1 Samuel 13-14 Screens

1.     Historical Update

a.     Saul reigned 2 years and chose 3,000 men (13:2)

i.     2,000 were with Saul

ii.     1,000 were with Jonathon

iii.     Jonathon defeated the garrison of the Philistines (13:3)

b.     Philistines

i.     Continued to exist and grow in Israel. They were a significant presence.

ii.     Gathered “30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude.” (13:5)

iii.     They were dominant and advanced in technology/equipment

1.     vs 19-22 talk about how they controlled all blacksmiths making Israel unarmed except for Saul and Jonathon.

2.     Israel Army had to make their own weapons

2.     Saul Chooses Fear (13:8-18)

a.     Samuel gives Saul the Lord’s instructions.

b.     Saul grows fearful and offers the sacrifice himself.

c.     READ vs 11-12

d.     READ vs 13-14

e.     Disobedience has consequences.

f.      Obedience is more important that convenience.

g.     Obedience requires patience.

h.     Fear resulted in disobeying God rather than turning to God.

3.     Jonathon Chose Faith (14:1-23)

a.     Jonathon attacks the Philistines on his own, trusting in God’s power and deliverance.

b.     Jonathon fights for God’s people.

c.     We see Jonathan’s faith, not fear.

i.     “The Lord will work for us…nothing can hinder the Lord.” (14:6)

d.     Jonathon is faithful, and men are with him while Saul has men abandoning him

i.     Read verse 7

e.     God is with this attack of Jonathon and his servant and their attack causes great panic in the camp of the Philistines. 

f.      Saul hears of the battle and joins and the fighting ends with the Philistines fleeing. (14:22)

g.     Obedience was chosen over convenience.

h.     Obedience was chosen over immediate gratification.

i.      Jonathon’s faith resulted in victory.

4.     God chooses the Righteous (14:24-52)

a.     God’s favor is on Jonathon. A man of faith and obedience.

b.     God’s favor can be on you with the righteousness of Jesus.