1 Samuel
Death of King Saul
November 8, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. CONSEQUENCES OF THE UNFAITHFUL A. Message Of Warning, No Positive Spin B. We Need Truth To Convict, To Free Us I. SEE THE DEFEAT OF GOD’S PEOPLE - vs 1 A. Saul’s Rebellion Led To National Disaster B. We See The Curse Of - Deut.28:15 & 28 C. Leaders Fail > Nations Fail, Suffer - Pv.29:2 D. Spiritual Law As Much As Laws Of Physics II. WE SEE DESTRUCTION OF INDIVIDUALS - vs 3-6 A. King Saul Mortally Wounded B. Rebellion Caught Up With Him - Gal.6:7 X Spared Agaag, Hunted David, Murdered Priests X Sought A Medium C. Could Not Die Fast Enough (Torture) - Job 3:21 D. Even In Death His Pride Ruled Him E. What Keeps You From Turning Back To God 1. Pride, Pleasure, Poor Understanding Of God? F. I Sam 12:19 - Evil Of Asking A King (Rule) III. II SAM.1:8-10 - AMALAKITE EXECUTES KING SAUL A. What Was To Happen To Amalakites - I Sam. 15 B. We Are To Flee From Sin, Sin Will Destroy Us 1. Jn.10:10 - Skd CLOSE: CALL TO HOLINESS - RO.6:19, RO.13:11-14 A. You Say “I See No Consequences” Emboldended B. Delay Is Not Dismissal C. It Is Time To Turn Fully To God In Christ Jesus
David's Return
October 25, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. LAST WEEK DAVID’S DOUBLE LIFE A. Chosen Safety Of The World (Achish) B. Rejection By Phillistines (World) C. God Orchestrated His Deliverance 1. Sent Back To Ziklag I. 1-6a - WITNESSED FRUIT OF HIS DESERTION A. Our Failures Endanger Others 1. Others Attacked, Taken Captive B. David Had Left His ‘Place’ Israel/Kingdom X Israel = Giants In Land, Generation Lost C. Desertion > Disaster Wreck - I Tim.1:19 D. May Take Time But Inevitable - Heb.11:25 II. 6b-8 - DAVID DOES RIGHT THING ‘LIGHT GOES ON’ A. He Was Brought Low In Order To Look Up B. His Turning Point X Galapego Street 1. Realization Repentance 2. Strengthened In The Lord - Ps.25:16-18 3. Inquired Of The Lord (Sought Direction) III. 8b–21 - RESTORATION FOLLOWED REPENTANCE A. David Again Following God 1. Egyptian: Where God Guides…. B. David Reclaims = Redemption/Restoration IV. 21-31 - CHURCH = SOCIETY OF REDEEMED A. All A Place, All A Share B. Service Varies, All Are Victors CLOSE: WHAT DO YOU NEED TO LEAVE BEHIND?
Rock & Hard Spot
October 18, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. COMPARE / CONTRAST DAVID V. SAUL I. DAVID WEARY OF INJUSTICE / CONFLICT A. Became Disillusioned (Believers Same) B. 26:19 - ‘Driven Me Out’ Not True He Chose C. 27:1-2 - Went To Achish (Symbol Of World) 1. Compromised His Faith (Panicked) D. God Brings Crisis - 28:1-2 - (Ambiguous) 1. Being Swept Away In The Current Of Sin 2. Appears To Have No Way Out 3. Been Leading Double Life - Mt.6:24 II. HUMAN ACTION OFTEN APPERARS TO: A. Render God’s Purpose Impossible B. David’s Dilemma ‘ To Do The Right Thing’ C. Boxed In, No Way Out (Can’t Move) III. GOD FAITHFUL TENDER HEARTS A. God Knew David’s Heart - I Sam.13:14, Ac.13:22 B. God Knew David’s Sin C. Orchestrated The Crisis D. Made A Way Of Escape (Generals Rejected) 1. God In Mercy Restrained David E. Not A License To Sin - Ro.5:20-6:2 LESSONS: BELIEVERS HAVE FREE WILL IN CHOICES A. World Welcomes, Makes Demands/Rejects 1. Don’t Put Yourself In This Position B. To Dishonor God Is To Nullify Influence C. God Waits For, Wants Our Return (Come) D. Difference Between David & Saul: 1. Real Relationship With God (Jesus)
King Saul's Decline
October 11, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. CONTROVERSY MISS THE POINT A. Observe Pattern Of Decline B. Individuals, Nations, Churches C. Serves As Warning To All - Mt.7:13-14 I. DECLINE BEGAN WITH DISOBEDIENCE A. I Sam.13:9 - Disregard, No Repentance B. 14:24 - “My Enemies” C. Bitter At God When God Not At Fault D. Moral And Intellectual Decline II. SAUL DESERTED GOD NEVER REPENTED A. 15:11 “Turned Back From Following” B. Created A Spiritual Vacuum - 16:14 C. None As Bitter As One Who Rejects God D. Chapters 17-28 Moved From Bad To Worse III. 28:5-6 - SAUL BECAME DESPERATE A. God Would No Longer Speak To Saul Why? 1. Never Any Evidence Of Repentance 2. Saul Would Use God But Not Serve God B. Consequence Of “Rebellion As Sin“ - 15:23 1. 28:8 - Saul Turned To Sorcery - Deut.18:9-11 2. Total Degeneration X Dabble In Darkness IV. 28:16-20 - ENDS IN DESPAIR, DEATH A. Warning Not To Follow This Pattern B. For All Persons: Young, Old, Rich, Poor C. Danger In Ceasing To Follow God - I Tim.1:9 D. Moral Choices Affect Today And Future E. Consider The Path You Are On - Mt.7:13-14
Pits of Discouragement
September 20, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. READ CHAPTER 27 A. Pv.13:12 - “Hope Deferred” B. I Sam.26:19 - We See What Is Coming I. DAVID DISCOURAGED, HOPELESS, FAITH CRISIS A. No Longer Trusted God’s Promises B. Made A Bad Choice (No Dependence On God) 1. Did Not Rely On Righteous Means 2. Hid Among The Enemy (Believers The Same) C. Achish “Servant Forever” Voice Of Satan II. VERY IMPORTANT LESSONS: A. We Are Frail Creatures - I Cor.10:12 B. Discouragements Are Inevitable: 1. Call Seems Impossible 2. Lose Faith In God, In Purpose & Promises 3. Doubt God’s Plan & God’s Power C. Do Not Make Decisions When Discouraged 1. David Ran To Enemy D. Isolated Himself From Israel - Heb.10:25 1. Isolation Brings Compromise & Sin 2. Isolation Like Gravity, Must Resist E. Warning To Churches & Individuals 1. Do Not Attempt A Double Life - Ja.4:4 CLOSE: FOLLOW GODLY METHODS: 1. Simplicity, Ask The Right Questions 2. Stand On Truth, Be Truthful 3. Set Your Mind On Things Above 4. Pray Even When Discouraged 5. Wait On God Testimony
Making Choices
September 13, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO - vs 1-6 I. vs 7-8 - DAVID MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE A. vs 8 - Faces Second Temptation (deja vu) B. Could Have Behaved Opportunistically C. Faced Down Temptation - Ja.4:7 - “Resist…” D. Phil.2:12 - Christian Life Is ‘Progressive’ 1. Ro.8:29 - ‘Conformed’ Character/Behavior 2. Ii Cor.3:18 - Transformed II. vs 9-12 - DAVID PUTS SITUATION IN GOD’S HAND A. Saul Took Matters Into His Hands B. David Had: Motive, Means, Opportunity C. Why Did David Not Take Revenge? Action? 1. Respect For The Position / Authority 2. Not His Place - Ro.12:19-21 3. Not Overcome By Evil (No Bitterness) III. 18-25 I BELIEVE DAVID HAD A GREATER MOTIVE A. I Pet.4:8 - “Love Covers…” B. David Had No Desire To Do Harm To Saul C. Wanted To Understand Such Hatred D. vs 19 - Heart Broken > If Sinned Would Confess E. Your Life Valuable To Me - Phil.2:3 LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES TODAY: A. When Tempted Make Godly Choices 1. With Each Victory We Grow Stronger B. Grow In Godliness - Heb.6:1, Col.1:10 C. Let Love Guide Our Lives
Abigail: Wise Counselor
August 30, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. SAMUEL HAS PASSED ON A. Recounting An Amazing True Story B. Three Main Characters: C. Crisis, Confrontation, Conformity I. vs 1-13 - THE CRISIS BROUGHT ABOUT BY NABAL A. Insults David Personally & Culturally B. David Reached A Breaking Point – All Do 1. Bad Time To Make Decisions See 21 & 22 II. vs 14-31 - CONFRONTATION > CRISIS GROWS A. Abigail Recognizes The Offence 1. Makes A Plan Moves Into Action B. vs 23- 24 - Critical Moment Meets David Esther C. Observe Her Behavior Closely (Appease) 1. vs 24 - First Move Is To Humble Herself 2. vs 24 - Asks Permission To Speak 3. vs 25 - Does Not Deny The Insult 4. vs 26 - Brings God Into Focus In The Situation 5. vs 27 - Bring Offering Late Mt.21: 28-31 6. vs 28 - Three Hard Words “Please Forgive Me” 7. vs 28 - God Make Your House Endure - I Jn.1:2 8. vs 28-29 - She Understood David 9. vs 29 – 30 - Encouraged His Faith/Faithfulness 10. vs 31 - Do Not Do Something You Will Regret III. vs 32-35 - DAVID RESPONDS TO ABIGAIL’S COUNSEL A. Blesses Abigail And Retreats
Opportunity Knocks
August 23, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. THE SITUATION: DAVID ESCAPED TO ENGEDI A. David’s Journey Difficult – Got Harder B. Purpose: God Producing A Shepherd King I. vs 1-7 - TEST > TRUSTING GOD IN ALL THINGS A. Opportunity Knocking At The Door B. David’s Men Tempted Him - Mt.16:23 C. Lessons In These Few Verses: 1. Do Not Be Led By The Crowd (Stand) 2. Use Wisdom Regarding Opportunities 3. Principles Over Opportunities 4. Lead Others To Do The Right Thing 5. Obeyed His Conscience Quickly II. vs 8-15 - SHOWS US HOW TO DEAL WITH INJUSTICE: A. 9 – Innocent Man 10 – Passive 11 – Proven B. 12 – God Will Judge 13 – Consider History C. 14 – Humility, 15 – I Will Trust In God D. Lessons: Trust God For Justice 1. Leave In The Hands Of God - Ro.12:21 2. Ja.2:13 - “Mercy Triumphs…” III. vs 16-22 - GOD’S WAYS ARE MYSTERIOUS!! A. Saul Emotionally Moved By Grace 1. Warning: No Evidence Of Repentance B. Declarations > Faith Produces Results C. Lesson: Know God Personally Thru Jesus CLOSE: PAY ATTENTION TO THE PRINCIPLES A. Put Your Trust In God (Jesus Christ) B. Go To The Stronghold (Jesus Christ)
Continued Persecution
August 16, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. THE SITUATION BACKGROUND INFO. Psalm 15:2 I. vs 12-15 - DAVID’S RESPONSE TO BETRAYAL A. No Complaint/Resentment/Condemnation 1. Why? Not Normal - Jer.17: 5,7 - Perspective B. Obeyed Even In Humiliation (Christ) C. Obedience = Fruit Of Trust Mt. 7:16-20 II. vs 16-18 - COMFORT FOLLOWS OBEDIENCE A. Jonathan Came & Strengthened David B. God Used A Faithful Friend - Pv.18:24 C. How? Spoke Words Of ‘Reminder’ Encourage III. vs 19-29 - CONDITIONS MAY NOT CHANGE/IMPROVE A. Saul Continues Relentless Pursuit B. God Delivers The Righteous - Ps.34:19 IV. MEANING? APPLICATION? A. Following Jesus Is Costly - Lk.14:25-33 B. Following Jesus Not About Us Modern Ch. C. Following Jesus Measured By Obedience 1. Not: Activity, Numbers, Approval Of Man 2. Motivated By Love - Jn.14:21,23 Ro.6:17 E. Jesus ‘First’ Above Ourselves - Jn.3:30 F. Wise To Renew Our Covenant With Jesus
Considering Circumstances
August 9, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. - I SAM.23:7-13 I. vs 7-8 - Saul’s Response To Circumstances A. Mistakenly Assumed God With Him - 16:1 & 14 B. Believed David Delivered To Him By God C. Blinded By Sin, Rebellion, Selfish Desires D. Took Action Based On False Assumption 1. Operating On Own View Of God (Idolatry) X Love X Cruel X Unfair X Salvation - Ex.20:3 II. vs 9-13 - DAVID’S RESPONSE TO CIRCUMSTANCES A. What He Could Have Thought: 1. Could Expect City Of Keilah To Protect 2. Could Assume God Had Deserted Him 3. Could Have Inquired Of Elders Of Keilah B. What He Did Is Example Re: Circumstances 1. Approached God Properly & Reverently 2. Calles For Abiathar (Ephod) A. God Of Israel 2x ‘Your Servant’ 3x 3. His Request Was Specific, Inquired Of God 4. Expected & Received Guidance - Ja.1:5 5. Based On Answer/Perspective Took Action III. LESSONS FOR US: A. Careful In Expectations Of People B. Circumstances Alone Not Reliable C. Our Understanding Is Incomplete D. God’s Knowledge/Guidance Is Perfect E. Retain Biblical View Of God (Idolatry) F. Exercise Caution In Discerning Will Of God 1. Word, Prayer, H.S., Listen, Obey
David Sought God's Will
July 26, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
I. vs 1 - SITUATION KEILAH A BORDER TOWN WARNING A. Vulnerable > Lack Of Godly Leader B. King Saul Turned From Following God C. Satan Is An Opportunist - Jn.10:10 D. Leaders Fail, Innocent Suffer - Pv.29:2 x Governors, Mayors > Anarchy II. vs 2 - DAVID’S RESPONSE IS OUR EXAMPLE A. Saw Need And Souhgt Will Of God 1. ‘Need’ Does Not Constitute A Call 2. Good Intentions May Interfere W/ God 3. Self-Interest May Be Our Motive x Hero, Praise, Allegiance, Relationships B. vs 3-4 - Demonstrated Godly Leadership 1. Heard Concern Of His Men (Militarily) 2. Inquired Of God Once Again - Ja.1:5 3. Being Confirmed ‘Go’ They Committed x Once Confirmed Must Commit III. ALL AGREE SEEK WILL OF GOD HOW? A. Reject Temptation/Rationalization Need B. Recognize/Repent Of Self-Interest C. Practice Three W’s Of Discovering His Will 1. Want His Will Above Your Own 2. Will To Obey > Big Or Small a. Now Ready To Seek His Will 3. Wait With Real Expectation Of His Answer a. Prayer, Word, Spirit, Peace, Proceed
A Call to Loyalty
July 19, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. SAUL MURDERED PRIESTS, RAZED NOB A. Come To Relationship of Abiathar & David I. Facts: Abiathar Escapes Execution A. Priest & Anointed Both are Fugitives B. Brought Together by God (Providence) II. SYMBOLISM: CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH A. Persecuted From Beginning & Continues: X Last Week: 4 Churches Atacked, 2 Burned X Litigation, Scotus Decisions B. Col.1:24 - Complete…Lacking C. David & Abiathar = Loyalty to Each Other III. NATURE OF THE LORD’S CHURCH: A. Body of Jesus Christ - Col.1: 24 B. Jesus is Our Head/Leader - Eph.1: 22-23 C. We Are Righteous in Him - II Cor.5: 21 D. Indwelt by H.S. - I Cor.6: 19 - Animated By… E. Spiritual Gifts - I Cor.12:7 F. Joint Heirs With Jesus - Ro.8:16-17 G. Represent Christ Universally - Eph.3:9-10 IV. YOUR RESPONSE TO THE CHURCH? (HIS BODY) A. Careful Re: Attitude to Church - Acts 9:4-5 1. Saul Crossed Line: Reason, Emotion, Morality, Conscience B. Be Careful What You Say Re: Church C. Love the Body - Jn.13:34, Col.1:14 - ‘Put On’ D. Actively Show Allegiance to Jesus’ Body 1. Prayer, Material, Time, Loyalty CLOSE: RELATIONSHIP TO LOCAL BODY? A. Begins With Receiving Lord of the Church B. Call to Loyalty
How Did I Get Here?
July 12, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. STUDY DECLINE OF SAUL (WARNING TO US) A. Observe The Pattern Of Decline B. Recognize Consequences Severe / Increase C. Hopefully Avoid Them I. FIRST STEP: SPIRITUAL REJECTION OF GOD A. I Sam.15:11,22,23 - Choices Of King Saul B. Pv.8: 32-36 - ‘Sin Against Own Soul’ C. Soul: Intellect, Emotion, Will II. SECOND: 19:1 - SURRENDER OF REASON A. Ro.1:21 - ‘Became Futile In Thinking’ B. Grew Increasingly Irrational C. Finally Incapable Of Sound Judgment III. 22:7-8 - THIRD: EMOTIONALLY UNSTABLE A. Ro. 1:21 - Hearts Darkened; Seat Of… 1. Mental, Emotional, Moral B. As His Decline Continued Observe: 1. He Became Jealous, Paranoid 2. Invented False Reality/Narrative: X Greed, ID Politics, Power, Division 3. Sought Allegiance To Self ‘Me’ 5 X IV. 9,11,18,19 - REPROBATE = UNPRINCIPLED A. Ro.1:28, I Tim. 4:2 - ‘Conscience Seared’ B. Moral Failure: Prisons, Culture CLOSE: CAN I ESCAPE THIS PATTERN / FATE? A. Eph.4:17 - Christian, Non- Christian B. Must Determine In Your Heart
Kingdoms in Conflict
June 28, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
I. HISTORIC SETTING A. National Israel Degenerated - Jer.2:11-13 Spiritually/Morally/Culturally/Politically B. King Saul > Tyrant Godless Government C. David & People In Great Distress II. OBSERVE SPIRITUAL PARALLELS A. Cave, David, People, Saul, Prophet Gad B. Two Kingdoms In Conflict (Age Long) III. SPEAK OF THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM A. Undercurrent Of Anger, Division, Rage Protests, Riots, Violence, Murder, Hate B. Satan’s Plan To Rule The World - Rev.13:7-8 1. Mt.24:8 Sorrow / Lk.21:25 Distress C. Tactic: Marxism - Mt.24:12 - Lawlessness 1. Mob Rule: Burn Cities, Churches, Statues 2. “Kneel Or We Will Burn It Down” IV. HOW DID WE GET HERE? A. Ed., Moral, Culture, Family, $$, Gvt. Race B. 1928 Communists – Identity Politics/Divide 1. Actual Street Fighting Chaos To Control 2. Goal: New Man/World Order (Totalitarian) 3. Anti-Christ Will Step In 4. Groups Predominantly Marxist Ideology CLOSE: BEST TO DISCERN THE TIME - I PET.5:8 A. Be Certain Your Relationship To Jesus B. Live For Eternity (He Is Coming) C. Determine To Make Your Stand - Eph.6:13 D. Pray For A Great Awakening
In the Hand of God - part 2
June 21, 2020 • Pastor John Wilson
INTRO. ALL DESIRE BLESSINGS, ETERNAL SPRING A. David > From Fame And Favor To Fugitive B. Fled To Cave Of Adulam - Numerous Caves 1. Known As ‘Stronghold’, ‘Refuge’ C. David Was Running From His Enemy D. Cave Was In God’s Plan All Along (Lesson) E. We Often Misunderstand God’s Ways I. DAVID WAS IN SURVIVAL MODE A. He Escaped Then Hid In A Cold Dark Place 1. Distressed, Discouraged, Doubt, Dejected B. He Was Alone - Jacob Alone - Gn.32:24 C. Exactly Where God Wanted Him II. DAVID HAD NO IDEA WHAT GOD WAS DOING A. Preparing David For His Destiny As King B. Everything David Cherished Taken Away: 1. Position, Friend, Wife, Security, Identity 2. All Barriers Between Him And God Gone C. Frightening & Horribly Confusing Time 1. David Came To Grips With God And Self X Testimony “ What Do You Want From Me?” D. “All I Want Is You” Successes And Failures E. Door Open For David,For Us Knowing God 1. Ps.13, Ps.142 - Raw “… Only Works From….” III. WE ALL HAVE CAVE TIME IN OUR FUTURE A. Good News: God’s Best Work Often In Caves X Joseph, Elijah, Jeremiah, Jesus Tomb B. Great News: Emerge A Different Person C. Transformation, Identity, Accept Jesus D. Ps.34:18 - ‘Crushed Spirit’ New Wine