In his book, The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges talks about a prob-lem he calls "refined sins." He describes "refined sins" as those wrong-ful things a believer can get away with while still maintaining their sta-tus as a respected Christian. l - P87
People are rarely held to account for suchsins because they are not noticeable to others or are not considered asserious as other offenses like stealing or adultery. - P87
The examples Bridgesprovides of refined sins include pride, envy, gossip, and ingratitude.
He writes, "Because we do sin so frequently we learn to coexist with itas long as it doesn‘t get too out of control or scandalous. - P87
We forget, orperhaps have never learned, how seriously God regards all sin." - P87
If we hold this kind of attitude toward sin, we are no different fromthe Pharisees during the time of Jesus. - P87
Jesus often clashed with thePharisees because they were only concerned about external righteousness while their hearts
were far away from God. - P87
He said they werelike whitewashed tombs-outwardly clean but rotten on the inside.
- P87
God wants us to work out our righteousness from the inside. Whenwe invite the Holy Spirit to work in us, He will reveal the sins that wehave allowed ourselves to become comfortable with. - P87
When we repentof our refined sins, we will find the freedom and joy that only Godcan give. We will no longer live to please others but offer our lives asa living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord. - P87
13 "Good," said David. "I will make an agreement withyou. But I demand one thing of you: Do not come intomy presence unless you bring Michal daughter of Saulwhen you come to see me." - P88
21 Then Abner said to David, "Let me go at once andassemble all Israel for my lord the king, so that they maymake a covenant with you, and that you may rule overall that your heart desires." So David sent Abner away,and he went in peace. - P89
Abner tells David he will help bring Israel to him. David accepts on the con-dition that his wife Michal be returned to him. Michal had been given toanother man in marriage, so they take her away from him. - P89
Abner talks withthe elders of Israel and Benjamin and makes preparations to set David asking over all Israel. - P89
David agrees to a covenant with Abner under the condition that hiswife Michal be returned to him. - P90
The long war between the house ofSaul and the house of David is taking a decisive turn in David‘s favor.
- P90
Not only has Abner, Saul‘s own top general, turned allegiance towardDavid, but Michal, Saul‘s own daughter, will be rightfully returnedDavid. This double transfer will further legitimize David‘s ascent tothe throne. - P90
It is worth noting how this significant turn of events wassparked by a seemingly unrelated heated exchange between Abner andIsh-bosheth. - P90
Nothing is left to chance or luck in a world where thesovereign God is in charge. - P90
God is always working to make His plansprevail despite all oppositions. - P90
Abner now goes to secure the allegiance of Israel‘s ruling elders andpersuades them to bring David to the throne. - P90
There seems to have beena publicly known prophecy concerning the deliverance of Israel fromtheir enemies by David‘s hand, and Abner reminds the elders of this.
- P90
Then, he goes to what is perhaps the last and most challenging obstacleto David‘s kingship -the tribe of Benjamin,
Saul‘s own tribe-andconvinces
them to make David king of the nation. - P90
The unfolding ofGod‘s plan is amazing. What would have been impossible for David toachieve alone, God makes possible through Abner, who was once David‘s enemy. - P90
When God‘s appointed time comes, no mountain howeverhigh or strong can stand in the way. - P90
Father, I am reminded today that Your timing is always perfect. - P90
But also confessthat times of waiting can make my heart anxious and tired. - P90
Renew within meYour courage that I may know that You are working even during this time ofsilence. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P90
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