The Test of Integrity

The Test of Integrity: David's Decisions in the Wilderness

David’s Wilderness Times

map of David’s routes away from Saul. Running in circles, but not lost.

1. Don’t Forget to Pray

Prioritize Prayerful Guidance

Divine Direction: Discerning God’s Guidance

David saves the city of Keilah - PRAYER

1 Samuel 23:1–12

David Delivers Keilah

1 Samuel 23:1 “Then they told David, saying, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are robbing the threshing floors.”” The helpless becomes the helper

Prayer for guidance P.U.S.H.

free will / sovereignty save for Rap

When you’re in trouble - accept help

When you’re saved - turn your back or worse turn in your helper

Emphasize how David's decision to inquire of the Lord before taking action against the Philistines, despite being in a vulnerable position, exemplifies trusting in God's guidance over human impulse. Seeking divine direction in moments of crisis, mirrors the essence of Christ's reliance on the Father's will, thus encouraging believers ,to prioritize prayer and discernment in their decision-making processes.

2. Don’t Follow Your Heart

The Men of Ziph

1 Samuel 23:19-29

Jeremiah 17:9 ““The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”

Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”

Isaiah 1:5 “Why should you be stricken again? You will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, And the whole heart faints.”

Isaiah 55:7–9 “Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”

1 Samuel 23:20 ESV

Now come down, O king, according to all your heart’s desire to come down, and our part shall be to surrender him into the king’s hand.”

David seeks the Lord’s will. A man after God’s own heart.

King David, later followed his heart and ended up committing adultery and murder.

The book of Proverbs warns us that following our heart without seeking God's direction can lead to destruction. It's like trying to walk through a minefield blindfolded. Instead, let God's Word be the lamp to our feet and the light to our path (Ps 119:105)

A sailor navigating by emotions, avoid all the storms a and stay in port. It’s foggy.

Driving and only taking right turns; you don’t get anywhere, but it’s safer.

3. Don’t Touch God’s Anointed

Practice Forbearance and Forgiveness

David Spares Saul

1 Samuel 24:1–15

Choosing Grace Over Revenge

1 Samuel 24:1 “Now it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, “Take note! David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi.”” opportunities for vengeance

Ecclesiastes 10:20 “Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a bird in flight may tell the matter.”

King Saul pursued and sought to harm David, whom God had anointed as the future king. Instead of retaliating, David chose to respect Saul's position and authority, understanding that it was God's place to judge and protect His anointed leaders. This story serves as a powerful reminder to honor and pray for those in leadership, regardless of personal feelings or opinions.

Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

In Numbers 12, when Miriam and Aaron spoke against their brother, Moses, God took immediate action to defend Moses' role as the chosen leader. Miriam was struck with leprosy, demonstrating the severity of speaking against the Lord's appointed leaders. This story serves as a sobering warning against criticizing or undermining those whom God has anointed for specific tasks.

The consequences of speaking against a leader can be found in the account of Korah's rebellion. When Korah and his followers challenged Moses' authority, they faced swift judgment from God. The ground opened up, swallowing them and their families. Numbers 16

Missionaries on the front lines are sometimes supernaturally protected, but sometimes they are martyred. All for God’s glory in His plan, but woe to those who don’t repent.

Prioritize integrity and righteousness in all aspects of life, especially when faced with injustices or betrayals. Understand spiritual authority

Understand God’s anointings.

Leadership in the church is a sacred thing

When in the wilderness of life, live with integrity……

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”

Revenge in not ours

Resist temptation to fix things or take matters in your own hands. Trust grace

Showing grace and mercy even when we have the opportunity for revenge demonstrates trusting God's timing and justice instead of pursuing our own agenda.

Christ values mercy over judgment and invites us to follow His example.

Choosing grace over revenge demonstrates our trust in God's justice