https://youtu.be/MdJVZm6ymvs

1 sam 16:1-13 the anointing of David as king

As a kid- everyone wanted to ‘be the leader’ they think that adult leadership is the same

You get to tell everyone what to do- but no- being the leader is RESPONSBILITY- are u ready?

So you’re going to be king and a queen! It may not feel like it- but you’re going to be!2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.1 Corinthians 6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?GENESIS 1:26 says have dominion Revelation 22:5 says “And they shall reign forever and ever”Revelation 3:21 says “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne”Luke 22:29-30 “ 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”Deuteronomy 17:18-20 READ 20 that his heart may not be lifted above his brethrenDaniel 7:18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”As you’re preparing to be a king- there’s a few things we can get from this story that I want you to focus on . You may not feel like you’re a king or queen- but you are- God is preparing you

LETS GET INTO THIS STORY-

You are not forgotten

They are looking for the new king- 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?”Samuel had looked at all the other brothers and was like- this al you got? Jesse the dad is like- oh yea- the young ruddy one- he’s out in the field with the sheep- but you wouldn’t want himForgotten even by his own father. His Father hadn’t even considered him for the job of kingLiving out with the sheep- its very easy to think that you have been forgottenVery easy to think that you are just going through the motions when you’re tending sheepHow many days did David wake up to go out to the field with the sheep and thought “what are my other brothers doing? This is a servants job, and here I am out there with the sheep”David may had been forgotten by his family- but he was not forgotten by God- God knew where he was, what he was doing. God knew exactly where he was. Preparing him to be KINGI don’t care who you are- but you want to feel validated and supported by your familyYou want them to be proud of you- you want them to support what you do and how you liveDavid said later in life Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me.David understood- that the love of God from him and to him is the greatest satisfaction- God hasn’t forgot him. God remembered him when his own family forgot himMoses said to Joshua- Deut 31: 8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”1 Kings 15:5 because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

What does it mean to you?You may be tending the sheep in, and feel forgotten- but God has not forgot about youHe sees what you’re doing and knows where you are. It might FEEL like you’re forgotten but noMatt 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.You are valuable. You were valuable enough for Jesus to come and ...

https://youtu.be/s5m-BFIG9mU

My story would be different

Acts 10:9-18 

9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about [a]the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has[b]cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

17 Now while Peter [c]wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

In the last couple of Wednesdays, we have been following Peter as he travelsHe healed Aeneas and raises Tabitha (also known as Dorcas)In chapter 10 we see Cornelius (Roman army officer) – a devoted man of God gets a vision and an angel tell him to send two man to ask Peter (Pastor Steve will cover)Peter is up in roof of the place he is staying in Joppa to prayHe is hungry and while he is praying, he fell asleep and sees a visionIn the vision, – Great linen come from heaven and in it there are all kind of animalsHe hears a voice from God saying ’ Rise up kill and eat”His response is that “he has never eaten anything unclean and uncommonIn reference to Leviticus 11: 1-5 Now the Lordspoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth: 3 Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud—that you may eat. 4 Nevertheless these you shall not eat among those that chew the cud or those that have cloven hooves: the camel, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is [a]unclean to you; 5 the [b]rock hyrax, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is [c]unclean to you;15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has[b]cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.The same vision was repeated 3 times – completion or absoluteness (Absolute, unqualified, utter all mean unmodified. Absolute implies an unquestionable finality)Peter is astonished, what could the vision mean, just then the men sent by Cornelius arrive and asks for him.

Access

This moment right here, is where you and I (Gentiles) are invited to God’s kingdomThis is a significant moment- Because we have to understand that Jesus was sent to redeem God’s Holy People – the Jews

Deuteronomy7:6-8 or you are a [a]holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. 7 The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; 8 but because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of [b]bondage,

https://youtu.be/nEvSmAhq5bk

Do you need help? Acts 11:1-18

Recap

We are in a war – Think about the war we know of:

Syrian war – 7 years plusThe ISIS war started in 2014News flash – the longest war is the one that is after your soul- It began before you were born- (War what is it good?)

And it intensified when Jesus dies on the cross for you and I

There is no difference between the time after Jesus ascended to heaven and now.

The disciples were commissioned to eliminate evil in the world and that what we are called to do now.

A great commission – go and spread the Word, but we can’t do it alone – we are not capable

Matthew 28:19-20 – 9 Go [a]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [b]Amen.

God knew that Peter, the disciples and the Gentiles would be at war and there is not way they would have done it lone.

So, He sent them the Holy Spirit. And today that same gift is available for you my friends!

Look around and try to explain to me why people are doing the things they are doing

Bad things are happening more- Kidnapping, abuse, young kids are doing things I don’t want to even think or speak aboutWatching anything on TV – Even commercial will need discernment that comes from the Holy SpiritIf you think this is just the generation and blame it on tv or social media…you are wrong

We fight not against fresh and blood

Ephesians 6: 10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places

I struggle to watch or read the news…but I do because I once heard someone say

Read the Bible and know what God is doing and then also read the newspaper and know what the devil is doing

I will add to that and say – when you read the paper, pray!!! And know that this information should rise in you an urgency to pray now!!

A time is coming when you will need to close your physical eyes and have the leading of the Holy Spirit only

 You will not make it out of your door if all you have is your bare eyesSin is calling on every corner – and it’s only the Holy Spirit that will lead you a different way

Its time to do whatever it takes to position yourself in a place the Holy Spirit can find a home in you.

1 Peter 2:1-3 – So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

You get to grow in to full Experience of Salvation – What would that look like for you and the people around you?

This is the time to get to know and learn the leading of the Holy Spirit

https://youtu.be/4IvoYQdppcA

Is There Enough Evidence to Convict You?

Acts 10:44-48 New King James Version (NKJV)

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And [a]those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

The outpouring of the HS falls upon the Gentile believers as at the day of Pentecost (sign of tongues) as a confirmation to Peter and the other Jews that God has indeed accepted these Gentile converts.

Peter then commands them to be baptized and they ask Peter to stay with them and teach them in the ways of Christianity.

This born again experience of the Holy Spirit was long foretold and promised, and as a Jew, Peter would have known this Scripture:

Ezekiel 36:25-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

I am going to inundate you without a lot of knowledge and then ask you a simple question. I want to talk to you about the Holy Spirit- not in the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophesying; these are incredible gifts, but these gifts, although they must be sought after, are not the reasons to be born again. We cannot overcome sin and be God’s people without the promised HS.

It is essential that you recognize the importance of the HS in God’s redemptive purpose. Most Christians have no idea what difference it would make if there was no HS- there would be no creation, no universe, no human race, no Scripture, no power to proclaim the gospel, no faith, no new birth, no holiness, basically no Christians.

The HS is not a mere “influence” or “power”, but He is revealed as a person of the Trinity, He thinks, feels, wills, has the capacity to love and to enjoy fellowship, was sent by the Father and we should treat Him as the infinite God living in us, worthy of worship, love and surrender. HE was given at such a high cost, the death of Christ, that to blaspheme Him (disrespectful, profane talk) is the unforgivable sin.

The HS is the agent of salvation, convicts us of guilt, reveals to us the truth of Jesus, gives us new birth and incorporates us into the Body of Christ- The HS lives in the Church, builds the church, inspires her worship, directs her mission, appoints her workers, gives gifts to the church, anoints her preachers, guards the gospel and promotes righteousness.

The HS sanctifies, cleanses, leads and motivates us into holy living, delivering us from sin’s bondage.

THIS is why we NEED the HS and we MUST be born again-

Here we see a clear example of Jesus words in the book of John:

John 3:5-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh,

https://youtu.be/YD-K0SIinZI

God Doesn’t Play Favorites              (Acts 10:34-43)       *Verses in NKJV*

– In Acts chapter 10, Cornelius, a Gentile and a devout man who feared God, by direction of an angel sent for Peter to come and share a word with him and his family.

– Meanwhile, Peter was on a roof and had a vision of a sheet being let down from heaven, full of animals. God told him to eat them, because, “what God has cleansed you must not call common.”

– This was not about eating meat. It was about Peter needing to understand that Jesus has come for all people, and God doesn’t play favorites.

– Peter was a strict Jew and had problems when it came to breaking his old customs and traditions. He favored the Jews over the Gentiles, and it was affecting his ministry.

– Because of his vision, Peter went when requested, to the house of Cornelius to share the word.

Read Acts 10:34-43

#1. God doesn’t play favorites!

– Peter had a problem with playing favorites. In Galatians we see Peter hanging out with the Gentile believers, but distancing himself from them as soon as the Jewish believers show up.

– I have to admit I find myself playing favorites too, just maybe differently than our culture.

– In America, the rich are more valuable than you are. Actors, athletes, the Kardashians… Why do we care more about what they tweet than a doctor, professor, or pastor?

– Why are the riches people in America given free lunches and swag, and the poorest among us are starving and living in their cars?

– Not to be mean, but I don’t care at all about someone being famous for being rich. I didn’t watch the Superbowl, I don’t care how expensive your car, watch, or shoes are.

– I DO favor some people over others. I’d love to meet Nick Vujicic (VOY-chitch), Christian evangelist and motivational speaker born with no arms or legs. I’d let him cut in line!

Example: Ernie, a goof-ball I wasn’t fond of working with. Then he rescues 10 people of off the mud slide pile in Oso, as a volunteer, ends up meeting 2 presidents… I love that dude!

– Job 34:19, Yet He is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands.

– I should/we should look at people like Jesus does:

– Example: I’m leaving for India soon, Mathew’s family moved from upper middle class to adopt children in the poorest communities. Been doing it 30 yrs, currently have 25 kids.

– The Grace Ashram is not an “orphanage” because all the children have been adopted into the family, given a new name, have now escaped from the strict cast system of oppression.

– We also have been made sons, and given a new name, through faith in Christ Jesus!

– Read Galatians 3:26-29

– We have not been “stack-ranked”. We are all heirs, one in Christ Jesus. Amen!

– Acts 10:34-35, Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

– Roman 10:14-15, How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel ...

https://youtu.be/DFMhw7Uxa1o

When God tells the truth 1 sam 15:24-24In this scripture we see that this is the end of Sauls reign as King. He is being removed.There’s components to his removal- The scriptures are pretty clear on where he’s at with GodIn this sermon- I want to show you what caused Sauls demise- look at it and see what doesn’t please God and then we will look at what pleases God.The truth is that God will tell you the truth about you- Just as Jesus told Nicodemous

There is 5 main issues we see about Saul that is clear in this scripture

Saul was trying to please people

Sauls Kingship is made clear- he was trying to please people and not God-He wanted the people to have a high view of him instead of God having a high view of himThis is a large problem with Christians- Care more about what people think than what God thinksWhat is sad is that Saul attempts repentance- but it is too late-

God rejects Saul

26 But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.”Being rejected by God seems like a big thing- The ever loving merciful God has come to the end of his patience with Saul and rejects him as King. Saul gets the bootGod doesn’t play-Since Saul didn’t want to be the king that God needed him to be-Samuel tells the truth- You are not where you need to be- I’m not going to pretend you areGod rejects people He rejected Israel for a season- God wants repentance-Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

God tells the truth to Saul

28 So Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than youSamuel was telling Saul where his heart was- not in a good place- someone betterThis is a damning statement to Saul- You are not my Guy- There is someone better than you that will do what I need him to do- so in addition to being rejected- I want you to know why you’re being rejected- You’re not that Good. HS Football Played Center- You’re not goodThis is the American Idol moment- “sorry love, this just isn’t you, I don’t know who told you”Our God is a truth teller- Remember Jesus said to the woman in John 14:17-18 Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”God isn’t the one who doesn’t tell the truth- he speaks what he needs to- This is path to change

God has someone else finish the job

33 And Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal.Saul was told to destroy the AMelikites and he didn’t do it. He spared King Agag. This displeased God- so he had Samuel destroy him instead of Saul.Its pretty sad that the King couldn’t do what he was supposed to do and finish what he needed to finish. Again, embarrassing.So the Priest has to finish the job- Hates sin- Hates the enemy- Has to destroy it completelySo what’s the outcome?“the Lord Regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel”I’m not sure you can really fathom the depths of this statement. This is an emotional statement about God and his king. God had regrets. God wasn’t pleased. God was upset. God didn’t like it.35 And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the Lord regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.

https://youtu.be/kYr-sE3b66s

1 Samuel 15 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 Samuel also said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the Lord. 2 Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and attack[a] Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’ ”

4 So Saul gathered the people together and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand foot soldiers and ten thousand men of Judah. 5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and lay in wait in the valley. 6 Then Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart, get down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them. For you showed kindness to all the children of Israel when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. 7 And Saul attacked the Amalekites, from Havilah all the way to Shur, which is east of Egypt. 8 He also took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

10 Now the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, 11 “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the Lord all night. 12 So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul went to  Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by, and gone down to Gilgal.” 13 Then Samuel went to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord.”

14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” 15 And Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and the oxen, to sacrifice to the Lord your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.”

16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Be quiet! And I will tell you what the Lord said to me last night.”

And he said to him, “Speak on.”

17 So Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Israel? 18 Now the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are [b]consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the [c]spoil, and do evil in the sight of the Lord?”

20 And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”

22 So Samuel said: “Has 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 heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of [d]witchcraft,And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the

Lord,

https://youtu.be/AeADD7mcsCM

1 Sam 14:47-52 You are being watched

This scripture summarizes Sauls production as king. It is not unlike other summarizations that we get about other kings.What is really different is WHERE we get it. Sauls life isn’t over. Still more time coming in Sauls life, but we get the conclusion right nowWonder why? Seems like with God-, Sauls reign is over and his days are numbered.From the surface- it seems like Saul did a pretty good job as king. Kept back the enemies of Israel, defeated the amalekites, delivered Israel. Nice work!Do you know the biggest thing that missing from this summary tho?

No mention of his relationship with God. A casual reader would assume that he was not the king of God’s people. He did not worship God or depend on him. He just lived and did stuffTake the part of the summation of King Josiah- King of Judah2 Kings 23:25 Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.Saul never even defeated the Philistines- He couldn’t do it without God!Sauls summation of his life and reign differed greatly from that of King Josiah why? Josiah followed God! He lived a Godly life and did things for YHWH

What do you want your legacy to be

In this discourse, the author of Samuel takes the time to declare the accomplishments of SaulHe established Israels sovereignty, he fought enemies, he harassed them, he ran an army, he had some kids, he had a commander, he went to war and didn’t win.Saul was king of Israel and this is how he is remembered- People today- still talking aboutREAD 2 Kings 18:4-8 King Hezikiah was remembered well! He lived a good life!That’s a good legacy- that’s how you want people to talk about you!JUDAS- Acts 1:18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out.2 tim 1:5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.These are Bible legacies! These are people of faith that made it in the book!Warren Harding, Chester Arthur, Millard Filmore what do they have in common? Forgettable US Presidents- No substantial policies or wars. Just got to be president. Also- no mention of God

only president I can think of in Modern times where Faith is paramount to them? Jimmy CarterI had a relative who was a chaplain in the Revolutionary War- Elijah Lynch. He’s rememberedI think of People like Paul Alexander- he’s not remembered for his bus stations. He’s a man of faith! Wife is a woman of faith, 3 great sons, with great kids who love the Lord! That’s a legacy!I have done many funerals when I sit with the family- trying to come up with what to sayNo one cares about what you accomplished at your job. Matt fixed the parking lot, bought a building, installed some new doors. NO- Please NO- I want my life to matter!Luke 9:23-25 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?The plumb line for a life of Legacy is in what you are desiring. What are you buildingAre you trying to gain the whole world? More money, more house, more stuff, more status?anyone care when Paul Allen died? I care because he’s a person- but even owning the seahawks isn’t a godly legacy- He had billions- cancer still got him and $$ doesn’t get hi...

https://youtu.be/RLwFbUhmDbI

1 Sam 14:24-46 Don’t kill your son

I really identify with this story- Both with the relationship I’ve had with my father, and the relationship I’ve had with my son. I wont dishonor my father by over speaking it- but it hasn’t been what I hoped it to beThere have been times when I have had to apologize to my son for my conduct and the battle within has always been the pride of admitting that I was wrong and I need his forgivenessThis is the sin of pride that we see within Saul today and his son Jonathan- it goes far.v44 Saul answered, “God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.”What led up to this: Saul making an oath to fast and forcing everyone else to do it- it wasn’t of God- he’s not a priest. His son didn’t hear the oath- just wanted strength- Sauls pride wont let him admit fault- so he decides that he’s going to kill his own son rather than admit his faulty fast.

The Contributing factors to a life of Pride

Lack of Wisdom– Saul wanted to protect his kingship and his influence and to get vengeanceProverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.Self reliance– Saul wanted to be seen as the victor- not GodHaughty Spirit- Saul refused to go back on what he said- didn’t want to lose faceHe should have just humbled himself and admit he was wrong! But it was PRIDEAs we progress through 1 SAM we will see Sauls fall and destruction. We’re not even into yet

Signs of Pride in a persons life- 1 Being a know it all- you have nothing to learn 2. Thinking you’re above performing a task 3. Unwilling to ask for help 4. Constantly teaching people in conversation 5. Always talking about yourself 6. Thinking you’re better than others 7. Not listening to others sound advice. 8. Always critical 9. Constant need for attention and affirmation 10. Cant take criticism 11 Worried about appearance 12. Unwilling to submit to authority 13. Justification of Sin instead of repentance 14. Name dropping 15. Harsh spiritHow many of those just touched your heart? How much pride do you have your heart that needs to be removed and brought before the Lord?

The biggest problem with Pride is that it is the root of the sins of Gal 5:20 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresiesThis isn’t Pride as in “I’ve worked hard to have a nice lawn- look at it” it’s the pride of “I don’t have anything wrong with me and I’m better than others and you better not confront me”Pride takes credit for what you didn’t do (it was God), looks down on others, ignores reality, creates relational problems, minimizes sin, elevates the self, gives God no glory, and is sourPride is killing your relationships with others. Your pride is keeping you from seeking forgiveness from sins. Some of you know God is real and your PRIDE keeps you from repenting

How To not Kill your Son (and kill your pride)

Be Honest with yourself

The sin of Pride was evident with Saul because he refused to be honest with himself and others. He wouldn’t have to have killed his son if he didn’t make the false oath and even after he did repent (like me with my son and the admitting of fault)READ V 37-39 God Doesn’t even answer Saul when he asked, and instead of looking for the sin in his own life, he starts looking at the sin of OTHERSThis is a sign of dishonesty within yourself- when you look at the sin of others instead of yourself- Pride always looks for the problems everywhere except within themselvesProverbs 16:5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.Why couldn’t Saul look inside himself and just be h...

https://youtu.be/Rk3zyysL93Q

In or out- 1 Sam 14:15-23

The philistines are a continual perpetual enemy against Israel. They serve false Gods, they attack Israel. They need to be destroyed and removed from the land that belongs to Israel.We are not Israel Thousands of Years ago fighting against the philistines- but we are in a Battle in this day and age. There are things that we must fight for and against as ChristiansHere’s a fewWe must fight against false Gospels- 2 Tim 4:4, 1 Tim 6:3, Gal 1:6, Gal 1:8,Jesus said- Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.What is the true Gospel? 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.God did it all in Christ Jesus forgiving our sin, we must repent (turn from sin towards Christ) to receive forgiveness. This does not take anything from Christ, but I must grab the rope.We must fight for the true Gospel of HIS grace 100% HIM not of US, not FOR US. For HIM

We must fight against false teachers– 2 Tim 4:3, Rom 16:17, 2 Peter 2:1,Jesus said- Mathew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits.They teach a Crossless Christianity that requires nothing, costs nothing and does nothingWe had a SIN problem that needed to be fixed and ONLY through Christ and his BLOODWe must fight against SIN Rom 6:12, Eph 4:22, Rom 13:14

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.Sin is a destroyer! It wants to destroy you, your life, your walk, your future in Christthings that we need to fight for- Our families, our friends, our church, our witness, our livesYou’re either in the Battle or you’re not- GET IN THE BATTLE2 Corinthians 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,In this story- in the Battle that Israel is in with the Phlistines we see three different types of people- actually four-

The HOLD BACK-

V 20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him assembled, and they went to the battle; and indeed every man’s sword was against his neighbor, and there was very great confusion.Saul eventually goes into the battle with the philistines, but he was more than comfortable with waiting to see what was going to happen- more than engaging in the fight2 And Saul was sitting in the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men.They didn’t enter into the battle until the odds were in their favor- They saw the earthquake God was causing- they saw jonathan winning in battle- and figured- Now we’ll do it!Psalm 119:60 I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.This is the exact opposite of David- David didn’t delay to do what God had asked him to do.Saul on the other hand- sees the Battle of the philistines and he and 600 hold back-A leader shows initiative. A leader leads. A leader steps up. (maj tom- LEAD please)Who wants to follow a leader who doesn’t get in there with the troops?

Who has ever heard of Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr.? Father was a confederate General in the Civil war, he fought in WWI and was 3 star General in WWII. Died in Okinawa from enemy fireWhy? He was with his soldiers. They are in a war- he’s in a war. Not sitting in some office in DC.What does it mean to you?Are you guilty of being a HOLD BACK? Not just in your spiritual life,