When God Says No
God's no is not a rejection, but a redirection towards His perfect will, and we can trust in His sovereignty and presence.
Theodore Epp discusses the significance of accepting God's 'no' in our lives, as exemplified by David's desire to build a temple. Although God denied David's request, He appreciated David's heart and intentions, leading to a covenant that established David's lineage forever. Epp emphasizes that God's decisions are rooted in His perfect wisdom and that His promises, such as His eternal presence with us, remain steadfast. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's plans, even when they differ from our desires.
Text
2 Samuel 7:1-13
Nathan commended David for his desire to build a temple and then went to his own house. That night God spoke to the prophet, and as an obedient servant, Nathan brought the word to David. The message was no. God was not going to allow David to build a house of worship for Him. The Lord, however, was pleased with the intentions and the attitude of David's heart in this matter. Years later, after David's death, Solomon built a magnificent temple and in his dedication message said, "It was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. And the Lord said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart" (I Kings 8:17,18).
Though God said no to David's building a temple, He was so pleased with David's attitude that He made a covenant with him in which He promised to establish the house of David forever.
Can you take a no from God? He knows what is best for all of us. Remember, His promise to David was "I will be with thee for ever" (see 2 Sam. 7:16). This promise is ours also, for He has said He will never leave us nor forsake us (see Heb. 13:5).
"As for God, his way is perfect" (2 Sam. 22:31).
Sermon Outline
- God's Response to David's Desire
- The Covenant with David
- Trust in God's Sovereignty
- God knows what is best for us
- God's promise to never leave us nor forsake us
Key Quotes
“As for God, his way is perfect” — Theodore Epp
“I will be with thee for ever” — Theodore Epp
“It was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We can trust in God's sovereignty even when He says no, because He knows what is best for us.
- God's promise to never leave us nor forsake us is available to us today, and we can apply it by trusting in His presence and guidance.
- We should have a heart like David's, with a desire to please God and follow His will.