Is This Your King?

Opening Monologue:

Today, I want to share with you a reflection inspired by an unlikely source—a television show called "My 600 lb Life." This show has captivated me not just because of the dramatic weight loss journeys, but because it lays bare the raw reality of the human appetite. It reveals how our appetites are not just about food, but also about the desires that drive us, often to the brink of self-destruction.

As I watched these individuals struggle with their weight, I couldn't help but notice how their desires were often fueled by a deeper, more insidious force: envy. Envy, my friends, is a symptom of comparison. We see what others have, and suddenly, what we have seems insufficient. Our desires grow, not from a place of genuine need, but from a place of wanting what someone else possesses.

In today's sermon, I want to delve into how envy, if left unchecked, can destroy our destiny. It can derail us from the path that God has laid out for us, all because we are too consumed by our desires. By understanding and addressing this root issue, we can begin to reclaim our lives and fulfill the purpose that has been ordained for us.

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 8:19-20

1 Samuel 8:19–20 (KJV 1900)

Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

Sermon Thesis: Is This Your King

Introduction:

Characters Introduced:

Samuel: An aged prophet, nearing the end of his life, who has faithfully led Israel.

Age of Samuel: Estimated to be around 80 years old.

The Elders of Israel: Representing the people, they approach Samuel with a weighty request.

The Elders' Request:

Just because you may have good reasoning doesn’t mean it’s God’s reasoning

Proverbs 3:5 NASB95

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.

Demand for a King: The elders of Israel approached Samuel with a request for a king to rule over them.

They said, "Appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have" (1 Samuel 8:5).

Reasons for the Request: The elders were motivated by several factors:

Samuel's Age: They were concerned about Samuel's old age and the leadership vacuum it might create. He’s 80!

Corruption of Samuel's Sons: Samuel's sons, who were acting as judges, were corrupt and did not follow in their father's righteous ways.

Desire to Be Like Other Nations: They envied the surrounding nations that had kings and wanted to adopt a similar system of governance.

Implications of the Request: This request signified a major shift in Israel's governance, moving from a theocracy—where God was their direct ruler and spoke through prophets and judges—to a monarchy, where a human king would hold supreme authority.

Governing Systems:

Theocracy: A form of government in which God is recognized as the supreme ruler.

Israel was originally a theocracy under God's direct rule.

Prophets and judges were God's spokespeople.

Democracy: A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.

Not directly mentioned in the Bible but relevant as a contrast.

Emphasizes the will of the people.

Monarchy: A form of government with a monarch at the head.

Israel demanded a king to be like other nations.

Transition from theocracy to monarchy in 1 Samuel 8.

Samuel's Accomplishments:

Judge: He led Israel to military victories, establishing a period of peace.

Prophet: He faithfully spoke God's word, guiding the nation.

Priest: He interceded for the people and offered sacrifices on their behalf.

Envy in Israel:

"We want a king over us...like all the nations." (1 Samuel 8:5, 19-20) Their desire was fueled by envy of the surrounding nations.

So we find Samuel in an interesting position

He’s God’s Choice but not the People’s Desire

And like all of us would be he’s hurt

Body Point 1: What happens When God Has to Compete?

Punchline 1: A King is a Master. Masters Demand, Not Discuss.

Expound: Kings are authoritative rulers, demanding obedience.

They make decisions for the people, often without their input.

Other words for king: ruler, sovereign, monarch, potentate.

Real-life Example: A controlling boss who dictates every aspect of your work, leaving no room for your creativity or autonomy.

Another way to say it:

When we set up our own kings" in our lives, we're essentially saying, "God, you can advise, but I'll have the final say."

Punchline 2: When you're the king of your own life, you've dethroned God.

Competing with Your Ego:

In the text, the Israelites' desire for a king reveals their pride and self-importance.

They say, "We want a king over us...like all the nations."

This desire to be like other nations shows they are prioritizing their pride over God's unique plan for them.

Punchline 1: When we prioritize our pride and self-importance, we push God aside.

Example: Imagine a parent who constantly boasts about their child's achievements, seeking validation for themselves rather than celebrating their child's unique gifts from God.

Summary: Ego demands the spotlight, and whatever demands the spotlight in God’s presence steals the glory

I like watching the show Game of Thrones and this show there is character by the name of Ned Stark and his role is to the Hand of the King.

Many times you never saw the king you saw his hand.

The hand of a King called Ego is ambition.

Punchline 2: Our ambition, leading us to make choices that contradict God's will.

Example: A person so focused on climbing the corporate ladder that they neglect their family and spiritual life, ultimately sacrificing what truly matters.

Ambition will cause you to have wrong priorities

Summary: Ambition can blind us to God's plan for our lives.

Punchline 3: The Grass is Greener...Until You Have to Mow It

Expound: What we envy in others often comes with burdens and responsibilities we don't see.

Example: Envying a friend's new car, not realizing they're now struggling with a high car payment and maintenance costs.

Summary: The things we desire often have hidden costs.

Competing with Your Will:

The Israelites' stubborn insistence on having a king despite Samuel's warnings reveals their willfulness.

They say, "No! We want a king over us." This refusal to heed God's guidance shows their rebellious nature.

Punchline 1: Stubbornly insisting on our own way, even when it conflicts with God's guidance, is a form of rebellion.

Expound: Willfulness is the act of prioritizing our desires and plans over God's direction.

In the text, the Israelites exhibit this by demanding a king despite Samuel's warnings.

Their insistence on having a king "like all the nations" demonstrates a desire to follow their own will rather than God's.

Example: A couple refusing to forgive each other, even though God calls us to love and reconciliation.

This act of holding onto grudges, despite knowing God's command to forgive, is a manifestation of willfulness.

Summary: Our willfulness can block God's blessings and healing in our lives.

By insisting on our own way, we often reject the greater plan God has for us.

James 5:16: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Punchline 2: Trying to control every outcome, instead of trusting in God's sovereignty, leads to anxiety and frustration.

Example: A single parent living paycheck to paycheck, constantly worrying about finances instead of relying on God's provision.

Summary: God's will is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our limited perspective.

Punchline 3: More Isn't Always Better; Sometimes, It's Just More

Expound: We often think accumulating more things will bring happiness, but it can lead to stress and discontentment.

Example: A person constantly buying new clothes to feel better about themselves, but the emptiness remains.

Summary: We can't fill the God-shaped hole in our hearts with stuff.

Competing with Your Traditions:

The Israelites' desire to have a king "like all the nations" shows their clinging to cultural practices that conflict with God's unique calling for them.

This adherence to tradition over God's direction is evident in their request.

Punchline 1: Clinging to religious rituals or cultural practices without understanding their true meaning can hinder our relationship with God.

Example: Going through the motions of church attendance or prayer without a genuine heart connection to God.

Summary: Empty traditions become a barrier, not a bridge, to God's presence.

Punchline 2: Elevating human traditions above God's Word leads to legalism and spiritual stagnation.

Example: A church refusing to help a struggling single mother because she doesn't fit their rigid definition of "deserving."

Summary: Traditions can become chains that bind us instead of wings that lift us closer to God.

Punchline 3: The Burden of Kingship: Can You Even Handle What You Have Now?

Expound: Just as the Israelites didn't realize the burden of having a king, we often don't consider the weight of what we desire.

Example: A single parent feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of raising a child alone.

Summary: Before we chase after more, let's make sure we're handling the blessings we already have.

Climactic Punchline: The Two-Throne Problem: There's Only Room for One King

Expound: We can't have two kings on the same throne. Either God is Lord, or something else is.

Verses to Prove the Point:

Matthew 6:24: "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

Exodus 20:3: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

Matthew 22:37: "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."

James 4:4: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Example: A person addicted to substances, where the addiction rules their life instead of God.

Another way to say it: God can't be Lord of your life when He has to compete with other things.

There is a 4th king in the text

And like any king there are certain benefits when you submit to his kingship

Body Point 3: The Privileges of Having Christ as King

When you submit to this king you gain

Freedom from addiction: He'll help you drop that crack pipe, that bottle, those pills, or whatever chains are holding you down.

Truth and integrity: He'll transform you from a liar, a hustler, or a cheater into someone people can trust. Your word will be your bond.

A new life: He'll move you out of that trap house, that toxic relationship, that dead-end job, and into a life filled with purpose and potential.

Changed desires: He'll replace your cravings for street life, quick money, or empty pleasures with a hunger for righteousness and true fulfillment.

Perfect peace: In the midst of the chaos, the violence, the stress of daily life, He'll give you a peace that the world can't understand or take away.

But it doesn't stop there. He'll also give you:

Strength for the struggle: The courage to face the racism, the injustice, the challenges of being Black in America.

Hope for the future: A vision for a better life, not just for yourself, but for your family, your community, your people.

Love beyond measure: A love that accepts you as you are, forgives your past, and empowers you to become the best version of yourself.

Whenever you address a king

You never call his name

You might callhim your majesty

You might call him Your Excellency

Can I tell you what they call this king

He is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13)

He is the beginning and the end, the first and the last, always reigning over time.

He is the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16)

By Him, all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.

He is the Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15)

He alone possesses immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light.

He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

His government and peace will never end, establishing justice and righteousness.

He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

He lays down His life for His sheep, guiding them to green pastures and still waters.

He is the King of Glory (Psalm 24:8)

Strong and mighty in battle, He reigns with power and splendor.

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)

No one comes to the Father except through Him; He is the path to eternal salvation.

He is the Light of the World (John 8:12)

Whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

Whoever comes to Him will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Him will never be thirsty.

He is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

He who believes in Him will live, even though they die; in Him, we have eternal life.

He is Emmanuel, God with Us (Matthew 1:23)

He is always near, never leaving nor forsaking us, walking with us through every trial.

He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5)

He has triumphed, breaking every chain and opening the scroll of our destiny.

He is the Great I Am (Exodus 3:14)

Before Abraham was, He is; the self-existent, all-powerful, ever-present King.

He is the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16)

On His robe and on His thigh, He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.