SECURITY: Nathan Feared No One
2 Samuel 12:1-14
Security provides the foundation for strong leadership. When we feel insecure, we drift from our mission whenever trouble arises. We must feel secure, or when people stop liking us; when funding drops; when morale dips; or when others reject or criticize us – we will crumble. If we do not feel secure, fear will eventually cause us to sabotage our leadership.
Imagine what might have happened had Nathan lacked security. Consider the odds stacked against him. He knew he had to confront David in his sin, yet David had covered up everything so well; no one else knew what had happened. That meant Nathan could expect no moral support. Further, the popular David had led Israel to prominence among the nations, and most Israelites would side with David if he put up a fight. Finally, from a technical viewpoint, David hadn’t done anything illegal to Uriah. He had set up the man to be killed in battle by the Ammonites, but it wasn’t his spear or sword that took Uriah’s life. Nathan had to feel utterly secure in his plan of attack, or it would backfire.
What enabled Nathan to demonstrate secure leadership?
1. Nathan had God’s truth behind him. He didn’t have to stand alone against David.
2. Nathan had a relationship with David. Their friendship created the bridge that allowed Nathan to do what God called him to do.
3. Nathan’s identity depended upon his divine call, not his popularity. Nathan determined to speak God’s truth regardless of the popular reaction.
4. Nathan understood his personal mission. He operated out of deep conviction.
5. Nathan was humble and broken. He had nothing to lose, for he had died to personal ambition.
Sunday Morning
“21” Crucial Qualities of Christians: #17 – Security
1 Timothy 1:12-17
I. The Quality Defined
a. 1 Tim. 1:12
II. Moses and His Siblings
a. Num. 12:1-15
III. Saul Fears David’s Success
a. 1 Sam. 18:1-16
IV. Nathan Rebukes a King
a. 2 Sam. 12:1-19
V. Conclusion
a. 1 Tim. 1:12
Sunday Evening
You Who Love the Lord, Hate Evil!
Psalm 5:1-8
I. We Must Hate Some things Because God Does
a. Psa. 45:6-7; Heb. 1:9; Mal. 2:16; Rev. 2:6; Psa. 97:10; Psa. 101:3-4; Psa. 119:104
b. Psa. 5:4-6; Psa. 11:4-5; Pro. 6:16-19; John 3:16; Psa. 26:4-5; Psa. 31:6; Psa. 139:21-22
c. Eccl. 3:8
II. While Hating Sin, Be Careful No to Hate (Be Hateful Toward) Others
a. Titus 3:3
b. John 3:16
c. 1 John 2:9, 11; 1 John 3:13-15; 1 John 4:19-20
III. Christians Must Do Good To Those Who Hate them
a. Luke 6:22
b. Matt. 5:43-48
c. Rom. 12:17-21
IV. We Are to Hate What God Hates, Love What He Loves, and Put Our trust in Him
a. Psa. 34:19-22
SECURITY: Herod Felt the Threat of Competition
Matthew 2:1-18
The tremendous insecurity of King Herod became apparent when strangers announced Jesus’ birth. Upon hearing the news, Herod grew angry, impatient, self-consumed, and disturbed – all signs of an insecure leader.
Insecure leaders share several common traits:
1. They don’t provide security for others.
2. They take more than they give.
3. They continually limit their best people.
4. They continually limit or sabotage their organization’s success.
5. They spend more energy trying to keep their job than to do their job.
Effective leadership begins with an emotionally and spiritually healthy leader. Why is this true? Why must we focus on our personal security?
Consider several reasons:
1. Leadership must flow out of “being,” not merely “doing.”
2. Strong character is necessary to sustain strong conduct.
3. Insecure leaders cause their organizations to plateau.
4. Personal security provides the infrastructure to support leaders in adversity.
5. Insecure leaders will never empower and develop secure followers.
6. Inward strength provides the only hope of finishing well.
Most of us struggle with feelings of insecurity. Leadership roles, however, work like a magnifying glass on our personal insecurity, blowing everything out of proportion because we know everyone is watching. We tend to react by trying to cover up our flaws, rather than being honest. This is yet another reason why leaders must commit to laying a foundation of strong personal security.