The Heart of a Man of God
Dana expresses gratitude for the fellowship among brothers and reflects on the beauty of being chosen by God. He shares verses from Psalms that highlight God's forgiveness and the blessings of dwelling in His presence. Dana introduces the story of Samson from the book of Judges, emphasizing that while Samson is not a model to follow, his life offers valuable lessons about being a man of God. He discusses the cyclical nature of Israel's history during the time of the judges, marked by disobedience and oppression, and how God, in His mercy, raised up judges to deliver them. Dana draws parallels between the spiritual state of Israel and the modern church, noting the need for revival and the importance of embracing the cross. He highlights the significance of grace in the Christian life, illustrating how God's grace transforms adversity into strength and sweetness. Dana warns against pride and emphasizes humility, urging believers to treasure the secrets of God's grace in their hearts. Ultimately, he challenges the audience to consider how they respond to God's grace and whether they are truly captured by His love.
Outline of Main Points
- Importance of fellowship among brothers
- Reflection on God's forgiveness and blessings
- Introduction to Samson's story as a lesson for men of God
- Historical context of Israel during the judges
- Parallels between Israel's history and the modern church
- Need for revival and embracing the cross
- Significance of grace in overcoming adversity
- Warning against pride and the importance of humility
- Challenge to respond to God's grace and love
1 Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. 2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. 3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. 4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
1 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years. 2 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not. 3 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son. 4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing: 5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
1 And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. 3 Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.
10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. 11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
