1 Samuel 12:1-25

God’s Providence In Fulfilling His Promise

God promised Abraham that He would go with him and his people and establish a nation that would worship and serve God. (Gen. 12)

From the time that God called Abraham - 2082 BC until the Renewal of the covenant during Samuel’s Time – 1050 BC - more than 1,000 years have passed and yet God remained faithful over and over again, despite Israel’s rejection of God over and over again.

Here in this chapter, we find a covenant renewal ceremony – The purpose is for the people to recognize that their recent victory led by the new King was because of God’s sovereignty and Divine enablement and to remind them of their duty to worship and praise the LORD as the source of all blessings. Upholding their duty of worshipping and obeying the LORD will result in blessings but failing to do so will result in a curse and judgment.

The Proper Response to God’s Faithfulness:

I. Recall the goodness of God

We are forgetful people just like the Israelites, and so we need to be reminded again and again.

1. Samuel’s Reminder to the People– vv.1-5

A. His Credibility as Prophet - Do you Trust me? – vv.1-3

B. The People’s Response – Yes, we trust you! – vv.4-5

2. Reminder of the Goodness of God for Israel – vv.6-13

C. Providence for rescue from the slavery in Egypt – vv.6-8

D. The People’s rejection of God in the past because of Idolatry – vv. 9-10

E. Repetition of the same mistake – vv. 12-13

Application:

1. The best way to recall the goodness of God is to read, hear, and study the Bible.

It will remind you of the God-bought salvation that you received by faith in Christ.

It will remind you of the God-initiated adoption that made you part of God’s family.

It will remind you of the sinful nature that is in you so that you will be dependent on God.

It will remind you of the amazing and unending GRACE of God that is available for you!

2. Another way to recall the goodness of God is to join the Sunday Worship - Preaching and Fellowship.

Illustration:

I tend to forget, so I make sure to put a reminder of my tasks on my phone, early in the morning and even during the day so I will not forget and miss something important.

Prayer time is my in my reminders. Study time as well…

believe me, it’s easy to forget the things that you don’t think about.

Transition:

When you are constantly reminded of the goodness of God, you will be encouraged and motivated to respond and willingly (not forcefully) to do something that will glorify God. That means to be faithful at all times through your dependence on the empowerment of God. That is what the 2nd point is about.

II. Remain faithful to God

Yes, we at times are indeed unfaithful to God! But it does not mean that we should remain unfaithful.

Still, we are called to a life of holiness and obedience and God has given us free will whether to be faithful or unfaithful.

1. God’s Blessing and Curse (Covenant Renewal ceremony) – vv.14 -19

A. God’s condition (fear, serve, listen)– vv.14-16

B. God’s demonstration of power – vv.17-19

Reflection:

A. Am I growing in my faithfulness to God?

B. Do I have a healthy fear of God?

C. Am I aware of the consequences of my sins?

Application:

1. Pray and use the strength of God to overcome temptations.

Matthew 6:13 ESV

13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

1 Corinthians 10:13 “13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

Titus 2:11–12 NET 2nd ed.

11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. 12It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

the grace of God has appeared - Jesus

salvation through the death of Jesus trains (teaches) us to say no to the very things that nailed Jesus on the cross. The reality of the 2nd coming of Jesus should motivate us to say no to the things that Jesus will judge.

2. Be vigilant and remove yourself from tempting situations.

James 1:13–15 “13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”

“Don’t go near the fire or else you get burned!”

Transition:

When you find yourself struggling in sin and discouraged because of the repeated sins and character problems thinking that you have no hope for a change and freedom from that sin that entangles you, and you feel like you want to run away from God…don’t do that. It’s a mistake to run away from God because of guilt and shame. You can only find hope healing, and restoration in God. So come to God…that is the 3rd point in responding to God’s faithfulness…

III. Rest in the character and promises of God

The God of the Bible is unchanging. He is Holy and gracious and merciful at the same time.

Psalm 145:8 “8 The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.”

1. God’s Promise of Hope – vv. 20-22

A message of comfort for God’s people who are simultaneously justified and sinners.

A. Do not fear and Draw near because it will benefit you (vv.20-21)

Illustration: When you run away from those who can help you, you are running towards greater pain.

B. God Will Not Abandon You despite your mistakes (v.22)

Illustration: You will not disown your children they make mistakes - instead you teach them the right way.

Application:

1. Rest in God by drawing near to God.

2. Rest in God by remembering that He will not abandon His children.

3. Rest in God by remembering that His grace is greater than your sins!

Transition:

As you have drawn near to God and are reminded of His amazing grace, don’t just be a receiver of grace. Be an instrument of grace as well. Remember, we are saved to serve.

Jesus came not to be served but to serve and as our model that we need to imitate, let us serve as well. That leads me to the 4th and final point in responding to God’s faithfulness.

IV. Recommit to God

When there is sin in the heart, you usually don’t have the appetite and the joy to serve God and to serve the church. But when you are joyful in the Lord, you will find yourself drawn to commit to serving the Lord and it becomes natural (not forced)

I. The People’s Responsibilities to God – vv.23-25

A. For Samuel to pray for the people and to instruct the people how to follow God. (v.23)

B. For the people to fear and serve God. (v.24)

C. Rejection of God will result in a painful situation. (v.25)

Illustration:

It is my responsibility and duty as your Pastor to pray for you, the members of the local church, and God’s flock. It would be a sin on my part if I didn’t pray for you. It is also my responsibility to instruct (teach, correct, rebuke) according to the Word of God.

On the other hand, you also have the responsibility to commit your life to obeying and serving the Lord.

Reflection:

1. How is my commitment to serving God?

Application:

1. Serve according to your calling.

2. Serve in truth and with all your heart (not forced).

3. Serve with the right goal in mind - to glorify the Lord! (v.25 Consider what great things He has done)

Conclusion:

God’s grace and mercy are something that we don’t deserve.

It would be wrong to repay God’s grace and mercy with disobedience and hardened hearts.

It would be right to repay God’s grace and mercy with a loving and committed heart.

May we all recommit our lives to Jesus today and every day of our lives! We may say to Jesus every day in our prayer, “Lord, I will commit to you my day! Help me to obey and serve you with joyful gladness in my heart!”