170 likes | 266 Views
3. “Michal: Scheming & Rescue”. 1 Samuel 18 (20-30), 19 (11-17) p. 265. Blessing. David has done everything right! But Saul was afraid of him (18:15) God’s presence made his life difficult (18:12) Some critical questions: Does blessing always follow when we do right?
E N D
3. “Michal: Scheming & Rescue” 1 Samuel 18 (20-30), 19 (11-17) p. 265
Blessing • David has done everything right! • But Saul was afraid of him (18:15) • God’s presence made his life difficult (18:12) • Some critical questions: • Does blessing always follow when we do right? • What does blessing look like? • Is it personally rewarding to be faithful to God?
1. Scheming • David delivers Israel from Goliath. • Saul makes him an army commander and then gets jealous (18:15-16) • David’s life is hard • In the bigger picture God’s purposes are achieved • David is fulfilling Saul’s role (1 Sam 8:20) • He is not praised by his boss.
1. Scheming . . . • David is doing what is right. • Let’s Saul off his promise to marry his daughter (17:25) • Saul starts Scheming: • Give his daughter as a “snare” (18:21) • To get David killed (18:25)
1. Scheming . . . • David acts honourably, faithfully, courageously • His reward is harsh (18:28-29) • Saul becomes his enemy. • Saul reveals his murderous intent (19:1) • Tries to kill David with a spear (19:9) • Sends soldiers to kill him at home (19:11) • Sends soldiers and goes himself to kill David at Ramah (19:21-22)
1. Scheming . . . • David has been loyal, hard working … … but ends up a refugee on the run. • Why isn’t God blessing him? • Jesus’ warning – persecution (Matt 10:34-39, 24:9) • True in Paul’s life (2 Tim 3:10-12) • Persecution & opposition – rejoice (Matt 5:11-12) • We are part of a cosmic battle (Eph 6:12)
2. Rescue • 3x we are told exactly where God is: • “The Lord was with David” (18:12, 14, 28) • He is a refugee but God is with him • God works to rescue David: • Always prevails against the Philistines. • Two of Saul’s children side with him. • Samuel gives him refuge • God intervenes through his Spirit.
2. Rescue . . . • God’s purposes are moving forward – • David is driving the Philistines back • He is growing in popularity and prominence. • There is a greater purpose to David’s life. • The same was true of Jesus (John 5:19) • We are called to the same (2 Cor 4:11, 5:15, Gal 2:20)
2. Rescue . . . • Presence of God made up for discomforts & dangers • We need to break out of the terrible deception: • Fullness of our souls not from possessions (Luke 12:15) • Wealth is one of the greatest dangers (Luke 8:14) • Boldly stepping out in faith produces deep fruit • Mature, complete, not lacking anything (Jas 1:2-4) • Paul’s instruction to Timothy (1 Tim 6:18-19)
2. Rescue . . . • God turns Saul’s scheming against him • God’s presence more than makes up for hardships. • David does well spiritually when things are tough.
2. Rescue . . . • God achieves much in/through David’s life: • Philistines are driven back • David is popular with the people and the army • David’s claim to the throne enhanced by marriage • David is learning to trust God • His first instinct as a refugee is to turn to Samuel. • It is an example of Peter’s words (1 Pet 5:6-9).
2. Rescue . . . • God achieves much in/through David’s life: • Philistines are driven back • David is popular with the people and the army • David’s claim to the throne enhanced by marriage • David is learning to trust God • His first instinct as a refugee is to turn to Samuel. • It is an example of Peter’s words (1 Pet 5:6-9).
Living it • Started with questions about God’s blessing. • Clear lessons from David’s life: • Blessing does not always make life easy. • We are called to faithfulness no matter if it is easy • We have assurance of God’s presence (Matt 28:20) • It is not all about us. God has a greater purpose. • God works in and through people.
Living it . . . • God works in and through people. • David is supported by his men in battle • By Jonathan as an advocate • By his wife as a rescuer • By Samuel as a refuge The Christian life is not about heroic loners!
Living it . . . • We are about our Father’s business (Heb 12:1-3) • What it looks like in our context: • Get involved in a home group • Come to the retreat