.

• Knowledge of scripture is essential for liberation; however, many Christians seek experiences over understanding, which can hinder spiritual growth.

Overcoming Despair Through Faith

• In times of crisis when thoughts become overwhelming, calling on Jesus becomes vital. Assurance comes from knowing God will rescue those who cry out.

• Biblical references illustrate how God intervenes dramatically in dire situations—He sends forth His power like fire and lightning to deliver His people from their enemies.

Personal Reflections on Trials

• The speaker connects personal struggles with biblical narratives (e.g., David’s experiences), emphasizing how feelings of anger or vengeance can arise during trials but must be overcome by faith.

• Acknowledging these battles against our carnal mind is crucial; they often distract us from embracing the truth we know.

The Struggles and Triumphs of David

David's Overwhelming Experience

• David describes his overwhelming feelings during a time of captivity, emphasizing the power of invoking God's name for salvation.

• He acknowledges that while Jesus is the only truly just one, being "just" also involves confessing and repenting rather than never failing.

Understanding Justice and Righteousness

• David reflects on his experiences with Saul, suggesting that God allowed these challenges to shape him as a king and priest.

• He asserts that his hands are clean, indicating he did not provoke Saul's jealousy; instead, he remained faithful to God's ways.

The Role of Divine Light

• David speaks about God's judgments being ever-present in his life, leading to divine rewards based on righteousness.

• He highlights how God illuminates darkness within him, restoring clarity to both conscious and unconscious aspects of his will.

The Battle Within

• The narrative shifts to the serpent's influence over humanity’s will, which extinguished the inner light given by God.

• Jesus' role is described as bringing salvation from external struggles first before addressing internal conflicts.

Personal Testimony of Deliverance

• David shares a personal testimony about feeling overwhelmed by confusion and fear during Saul's pursuit but found strength in calling upon the Lord.

• He emphasizes that despite moments of weakness where he felt unable to fight back against negative thoughts, invoking God brought restoration.

Conquering Inner Strongholds

• Through divine intervention, God illuminated David’s dark places within himself, allowing him to regain control over his emotions and thoughts.

• Reflecting on past victories, David recognizes that overcoming internal battles mirrors external conquests like taking Jerusalem from the Jebusites.

The Power of Divine Assistance

• The conquest symbolizes an internal victory where God helped break down barriers within David’s will that were previously guarded by Leviathan-like forces.

• With God's help, David was able to confront deep-seated emotions such as anger and resentment—demonstrating spiritual growth through reliance on divine strength.

The Role of David's Experience in Spiritual Victory

The Promise of a Throne

• Jesus communicates to the Church of Philadelphia about the promise of a throne, emphasizing that He holds the key of David, symbolizing authority and victory.

• Once God opens a door in our will, no one can close it; this signifies divine intervention in our lives.

Understanding the King of Glory

• Jesus is identified as the King of Glory, who brings transformation to our inner struggles, akin to what He did for David.

• The speaker highlights that God granted David victories throughout his life, illustrating how divine support leads to triumph over adversities.

The Power of Confession and Waiting on God

• There are aspects within us that require confession and surrender while recognizing that only God can deliver us from deeper issues.

• Emphasizes God's role as a rock and refuge, providing strength and guidance through prayer and waiting for His salvation.

Overcoming Internal Enemies

• Discusses how God empowers individuals against internal enemies (fears, doubts), leading them to victory over external challenges.

• The metaphorical language describes defeating enemies by placing them under one's feet, signifying complete dominion over past struggles.

Transformation Through Trials

• The process involves not just external victories but also internal healing from emotional turmoil and fears.

• Reflecting on how past afflictions led to personal growth; now empowered to govern rather than be governed by negative influences.

Acknowledging Divine Mercy

• Recognition of God's mercy in elevating individuals above their adversaries; emphasizes gratitude towards God's interventions.

• Concludes with an acknowledgment of God's enduring support through trials, reinforcing faith in His promises for future generations.

The Battle Within and the Coming Kingdom

The Nature of Spiritual Battles

• The speaker emphasizes that true victory, like David's, comes from being conquered internally by the Lord before facing external battles.

• When Jesus returns to establish His kingdom, He will defeat the Antichrist, the dragon, and false prophets, leading believers in this significant battle.

• Internal victories are crucial; allowing God to work within us prepares us for external challenges and grants us authority over our circumstances.

Locations of Future Battles

• Three key battle locations are identified for when Christ reigns: south of Jerusalem (N Dom), east in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and north at Armageddon.

• Understanding past battles in these areas can provide insight into current spiritual struggles faced by individuals.

The Importance of Perseverance

• The conquest of Jerusalem symbolizes Christ's ultimate victory over our inner strongholds; it reflects His desire to reign fully within us.

• Believers are encouraged not to give up or flee from their struggles but to call upon the Lord with patience during challenging times.

Trusting God's Process

• The speaker urges listeners to trust God’s workings in their lives, recognizing that He is addressing deeper issues beyond surface-level problems.

• As worldly complexities increase, it becomes more urgent for believers to allow God full access within themselves to prepare for external battles.

Invoking God's Name

• A call is made for believers to invoke God's name and trust Him as they face their personal battles while also fighting on behalf of others.

• Gratitude is expressed for learning from scripture (specifically Psalm 18), reinforcing faith in how God operates within individual lives.

Experiencing Transformation

• Prayer is offered for clarity regarding God's intentions and actions aimed at building Christ within each believer.

• Emphasis on invoking God's name leads to transformation; believers should seek a deep experience with Him that brings life and strength.

Conclusion: A Call to Worship

• The session concludes with a heartfelt expression of love and gratitude towards God, acknowledging His invitation into His army and presence.

• A final blessing is given as participants are encouraged to continue praising God amidst life's challenges.