1 Samuel Sermons

I SAMUEL Sermons by Rev. Mike Jones [Revised March 5, 2019]

ISam 02:30 RECIPROCAL HONOR

ISam 06:7-9 CHOCOLATE COVERED LIFE

ISam 07:- GOD PROVES HIMSELF

ISam 07:2-6 WHAT IS SIN?

ISam 14:4-14 20-23 FIGHTING FEAR

ISam 17: IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?

ISam 21:10-15 LIVING WITH LIES

ISam 24:14 DEAD DOG DUTIES

ISam 26:10 THREE WAYS TO DIE

ISam 26:21 TWO MEN NAMED SAUL

ISam 02:30 RECIPROCAL HONOR

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed (1 Samuel 2:30).

Jn 5:22-23 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgement unto the son: That all men should Honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him.

This is the time of the Proud Parent- Parents look at children graduating or receiving honors in school and “swell with pride” at what “THEY’VE” accomplished. When one part of the family receives Honor every part accepts that Honor. Sadly, this works in reverse also- If a child in the family suffers failure or problems then everyone else in the family suffers with them (I Cor 12:26 Whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it). Jesus says in today’s text that that same principle applies to the Spiritual realm also. Let’s look at how this “Reciprocal Honor” works and then apply it to our lives. Reciprocal Honor works in:

1. Family life- Ex 20:12 Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Practice- Honor your father and mother (Respect for parents) Result- days may be long upon the land

2. Business life- Gen 30:27 And Laban said unto him (Jacob), I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake. Gen 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him (Joseph) overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord Blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake: and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. (See also 39:23 Joseph in Prison).

Practice- Godly dedication. (This is supposed to apply to even Preachers! I Tim 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine)

Result- Godly Blessings upon you and those you work with.

3. Social life- Luke 14:8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him: and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room Prov 15:33…before Honor is Humility. Paul told the Romans that Christians were to “in honor prefer one another” (12:10); that is, build each other up, not tear each other down!

Practice- Seek not to exalt yourself. Remember to Honor those who deserve Honor- Rom 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Result- Ye will be exalted IN DUE TIME

4. Religious life-

A) Salvation: Matt 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him shall I confess before my Father which is in Heaven. Ps 91:14-16 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.

B) Service- Jn 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.

DOING GOD’S WORK HONOR’S GOD- “DUCKING” GOD’S WORK DISHONORS GOD. I Sam 2:29-30 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

C) Sacrifice- The example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego- They did not know if God would deliver them but they Honored God and God honored them.

D) Substance- Prov 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruit of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

1. BE REALISTIC- –Faith does not put us in the driver’s seat giving orders to God on how to run the universe or what to do about a specific part of the universe that concerns us. Rather, Faith is believing the promises of God. (“Prophets of Prosperity” Page 21) God does not always give us the Honor we expect or want- the 3 Hebrew children were delivered; multitudes of other Christians died in the fire and God honored them as martyrs. Tithing every week will not make you a millionaire overnight. (Example of stencil cutter- God had something better for me that brought more Glory to HIM. Are you seeking to HONOR God or HOARD things for yourself???)

2. BE REAL- Mark 7:6 Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

DOES YOUR LIFE HONOR GOD??? WILL YOUR DEATH HONOR GOD- or will it be another sad case of rejecting God’s free Gift of Salvation thru Christ?????

ISam 06:7-9 CHOCOLATE COVERED LIFE

Troubles and trials had come upon the Philistines and they were not sure if it was God’s judgment or simply a time of bad happenings so they decided to put the situation to a test- Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them: And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go. And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us (1 Samuel 6:7-9).

Sadly, many people have adopted Forrest Gump’s philosophy that life is simply “random chance” that is beyond our control or knowledge. “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you will get.” (Forrest Gump). As a result their life is filled with uncertainty and their future offers little real hope.

  • CHANCE: It is true that there is a certain chance to life; the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all (Ecclesiastes 9:11). 9-11 is filled with stories of people who missed the plane or who were late for work and survived
  • COMMON PROBLEMS: There is also a certain amount of common catastrophe for everyone; God makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45). Flat tires, dumb deer, someone backing into my wife’s car
  • CIRCUMSTANCES: The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. (Ecclesiastes 2:14). The economy of Europe can impact the cost of gas in America. A frost in Brazil can affect the availability of coffee all over the world.

But chance, catastrophes, and circumstances do not negate the fact that there is a God in Heaven who has a plan and who possesses the power and the will to make sure that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The answer to Forrest Gump’s enigma is found in a relationship with the creator of the candy! He knows what is inside each piece; He has a plan for the protection and perfection of each piece; and God loves chocolate!

You can trust to Dumb Luck, to Dogged Determination, or to Divine Care. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

ISam 07:- GOD PROVES HIMSELF

Ez 38:23, 39:27-28, 36:38, 37:28, etc

I Sam 7: The Glory was Departed!! Israel had forsaken God, been defeated by its enemies, and the ark of God had been captured. It was a day of death as well as defeat. Phinehas and Hophni, the sons of Eli, had died on the battle field, Eli the Priest has fainted when he heard the ark was captured and as he fell he broke his neck, and the daughter-in-law of Eli died as she gave birth to “Ichabod” (The Glory is departed). A dark day indeed for the nation of Israel.

God allowed Israel to be defeated but He did not forget them; nor would He allow the Philistines to get the glory from the victory. It was not their power that defeated Israel but the lack of God’s intervention in behalf of Israel. God would now manifest His power to the Philistines in order to show them who was in control of the situation.

The Philistines took the ark of God and put it in the house of their god Dagon. The next morning they found Dagon on his face on the floor. Thinking something had moved him they set him back in his place; but next morning he had fallen again, only this time he had fallen in such a way as to break off his hands and head and lay prostrate before the ark of God!! Then the Lord began to smite the men of that city with a disease (Possibly “black Death” since it seemed to be spread by mice) that caused emerods (Hemorrhoids) on the men that didn’t die. The people in that city requested that the ark be moved. When it was moved to the next city the same thing happened also. They wanted to move it to another city but no one would accept it now!

The rulers of the Philistines called for the priests and asked them what they should do to stop this plague on their people. The priest advised them to give 5 golden emerods and 5 golden mice as a trespass offering and to send the ark back to Israel. Their method of transporting the ark back to Israel was most unusual; and is the basis of today’s message.

They were told to get a new cart and yoke 2 milk cows to the front of it. The cows were never to have been under the yoke before and their calves were to be taken from them. Then they were to be released. If they went back to Israel then the Philistines would know that God was directing them, if they stayed where they were or went back after their calves then they would know that the plague had been a chance happening. The cows were released and they went straight back to Israel. I think these cows are a type of what God is looking for in dedication and I want us today to determine to be used like them in order to “Bring back the Glory” to God.

That’s what a Pessimistic world is really looking for– PROOF that GOD is ALIVE AND WELL. They are willing to admit that their world is in a mess; war, drugs, disease, family break up, etc have taken the hope from many people and they long to see a demonstration that God is real. BUT!! they’ve seen enough Jim Bakkers, Jim Jones, and Jim Swaggarts to make them skeptical of flashy religion. How can we prove God to them??- By living this “milk cow Religion” before them. Living so that they will know our lives and our actions are directed by God.

How can we follow the example of these cows and Demonstrate God? LIVE THE EXAMPLE OF THEIR:

DEDICATION – They Had to leave what they loved behind. Jesus always calls for a definite commitment to Him. A turning from everything and Everyone that would come before Him.

WALK – The straight road to God. A commitment to God means a new walk. It not only means a new Destination, it also means a new Deportment- Christians walk to please Christ instead of self or the world. We get on the straight and narrow instead of the broad road leading to destruction.

COMMUNICATION – “Lowing” all the way. Let people know what they were. Christians are constant witnesses. By our words we are justified or condemned.

COOPERATION – Worked together, turning neither to the right hand or to the left. Christians don’t always agree but they are always agreeable. You’ll Know they are Christians by their Love

SACRIFICE – They were sacrificed as an offering to God. We are not called to simply OFFER a Sacrifice; we are called to BE a Sacrifice.

ACCOMPLISHMENT – Brought the ark back to Israel and the Glory back to God. And isn’t that what we all want?

God used some strange animals to do His work- (1) A Dove told Noah the earth was dry and symbolized the Holy Spirit when Christ was Baptized; (2) A Donkey preached to Balaam and carried Jesus in Triumph into Jerusalem; and (3) A Rooster preached Peter under conviction! He can use you and your particular talent today also if you are willing to be an “animal” God can use. It will involve Service and Sacrifice but the rewards are simply “Heavenly”!!

Do you seek Proof of God?? Don’t look to the failing empires on TV, look at the Changed lives in this Church!! There are so many “experts” and so many books; yet people are still confused. They need to look at the lives transformed by the power of God for (II Cor 3:2) Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

WILL YOU ACCEPT THE PROOF?? OR FACE THE PUNISHMENT??

ISam 07:2-6 WHAT IS SIN?

The nation of Israel had turned away from God and had turned to the sins of Canaan. God punished them in order to bring them to repentance (Not from spite). It took a long time (20 years) but the results were finally realized. Samuel told the people to repent of sin by searching their heart, putting away their sins, and turning again to God with their whole heart.

When the people came together with fasting and prayer, their confession to God and fellow man was “WE HAVE SINNED”. That is the missing ingredient in Churches and among Christians today; willingness to admit they were wrong. Yet, that is the very essence of sin- wrong standing with God. This wrong standing can be the result of actions we do, or fail to do, or attitudes that rebel against God’s control of our life.

I. WHAT SIN IS: Rom 3:10-12

1. Failure in Righteousness (vs 10) – Our STANDING with a Holy God is broken resulting in Condemnation.

2. Failure in Reasoning (vs 11a)- “none Understandeth”- Our MINDS have become Polluted and incapable of right reasoning (Controlled by Pleasures, or Passions).

3. Failure in Reverence (vs 11b)- “none seek God”- Our ATTITUDE is Proud instead of Repentant.

4. Failure in Right living (vs 12a)- “They are all gone out of the way”- Our PURPOSE in life has vanished.

5. Failure in Responsibility (vs 12b)- “They are together become unprofitable”{like spoiled Milk}- Our ACTIONS are Harmful instead of Helpful.

6. Failure in Reformation (vs 12c)- “There is none that doeth good, no, not one”- Our BEING is corrupt. Man achieves neither innocence before God or positive good (All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags). The whole of man’s inner being is controlled by sin:

His MIND- None that understandeth

His HEART- None that seeketh after God

His WILL- None that doeth good

II. WHAT SIN DOES

A) Drives us from God- Our Failures should drive us TO God but instead we run FROM God! Gen 3:8-10, Luke 15: Luke 19:10

B) Destroys Our PEACE with:

1> Others-

  1. Their throat is an open sepulcher- graveyard mouth
  2. With their tongues they have used deceit- forked tongues
  3. The poison of asps is under their lips- deadly words
  4. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness- foul mouths
  5. Their feet are swift to shed blood- Look for trouble

2> Our self- Destruction & misery are in their ways; The way of peace have they not known

3> God- There is no fear of God before their eyes

WHAT SIN BRINGS- We become people who Tolerate, then Spectate, and finally Participate in Sin until the Wrath of a Holy God falls upon us. We end up wallowing in the “Hog Pens” of sin instead eating at the Father’s House. Sin will Contaminate you, Control you, and Condemn you- Abandon Sin today and accept God’s offer of forgiveness by Faith in Christ.

ISam 14:4-14 20-23 FIGHTING FEAR

There are so many wonderful examples in the Bible of men who made a mark for God. One of these men was Jonathan. We need to take the time to look at his entire life story soon but I want to simply look at one event tonight and see some principles that Jonathan used to help him combat Fear in his own life and the life of his nation. Saul had just been anointed as King and was faced with a very difficult situation. The Philistines had come against the new king with an army of 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and people as the sand of the sea shore! (13:5). In contrast Saul had about 600 men (13:15) and the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait…and the people hid themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits (13:6). And to make things even worst the Preacher hadn’t come when he was supposed to and Saul was in such a panic until he disobeyed God by offering the Sacrifice that only the Prophet could offer. It was a Frightful time. But Jonathan would not allow the Fear to overwhelm him. He decided to do something about it and in doing so showed us some very important Principles in dealing with difficult situations.

First of all, let’s understand some things about our “Enemy Fear”. Fear is not all bad. It serves a useful purpose in our lives:

A) Fear should be part of our WORSHIP- Psalm 5:7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. This “fear” is a reverential respect for God and His house. We listen to and heed His word and sit in awe in His presence. This AWE is missing in many services today; and I fear much WORSHIP is missing also

B) Fear moves us to WORK- Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house;… It is the “Fear” of cold and rain that makes us build homes. It is the “fear” of hunger that motivates us to buy groceries and prepare meals. And Paul said, Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men: II Cor 5:11

C) Fear is the beginning of WISDOM- Ps 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Fear keeps us away from trouble and drives us on to triumph. When we don’t want to disobey God we learn how to live right and do right.

SO FEAR IS OUR FRIEND WHEN IT BRINGS RESPECT, MOTIVATION, AND EDUCATION.

But many times FEAR is our FOE instead of our FRIEND:

1. When it “Traps” us- Prov 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

2. When it Terrorizes us- Jesus talked about the time “Men’s hearts would fail them for fear” (Luke 21:26). It is this type of Fear- That paralyzing emotion that keeps us from life and it’s Blessings, that we want to see how to overcome.

Here are the “Weapons” Jonathan used to Fight Fear:

I. THE FAITH NEEDED: vs 6 “There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few”. Fear fades before Faith; Faith in God’s Ability to honor your Faith. Fear says you don’t have enough, God says all you need is me! Faith is like turning on a light in a dark room!!

II. THE FELLOWSHIP WANTED: vs 7 “Behold, I am with thee according to thy heart”. Jonathan’s armor bearer was willing to share the risk. Ever notice how your fears disappear when a friend shares the danger? Jesus said He would never leave you or forsake you- He’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother. A Christians becomes part of the body of Christ with “Brothers and Sisters” to Pray and talk with.

III. THE “FLEECE” DEPLOYED: vs 8-12 Jonathan wanted to know what God’s will was. He ascertained this by allowing God to direct Him. (Many people turn “Fleece” into Foolishness and try to manipulate God. Don’t do that!!!). When I’m riding down a strange road I sometimes wonder if I’m going in the right direction. It’s so reassuring to see a sign ever so often that says I’m going right.

IV. THE FIGHT INVOLVED: vs 13-14 The odds were 10 to 1 (Jonathan and his armourbearer killed 20 men) but they knew God was on their side. The only way that Faith can conquer Fear is if we see thru Faith’s “eyes” instead of human vision. Human vision says a simple shepherd boy can’s kill a giant, but David walked by Faith and not sight. Note that Faith did not keep away the Fight; it caused it.

Sometimes Fear must be Faced and dealt with if it’s to be overcome.

V. THE FOLLOWERS: vs 20-23 When you’ve shown the way then many more will follow you. After Columbus discovered America, trips across the Atlantic became common. Fear Fighters are able to pick up many followers when they have conquered the reason for the fear.

Fear can develop you– or destroy your life. Apply God’s Principles and win the victory over Fear today.

ISam 17: IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?

I> The Circumstances

A) A Fearful Leader (Saul) Had an army and advisors but didn’t know what to do.

B) Misunderstanding Brother- Man’s enemies those of own household

C) A Waiting People- Looking for someone to take a stand

II> The Giant

A) Defied God

B) Was a result of mixed Marriage Gen 6:4

C) Was too big for his own britches

III> The Boy- David

A) Trusted God- Already seen God work in bear and lion

B) Didn’t use other people’s armor- Had to be what he was

C) Was victorious

Some Notes to Consider:

I Sam 17:17-31 Carry Food, Find Problems (God’s Providence- left Saul to return to family but God wanted him at war)

I Sam 17:32-37 Reason for David’s Courage- past Victories.

I Sam 17:38-39 Need to feel confident with what you’re doing. Establish patterns in peace that you can use in war.

I Sam 17:40-54 Anticipates future problems (5 Stones) David Conquers. Uses enemies own weapons to kill. Encourages Others

ISam 21:10-15 LIVING WITH LIES

That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances: “‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. Achish said to his servants, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me? Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?” (1 Sam 21:10-15) (Page 415-416)

We have just past “April Fool’s Day”, when it is acceptable to tell “Little white lies”. I thought it would be beneficial to see what the Bible really says about lies.

I want us to see HOW WRONG LIES ARE, HOW DEADLY LIES ARE, and then I want to point you to the Way, THE TRUTH, and the Life- Jesus!

Not only is Christ the Truth (Jn 14:6), He is God and it is impossible for God to lie (Heb 6:18)- And also the Strength of Israel who will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent (1 Sam 15:29).

God’s Commands to His people about Lying are very clear- Exo 20:16-Thou shall not bear false witness. Eph 4:25-Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Col 3:9-Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds. Lev 19:11-Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another;. Ps 101:7-He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house; he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. Prov 19:5-A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Rev 21:8-But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

It’s Important HOW a lie is told:

  1. Tell someone the same lie 100 times and they will begin to believe it.
  2. Tell that lie on the news 10 times and people are likely to believe it.
  3. Tell that lie as a rumor 1 time and it will be believed instantly!

It’s Important ABOUT WHOM a lie is told: Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue (Psa 120:2).

That seems pretty clear and straight forward; but what are we going to do with the examples in the Bible of men of God who “Lived with Lies”- Abraham lied about his wife (a “White” lie, She was a half sister) and that led his son Isaac to tell a “Black” lie about his wife being his sister! What would cause people to Lie?

I. THE CAUSE OF LYING

A) Fear

PHYSICAL FEAR- (Little Boys lie about stealing Cookies because they fear consequences). Abraham lied about Wife being sister from fear. David lied to Priest and King from fear. Peter lied at camp fire.

PRIDEFUL FEAR- (Fishermen). Never ask a lady how old she is or how much she weighs. Everyone thinks Bigger and Better is best so we “exaggerate” in order to be bigger and better. Churches lie about attendance.

B) Falsehood- To Mislead People

1. You like the Thrill of mis-leading people. It’s easy for these people to become “Addicted” to Lying. You find yourself unwilling to tell the truth even if it doesn’t hurt you.

2. You want to be like the world but you don’t want people to know what you’re really doing- called Hypocrite.

II. THE CONSEQUENCES OF LYING

A) Defilement- Oil on Clothes gets dirt on everything it touches. Lying does the same thing. It strains your reputation and reliability.

B) Dishonesty – Live the life of a Hypocrite. Never at peace with yourself or around others. Unable to have a good relationship with your family, your friends, or God. Jesus said their graves were full of dead men’s bones- pretty outside but stinking to high heaven inside.

C) Defeat – Be sure your sins will find you out (David didn’t know people would read about his actions). Magic Johnson found there is pain as well as Pleasure.

Satan’s lie is that:

1. You can make it without God and the Church / THE TRUTH: You can’t make it without CHRIST to save you!!

2. You won’t enjoy being saved / THE TRUTH: You receive an Abundant life knowing that if you die you go to Heaven and if you live God will care for you!!

3. There’s too many Hypocrites in the Church / THE TRUTH: Better to worship with them in the Church that be tormented with them in Hell!!

4. Maybe Tomorrow would be a better day / THE TRUTH: Today is the day of Salvation; Tomorrow may be too late!!

The Devil is a liar and the father of lies. His lie to you today is that you can find what you are looking for in the world. What he doesn’t tell you is the results of your riotous living- Famine in this life and Fire in the next. Come to Christ TODAY.

Notes from Warren Weirsbe that are helpful on this topic:
DAVID TRUSTS HIMSELF – chs. 20-21
These chapters do not record a very beautiful picture, for in them we see man of faith faltering and failing in his faith. Instead of waiting to seek the lord’s will, David flees in fear and tries to “scheme” his way out of his problems. Note the lies he tells:

1. He lies to Saul (20). David’s speech to Jonathan in 20:1 suggests self-centeredness and impatience. How much better it would have been had these two friends prayed together instead of hatching their scheme. Jonathan lied to his father about David’s whereabouts (6 and 28), but he had to wait a few days to see how the matter would end. Meanwhile, he and David made a covenant together that David would protect Jonathan’s family when he became king, a promise that David fulfilled (11 Sam. 9). Saul did not believe Jonathan’s story (24-33) and his reaction almost cost Jonathan his life? When God abandons a man and the Devil takes over, there is no end to the wickedness he can do. Jonathan left the table and met David the next morning; they wept together and said farewell.

2- He lied to Ahimelech (21:1-9). David flees again, this time to Nob where the tabernacle was established. David always had a great love for the house of God, so perhaps he wanted to visit the tabernacle again before going into hiding. But he lied to the priest by claiming to be on business for Saul (vs. 2). The priest gave David and his men the holy bread to eat and also the sword of Goliath for his protection. The whole plan seemed to be successful, except that one of Saul’s spies, Doeg, was there to witness the events; and this ultimately led to treachery and bloodshed (22:9ff; see Ps. 52 and note the title).

3. He lied to Achish (21:10-15). Matters are going from bad to worse, just they always do when a man trusts himself and his own wisdom instead of the wisdom of God. David now flees into the hands of the enemy! “The fear of man bringeth a snare,” and David almost snared himself right in enemy territory! Certainly the king would not tolerate a Jewish hero on his land, and David had to pretend to be out of his mind before he could escape. “O what a tangled web we weave, when first practice to deceive.” This might have been the end of David’s life, but the Lord intervened and turned the heart of the king toward getting rid of David. He then fled to the cave of Adullam and organized his “outlaw band.” See Ps. 34 and Ps. 56.

It is amazing how a man of faith can gradually become a man of fear and unbelief. If we get in a hurry, trust men, and trust our own plans, before long everything falls to pieces and we find ourselves out of the place of God’s blessing and protection. We shall see in later lessons that David learned to wait on the Lord and seek His will.

The friendship between David and Jonathan is a wonderful thing, for actually neither of them had anything to gain! Jonathan had lost the crown, and David could lose his life! Their unselfishness and constancy in spite of trials is a beautiful example of Christian love and fellowship.

ISam 24:14 DEAD DOG DUTIES

After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. (1 Samuel 24:14)

I. Dead Dogs show us wasted lives- I Sam 24:-

– Saul has disobeyed God and God had said David would be King. Now Saul is spending his time and effort trying to kill David. He gathered up 3000 of the best fighters in Israel and begins again to pursue David.

– Along the way he had to use the bath room so he went into a cave to “do his business”. Unknown to him, David and his men were hiding in that cave. David could have killed Saul but he would not lift his hand against “God’s anointed”. He simply cut off part of Saul’s robe while he was using the bath room and let him go.

– As Saul left the cave David called after him and asked him why he was wasting his time and the efforts of the best men of Israel seeking to kill someone who was “like a flea on a dead dog”- After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. (1 Samuel 24:14)

> What are you doing with your life? Are you wasting your time and efforts chasing “fleas on dead dogs”? Are you fighting God’s plan because it is not something YOU want?

II. Dead Dogs Show us God’s Grace- II Sam 9:-

II Samuel is about David’s reign as king. The first 8 chapters deal with his consolidation of the kingdom following the death of Saul. Once this is done and he has time for a few moments of reflection he remembers his friend, Jonathan, and decides to show mercy to any of his descendents. He finds that Jonathan has a son who was crippled in an accident and seeks him out that he might show him mercy for Jonathan’s sake. In so doing he shows us one of the great pictures of Salvation in the Scripture.

[NOTE the work of the SERVANT- Ziba (Representing the work of a Christian)‑
– Prayer- The servant told about Mephibosheth
– Concern- went to get Mephibosheth
– Soul Winning- brought Mephibosheth to the King
– Follow up- helped Mephibosheth after he was accepted by the King.

MEPHIBOSHETH‑ “The Dead Dog”-

A) He experienced a fall and could not walk‑ 2SA 4:4 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. So today mankind has “fallen” into sin.

1. Both Feet (Law and Works) were lame. Couldn’t walk on his own

2. He could not walk correctly‑ Ep 2:2 says we walk according to the course of this world; therefore lamed and limping.

B) He was missing his place in life‑ He was the grandson of a king but was living in “Lo‑debar” (No Pasture). What a tragic situation the sinner is in‑ He has fallen; he cannot walk to please God; he is separated from home; he is under condemnation; and he cannot help himself.

C) He was Loved by a King (DAVID)

1) David made the first move‑ Salvation is of the Lord! The Sinner runs FROM God instead of TOWARD Him. Christ came to earth seeking lost men

2) David acted “For Jonathan’s Sake”‑ He had never seen Mephibosheth but he loved him because of his love for Jonathan (We are accepted in the beloved).

3) It was an act of Grace‑ Most kings would have killed anyone who might lay claim to their throne but David showed mercy instead of Judgment. Mephibosheth had no “merit” for David to show him mercy but David’s love did so anyway. Note that one of the first things David told him was “Fear not”.

4) David gave him a portion of his own table‑

What a Salvation God offers‑ He Seeks us; He loves us in spite of our sinful fall because He sees us thru Christ; He saves us even though we cannot offer him anything; and He makes us sit at His table as Sons!! GREAT IS THY SALVATION, O LORD!!

Mephibosheth “the Dead Dog”:
– ANSWERED the Call,
– ACKNOWLEDGED his unworthiness- Came as a “Dead Dog” without merit,
– ACCEPTED the King’s Provision.

ISam 26:10 THREE WAYS TO DIE

David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish (1 Sam 26:10).

Talking about “3 ways to Die” is probably one of the least appealing subjects I could choose. Most people would love knowing “9 ways to be Happy” (Be here Wednesday Night to learn that!) but most people don’t want to talk about (or even think about) dying.

It’s becoming a subject of tremendous concern to many people, however, whether they want it or not. From the moment of conception to the moment of death man is becoming increasingly puzzled about where life begins and ends.

The Abortion controversy pits those who believe life begins as conception against those who believe life begins at birth (Thus making it alright to kill the unborn).

On the other end of the spectrum, Science continually develops new and better ways to extend the life of a person. Sadly however, these great marvels of scientific advancement increasingly leave us with the question of QUANTITY of Life verses QUALITY of life (When do you “pull the plug” on someone? When do you know that the pain a sick person endures is so overwhelming until it requires you to stop using every resource available to maintain a heartbeat?).

We certainly can’t answer all of these questions today but we can look at 3 ways Death comes to man; and, hopefully, get you prepared to face God when you die.

I. DIVINE JUDGMENT- the LORD shall smite him. There are times that Death comes to men suddenly because of some grievous sin:

A) It Happens to PEOPLE- Ananias and Sapphira sold a possession and kept back part of the price. God brought Judgment on both of them–Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband (Acts 5:10).

B) It Happens to RULERS- Herod failed to give God the Glory and was killed- And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost (Acts 12:21-23).

C) It Happens to PREACHERS- Nadab and Abihu- And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD (Lev 10:1-2).

D) It can even happen to the ENTIRE WORLD AT ONE TIME- Flood- The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth (Gen 6:11-13).

The thing to remember about Death by Divine Judgment is that it is not the result of “normal” causes- If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me (Num 16:29). It is also possible for men to die “normal” death, but in a specified time frame, as a result of God’s Judgment- All Israel over 20 in the desert: For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun (Num 26:65).II. NATURAL DEATH- his day shall come to die This is the death of the Physical body that results from the sin nature in our bodies- But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (Gen 2:17). For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 6:23).

Man is given a predetermined time by God- Jesus continually said His time was not yet come. Paul didn’t die until he had “finished his course” (II Tim 4:7). Even the Psalmist wanted to know how long his time was- LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am (Psa 39:4).

It is possible, however, to lengthen or shorten this time: He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days (Psa 102:23). Fear of the Lord can lengthen your life while sin can shorten it-The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. (Prov 10:27) Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? (Eccl 7:17)

Honoring your Parents can lengthen your days- For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: (Mark 7:10). Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (Eph 6:2-3).

III. CATASTROPHE- he shall descend into battle, and perish. Evidently, sometimes men die as they live- time and chance happen to all men (Eccl 9:11). It could be a Natural Disaster, War, or an Accident (As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live: (Deu 19:5)). While I believe that God is able to protect people during these events (The Passengers in Paul’s Ship saved during the Hurricane in Acts 27); yet I know that multitudes of people die in war, famine, earthquakes, etc. God is ABLE TO OVERRULE anything in nature but many times He seems to allow things to progress in a natural order.

While there are 3 METHODS to die, there are only 2 WAYS to Die: Saved or Lost. It’s important that you make the decision about what state you will die in for it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Heb 9:27). Death is simply leaving the physical world for the Spiritual world; There to be judged by Almighty God. His Judgment will not be based on your fame or fortune but on the fact of whether or not your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life- And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 21:27).

There is no need for you to die without Hope today- For we must needs die, and are as water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him (2 Sam 14:14)

Jesus wants to give you ABUNDANT LIFE and ETERNAL LIFE. Accept His offer of Salvation today.

Remember, there is coming a day that men will seek death and it will flee from them- And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them (Rev 9:6). Don’t let that deathly day overtake you. Accept Life today.

ISam 26:21 TWO MEN NAMED SAUL

I Sam 26:21 I have played the Fool

II Tim 4:7 I have kept the Faith

Most of us were required to read a book entitled a “Tale of two cities” when we were in school. It begins, “These were the best of times. These were the worst of times”. So it is with the characters in today’s lesson. One was a King; One spoke to kings about their souls. One had a tremendous beginning and ended up a Disaster. One had a terrible beginning and ended up a Disciple. One came to the end of his life committing suicide, while proclaiming, “I have played the fool”; the other died with a smile on his face, a song in his heart, and a final sermon, “I have kept the Faith”.

Today I want us to examine the Tragedy and Triumph of these “Two Men Named Saul”. One is Saul, the first king of Israel. The other is Saul who became Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles and great worker for God. I want us to see in these examples how men misuse, and lose, their glorious Privileges from God; and how God can take any yielded vessel and make it into a vessel unto honor. And I want us to see the Very Real Danger that many face today of putting Self ahead of Savior and ending up losing their “throne”, their trust, and their souls.

I. SAUL THE KING Everything was “Set for Success” in his life:

1. Physically endowed- I Sam 9:2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. A Handsome man who “Stood out in the Crowd”. (Compare to what is said about Paul- II Cor 10:10 For his letter, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible )

2. Socially Correct- Modest when talking to Samuel- I Sam 9:21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? Saul would have been one of the first to be invited to a party because he was “Pretty and Pleasant”.

3. A Religious man- When Samuel first talked with Saul he told him (I Sam 10:6) The Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shall be turned into another man. Every single Excuse the world uses today to justify people in sin was missing in Saul. He couldn’t blame his health, Society, or even his church; yet he utterly failed in his position as King and in his relationship with the Lord. WHY???

WHY DID SAUL FAIL AND END UP SO MISERABLY??

A) Loss of Faith- I Sam 13:11-14 He looked at the outward circumstances (his army was dissolving while the enemy was increasing) and instead of trusting God he offered the Sacrifice that only Samuel should have offered. And Samuel said, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee. How many people today serve God when everything looks good but abandon ship when they see a storm approaching. (Sometimes they get caught by the storm and they stay on board until it appears that God is not going to calm the storm immediately- then they seek the first “life boat” that comes along.

B) Lack of Faithfulness- I Sam 15:10-24 God’s command was very plain–Kill all the people, slay all the animals. Saul wanted something to show off; some prizes to show everyone. When he was found out he tried to excuse his failure by blaming the people or saying he was really trying to do God a favor by keeping the best for a sacrifice to God. But Samuel quickly told him, (I Sam 15:22) Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

How many people today disobey God and then try to “salve their conscience” by an extra dollar in the offering plate. Or they say, I do as much as most people do in the Church; not realizing that incomplete obedience is disobedience.

Possibly some of the saddest sentences about this Saul are found in I Sam 15:34-45 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul. And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel. Separated from the Preacher, Separated from God!!!

There is a line by us unseen
That crosses every path
The hidden boundary between
God’s patience and His wrath.
O where is that mysterious bourne
By which our path is crossed,
Beyond which God himself has sworn
That he who goes is lost?
How far can one go on in sin?
How long will mercy spare?
Where does grace end and where begin
The confines of despair?
An answer from the sky is sent:
Ye who from God depart,
While it is called today repent,
And harden not your heart.
Unknown

There was another Saul however. Raised as a Pharisee, Zealous for the Lord’s work, lost and going to Hell apart from God. He met Christ on the Road to Damascus, changed his life, and in spite of Persecutions and Problems was able to stand at life’s sunset and boldly proclaim, “I have kept the Faith”.

Which Saul are you?? The one guided by Pride and People’s Opinion; or the one who has been “crucified with Christ,..and the life I now live I live by the Faith of the Son of God”.

When life’s curtain comes down on you will you look up with a smile and boldly proclaim, “I have kept the Faith”. Or will you sadly say as you are cast from God’s presence, “I have played the Fool”??