We continue our sermon series entitled ‘Life Reboot’. Preaching by Nathan Gordon, and the service led by Brian Dickson. (Includes Communion).
Sermon Notes
Unlike computer systems, the effects of failure are not always wiped clean at the touch of a button or the removal of hardware. As humans’ failure can cause an array of emotions such as shame, embarrassment, anger, disappointment, and fear. If we allow such emotions to keep us in bondage, we will struggle to move forward into a new chapter because the failure of yesterday is continuing to impact our lives today.
Brian creatively shared with us in part one from the title “Control, Alt & Delete” a computer shortcut method to delete what’s no longer needed. However, what happens when the failures or hurts of the recent or distant past continue to impact the trajectory of our lives today?
King David is a great example of how we can deal with failure, and how we can move forward in forgiveness through the grace and mercy of God in our lives.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
2 Samuel 12:13 – 21
1. Prioritize the vertical (God first) – v13 & Psalm 51:4
- Sin = missing the mark of God’s glorious standard or rebelling against the word of God.
- Even if others are impacted by our wrongdoing the first port of call is to repent before God
- David committed adultery with Bathsheba and then caused the murder of Uriah, but David recognized he transgressed against the Lord.
- Even if our feelings of failure are not based on a sinful act, we can still seek the Lord’s guidance through prayer.
Important – this does not mean we don’t need to apologize to those affected by our wrongdoing. See Matthew 18:15-17.
2. Prepare to feel the emotions of failure – V16-17
- Prepare to feel the emotions of failure – V16-17
- According to a 2017 study in the journal of behavioral decision making who suggest we should initially embrace the emotions of failure so we can work towards improving next time.
- King David embraced the emotions of knowing his actions brought about so much pain.
3. Purpose to move forward with God in your life – v19-25
- David after recognizing the child was dead, He closed the chapter and moved forward.
- We cannot allow the mistakes and failures of our past continue to keep us bound and stuck. God remembers our sins no more and He desires us to move forward just like David.
Challenge – Not only was David able to move past his failure but he also desired to help others avoid the same pitfalls. What advice would you pass on to others from mistakes made in your past?
Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. – Psalm 51:13
“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” – Denis Waitley
Service Details
Sermon Title: What is the recipe for moving past failures?
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 12:13-25
Preacher: Nathan Gordon
Worship Leader: Brian Dickson