1 Samuel 9:1-10:16

God’s Providence is at Work to Accomplish His Will

God answered the demand of the Israelites to have King to rule over them by choosing a young man named Saul from the smallest tribe of Israel to be their King. God did this by working on circumstances that led this young man to be anointed by Samuel. God anointed Saul and God’s spirit empowered him so that he would become effective in his new role as the 1st King of Israel. Though Saul did not fully served God with all his heart, he was the right man that God raised as the answer to their rejection of God. Saul is the man after the people’s own heart.

I would like to share with you 3 important RESPONSE from this historical narrative that is very relevant and useful to you especially as you try understand the work of God in your life. These may help you to understand your purpose in life and answer the questions, “Why am I here in this world? What is God’s purpose in creating me? Why am I born this family? Why do I have these talents and resources and for what?”.

3 Responses to The Providence of God In Your Life as He accomplish His purpose in You:

I. Appreciate the providence of God in the past.

Everyone of us has a purpose in life and our experience, our skills, talents, and even our family backgrounds are God’s ways of molding each one of us for a purpose.

Saul - meaning, “The One Requested”. In chapter 8, the people of Israel demanded for God to give them a King.

We see here the providence of God is Saul’s life:

- his lineage / family - a small tribe, an honorable family.

- his character development - he listened to his father and is obedient, thoughtful, humble at this time, he has no desire to become a king (he changed later on after he became king)

- his features / physical gifts - handsome, tall, easy on the eye, appears to be like the kings of other nations - presentable. A king after the People’s own heart, indeed.

These are God’s providence to prepare Saul for a greater purpose in his life.

Although Saul did not have plan and the desire to be King, it was God’s will that Saul’s greater purpose is to serve God as a King.

Reflection:

You are unique and you are specially created by God.

Your family, God chose them for you.

You character, God is polishing your character over the the years.

You are prepared for a greater purpose in life - to glorify God.

Saul was able to glorify God for a period of time until he rebelled. You see, you and I have a free will to obey or disobey God. So what should we need to do?

Application:

Accept who you are as a unique person created in the image of God. Stop complaining to God for what you don’t have and start appreciating what you have.

Learn to use your strengths and uniqueness to glorify God.

Transition:

I believe that as God has worked in your past, he is continually working in your present. This leads me to my second point of what should be our response to the providence of God.

II. Trust the providence of God in your present circumstances

Saul did not grow up planning and praying to be a King. He did not even think that it was possible for he came from a small tribe of Benjamin.

But God intervened and His providence made it possible for Saul to become King in a short period of time - it’s like a rags to riches story.

- It began with a lost donkey ( a bad problem turned good).

- Saul doesn't know Samuel. I also believe that he does not have a relationship with God like David has. From the text, you will find that it was Saul’s servant who told him to inquire of the LORD’s help through the Seer. (v6)

a godly servant accompanied and helped Saul to meet Samuel

God revealed to Samuel about Saul, a day before they met.

a Banquet was held to honor Saul.

Samuel anointed Saul to rule over Israel (10:1)

One circumstance lead to another until God’s purpose is accomplished.

Notice that in all of these, God was at work.

Reflection:

God is always at work in our lives as well to accomplish his purposes:

a. Your salvation - In God’s providence He sent Jesus Christ into this world to die a criminals death on the cross, to save sinners like you and me from the punishment of sin - Hell.

God intervened so that in His appointed time you will be able to hear the Gospel and worked in your heart so that you will believe the Gospel.

b. Your sanctification - God is at work in molding you to become more and more like Jesus Christ. God is molding your character to be more like Him. - Fruit of the Spirit .

Application:

Thank the people that God has used for you to hear the gospel.

Thank the people that God is using to mold your character.

Praise God even for the unfavorable situation because it is part of God’s transforming work.

Romans 8:28–29 “28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;”

Transition:

God want’s people to hear the Gospel and He so he gave a mission to those who are saved - Each one has a divine call and mission.

As saved people of God, we need to submit…

III. Submit to the providence of God in your calling

Saul’s divine call and mission - King of Israel, to serve God.

Saul was not ready for sure. But God did something to Saul to equip him for the greater task ahead (10:6–10)

Saul saw the work of God in doing what was said by Samuel.

Saul experienced the inner working of God (10:9)

Saul submitted himself to God for he prophesied as told (10:10)

Application:

Remember that God equips to whom He called. Therefore, thank God for whatever gifts and talents you have.

Humble yourself to God by willingly using your God-given gifts/resources to fulfill the Lord’s calling for your life. Be a good steward of that gifts/talents/resources.

1 Peter 4:10–11 “10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Saul, submitted himself to the commands of God but later on he rebelled against God and he began to act like God - he make decisions without consulting God, he choses who will live and who will die., he became a tyrant king just a prophesied in chapter 8.

Remember this, it is not about how you started but you will end, did you finish well? Did you fight the good fight of faith?

Praise God that He sent the King of Kings, our Lord Jesus Christ. He started well and ended well - from the manger to the cross, and from the tomb to the heavens above.

He fully accomplished the redemptive plan of God. He saved people from their sins- and He is continually saving those who believe in Him today!

Hebrews 12:2 “2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Conclusion:

You are what you are because of the providence of God. If you are a believer, a follower of Jesus, You are saved for God and for God’s glory. As God’s redeemed people, God will continue to work in and through your life to accomplish His plan of salvation for people to know and believe in Jesus, the one true savior. Therefore, submit to God so you will finish the race well!