Choosing Faith: Lessons from Saul and David
Summary
The sermon begins with a reflection on the story of Saul, emphasizing the consequences of rebellion against God's rule and ways. The pastor underscores that God's character is one of mercy and forgiveness, and had Saul repented, God would have heard him. The pastor then contrasts the examples of David and Saul in dealing with difficult times, highlighting Saul's reliance on worldly weapons and Godless wisdom, which led to his downfall and separation from God.
The sermon then shifts to the aftermath of Saul's death, focusing on the disposal and care of Saul and his sons' bodies. The pastor highlights the significance of this act, connecting it back to a previous event in Saul's reign when he defeated Nahash on behalf of the residents of Jabesh Gilead. Despite Saul's downfall, the people of Jabesh Gilead risked their lives to give Saul and his sons a proper burial, demonstrating the power of kindness and gratitude.
The pastor then reflects on 1 Samuel 31, emphasizing that the events in this chapter align with the trajectory set by Hannah in Chapter 2. The pastor highlights three key elements in the chapter: the faithfulness of a son to the end, the self-centeredness of the king, and the kindness and gratitude of the people. However, the overarching theme is God's faithfulness to His word, purposes, and promises.
The sermon concludes with a reflection on the character of Saul and his ultimate downfall. The pastor emphasizes that Saul was self-centered until the end, and when the Philistines come and defeat him, he is left stripped and headless on the mountain. This is seen as a moment of humiliation for Saul and a reflection of God bringing down his adversaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Saul's downfall serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's rule and ways. Despite God's character of mercy and forgiveness, Saul's refusal to repent led to his downfall and separation from God. ([12:45])
- The contrasting examples of David and Saul in dealing with difficult times underscore the importance of relying on God rather than worldly weapons and Godless wisdom. Saul's reliance on these led to his downfall, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. ([22:30])
- The act of the people of Jabesh Gilead risking their lives to give Saul and his sons a proper burial demonstrates the power of kindness and gratitude. Despite Saul's downfall, they remembered his past actions and honored him in death, serving as a reminder of the lasting impact of our actions on others. ([34:15])
- The events in 1 Samuel 31 align with the trajectory set by Hannah in Chapter 2, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His word, purposes, and promises. This serves as a reminder that God's plans are always fulfilled, even when they seem impossible or unlikely. ([45:50])
- Saul's ultimate downfall and humiliation at the hands of the Philistines underscore the cost of sin. His self-centeredness and disobedience led to his defeat, emphasizing the importance of humility, obedience, and a God-centered life. ([56:20])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
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1. 1 Samuel 31:4 - "Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, 'Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.' But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it."
2. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."
3. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 - "But Samuel replied: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.'"
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the circumstances surrounding Saul's death as described in 1 Samuel 31:4?
2. In 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, what reasons are given for Saul's death and the transfer of the kingdom to David?
3. What does 1 Samuel 15:22-23 reveal about the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of rebellion?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Saul's request to his armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 31:4 reflect his character and relationship with God?
2. What does 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 suggest about the consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness to God?
3. How does 1 Samuel 15:22-23 define the concept of true obedience to God and its significance in our relationship with Him?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you relied on your own wisdom or strength instead of trusting in God, similar to Saul's actions? What were the consequences and what did you learn from that experience?
2. Saul's disobedience led to his downfall. What is one area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God's commands? What steps can you take this week to align your actions with God's will in this area?
3. The people of Jabesh Gilead showed kindness and gratitude by honoring Saul in death. Can you think of someone who has shown you kindness in the past? How can you express your gratitude to them this week?
4. Saul's life ended in humiliation due to his disobedience. How can this serve as a reminder for you to live a life centered on God and not on self? What is one practical step you can take this week to shift your focus from self to God?
5. Reflecting on 1 Samuel 15:22-23, how can you demonstrate your obedience to God in a tangible way this week?
Devotional
Day 1: The Consequences of Rebellion and the Grace of Redemption
The story of Saul serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's rule and ways. Yet, even in the face of disobedience, God's character shines through as He hears those who repent and turn to Him, offering a chance for redemption. ([12:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufgltD2B5YI&t=750s))
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 15:22-23 - "But Samuel replied: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when you chose your own way over God's. What were the consequences? How can you turn to God in repentance today?
Day 2: Seeking God's Wisdom in Difficult Times
The contrasting examples of David and Saul serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's wisdom in times of difficulty. Saul's reliance on worldly weapons and Godless wisdom led to his downfall, while David's faith in God led to his victory. ([24:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufgltD2B5YI&t=1455s))
Bible Passage: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What difficult situation are you facing today? How can you seek God's wisdom instead of relying on your own understanding?
Day 3: Walking in Faith Despite Circumstances
The response of believers to grave diagnoses can serve as an inspiring example of unwavering faith. Despite their circumstances, they choose to walk in faith, confidence, and trust in the Lord, which is a beautiful gift to the church and their families. ([36:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufgltD2B5YI&t=2160s))
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Reflection: What challenges are you facing that are testing your faith? How can you choose to walk in faith, confidence, and trust in the Lord today?
Day 4: The Importance of Kindness and Gratitude
The act of giving Saul and his sons a proper burial, despite Saul's downfall, highlights the importance of kindness and gratitude. The people of Jabesh Gilead risked their lives to honor Saul, showing kindness even in the face of adversity. ([48:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufgltD2B5YI&t=2915s))
Bible Passage: Colossians 3:12-14 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Reflection: Who in your life has shown you kindness and gratitude? How can you show kindness to someone else today, even if it's difficult?
Day 5: Choosing the Kingdom of God
The contrast between Saul's pursuit of power and Jesus' rejection of temptation serves as a reminder to choose wisely which king and kingdom to follow. The two ways to live, as presented in the Bible through the examples of Saul and David, highlight the importance of aligning oneself with God's will. ([59:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufgltD2B5YI&t=3545s))
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: What worldly pursuits are tempting you away from God's kingdom? How can you choose to seek first His kingdom and righteousness today?
Quotes
"Saul is an example of the opposite. We walk by faith and not by sight and we walk by faith holding on to the hand of our savior who has conquered sin and Death on our behalf and we do it trusting him every step of the way." [01:04:10]
"Rebellion is the sin of turning against God and rejecting God's word and seeking wisdom in the ways of the world. Do not go there, church, do not go there." [43:13]
"The picture of the Gospel is not the death of Saul and Israel, the picture of the Gospel is that God, while he will not let Rebellion go on forever, sent his son to die for Rebels so that if we would put our faith and our trust in him, by his love God lets Jesus take that wrath upon himself and Jesus defeated sin and death and he is the Risen ruler and he took death upon himself so that you and I can have life." [01:00:19]
"We can trust God with his promises of Salvation and we can trust God with his promise of judgment. He had told Saul what would happen, Samuel had confirmed that in detail to Saul, and God was faithful to his word. Brothers and sisters, the adversaries of the Lord will be crushed, but those who humble themselves will be exalted." [01:01:07]
"It's important to note that in the end, there is kindness shown even to Saul by those who remembered what he had done." [57:22]
"There's a contrast between two kingdoms and two ways to live...which king are you going to follow, which kingdom are you going to live for?" [58:05]
"Saul is the self-serving King who when he finds himself in this situation in chapter 31 he is unwilling even to take responsibility there except to take a life that's not his to take... that is not an example for us to follow." #!!44:33!!#
"What we have here is a picture of the Grave consequence of sin... their death is tragic it just is as all death is in one way or another yet is important to see God's plan being carried out here." #!!45:13!!#
"God was merciful to Jonathan sparing him the ordeal of having to side with David against his own Brothers for the preventing divisions that were surely to follow because they happen amongst people when it comes to a successor... God is providentially at work even in the death of these boys." #!!46:02!!#
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