The Life Of David - The Murder Of Ishbosheth - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker. 2 
Samuel 3:1

The Murder of Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 4

The Cowardly Conspirators 2 Samuel 4:1-7a

The Spiritual Spin 2 Samuel 4:7b-8

They come with blood on their hands but theology on their lips, expecting that the latter will magically bleach the former. Murder always seems more pleasant when wrapped in religious considerations.

No amount of spin can justify a sin.

The Righteous Retribution 2 Samuel 4:9-12

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!'" Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21-23)

God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead. Acts 17:30-31

1. The promises of God require patience and purity on our part.

2. It's never right to do wrong in order to get a chance to do right.

3. Gratitude begets fidelity.