Kingdom Sermon Architect™
← The Other Side of God
The Other Side of God · Lesson 07

Avoiding the Perils of PopularityPart II

2 Samuel 5 · Psalm 75:6–7

A complete manuscript curriculum lesson from the preserved writings of Rev. Dr. Tony Lloyd Lewis — structured for study, leadership development, and theological reflection.

Chapter Outline · All Chapters
  1. 01. Avoiding the Perils of Popularity
  2. 02. How to Win the War That Is Raging in My Soul
  3. 03. Why I Believe in the Church
  4. 04. The Lord of the Leftovers
  5. 05. Living Life in the Second Mile Lane
  6. 06. The Religion of a Strange Woman
  7. 07. Avoiding the Perils of Popularity (Part II)
  8. 08. How to Win the War That Is Raging in My Soul (Part II)
  9. 09. Why I Believe in the Church (Part II)
  10. 10. The Lord of the Leftovers (Part II)
  11. 11. The Joy Counters
  12. 12. The Other Side of God
  13. 13. The Other Judas
I. Chapter Overview

The central movement of this lesson

This segment explores the life of David as a model for navigating both the triumphs of battlefield victory and the potential dangers of public acclaim. While contrasting David's godly humility with Saul's destructive envy, the text emphasizes that success must be managed with wisdom and an awareness of one's own human shortcomings. Ultimately, it directs the reader toward Jesus, the 'greater Son of David,' as the only perfect intercessor and true foundation for hope.

II. Theological Themes

Doctrine and Kingdom emphasis

  1. The peril of pride alongside popularity
  2. The necessity of waiting on God's timing
  3. The universality of human imperfection
  4. The contrast between godly and destructive leadership
  5. The sweetness of faithful friendship
  6. God's sovereignty over human rebellion
III. Scripture Focus

Biblical texts in view

  1. 1 Samuel 15:32-33
  2. 1 Samuel 18:6-7
  3. 1 Samuel 9:1
  4. Matthew 1:1
  5. 1 Samuel 24:6
  6. Psalm 51:5
  7. Romans 8:34b
  8. Romans 3:23
  9. 2 Peter 2:5
  10. Genesis 9:21
  11. James 2:23
  12. Numbers 11:5-6
  13. Exodus 34:29
  14. Romans 8:31
IV. Teaching Points

Homiletical and theological insights

  1. Biblical heroes are portrayed with both their faithfulness and their failures, revealing the common ground of human sin.
  2. The key to managing popularity is behaving wisely and keeping one's heart devoted to Jehovah.
  3. God's choice for leadership cannot be obstructed by the envy or rebellion of those who have been rejected.
  4. Victory is an invitation to prepare for the next battle, not a mandate to stop being vigilant.
  5. The greatness of Bible characters lies not in their lack of defects, but in their dauntless devotion to God despite them.
V. Leadership Lessons

Formation for Kingdom leaders

  1. Success should go to the heart to produce humility, rather than to the head to produce haughtiness.
  2. Effective leaders discern not only what God wants them to do but also when He wants them to do it.
  3. True success involves managing the aftermath of victory with consistent wisdom.
  4. Leaders must recognize that victory does not signal the end of the war; eternal vigilance is required.
  5. Godly leaders prioritize the Will of God over holding onto earthly positions or thrones.
  6. A leader's character is demonstrated by how they treat those under their sphere of influence, even enemies.
VI. Ministry Applications

How the lesson moves into practice

  1. Create spaces for accountability to ensure gifts and talents do not bypass good judgment or character growth.
  2. Teach congregants to remain in a state of preparation and vigilance even after experiencing significant spiritual breakthroughs.
  3. Model the humility of David, realizing that all human records, no matter how 'heroic,' are ultimately stained by sin.
  4. Encourage leaders to find and foster deep, Jonathan-like friendships to avoid the isolation of leadership.
  5. Ensure the pulpit constantly pivots from human heroes or theological concepts back to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Study Tools

Reflection & Study Notes

  1. How can success in ministry lead to the 'paradox of being a successful failure'?
  2. Why is it dangerous for Christians to romanticize their 'past life' or previous hardships when facing new challenges?
  3. What distinguishes healthy popularity from the desire to be idolized by others?
  4. How should a leader identify and respond to the 'Sauls' in their life who may become envious of their progress?
  5. In what ways did Jonathan model godly character by supporting David's rise despite his own legal right to the throne?
Related Kingdom Lessons

Sermons that carry this chapter's thread

Sermons from the Rev. Dr. Tony Lloyd Lewis Legacy Learning Series that carry the same Kingdom threads.

Defense and Vindication of God's Church and People through the Holy Spirit and Christ's Intercession

In Defense of Pentecost

Acts 2:14-21, Leviticus 23:15, Ephesians 5:18

This sermon passionately defends the Church and the Holy Spirit's work, providing a foundational understanding of Pentecost while also addressing the ongoing opposition faced by believers. It matters because it reassures Christians that their faith and experience, even when ridiculed, are rooted in divine command and power. It also provides a robust theological framework for understanding Christ's ongoing intercession and its eternal implications for the believer's salvation. For the contemporary listener, it offers encouragement to stand firm in faith, live an obedient life, and trust in Christ's advocacy, despite worldly scorn or internal struggles. It powerfully asserts the enduring nature and divine purpose of the Church as the 'only hope for a lost and perishing world.'

Enter lesson
The restoration of joy through repentance and obedience to God's will.

When the Bible is Misquoted

Psalm 51:12 (KJV, TLB), Psalm 51:1-4, Psalm 19:10, Psalm 38:3, II Samuel 11, 1 Samuel 17:b26, 2 Samuel 11:3

This sermon powerfully addresses the critical issue of understanding biblical texts accurately, particularly in a contemporary context where quick readings and popular interpretations can lead to theological misunderstandings. It matters because it underscores that salvation belongs to God and not to us, thereby correcting a common misattribution of joy. Furthermore, it serves as a profound case study in the consequences of spiritual complacency and disobedience, using David's story to warn against the dangers of comfortable living leading to moral compromise, and ultimately, to the loss of the joy of God's salvation. The message is vital for believers to grasp the absolute necessity of sustained obedience and submission to God's will for experiencing true, lasting joy and maintaining a vibrant relationship with Him.

Enter lesson
The assertive pursuit of deliverance from spiritual oppression through unwavering faith in Jesus, leading to transformation within the home.

Get The Hell Out Of My House

Matthew 15:21-28

This sermon powerfully addresses the omnipresent reality of spiritual warfare within the sanctity of the home, providing a clear, actionable path to confront and overcome demonic influence. It challenges complacency in parenting and spiritual leadership, urging a 'bulldogged determination' rooted in faith rather than worldly solutions. The profound message of the Syrophoenician woman's unwavering faith against all odds offers a timeless template for seeking divine intervention, emphasizing that even 'crumbs' from the Master's table are sufficient for deliverance and household transformation. The sermon’s relevance extends to anyone grappling with persistent spiritual or familial challenges, offering hope and a strategic blueprint for victory.

Enter lesson