Don't Lose Your Turn

Introduction:

I think it’s important for us to draw a distinction between envy and jealousy. I realize that we tend to think of those two words as meaning pretty much the same thing, but there are two different Greek words found in the Bible – one which is translated “envy”, and the other which is translated “jealousy” – and they actually have different meanings. And envy is the worse of the two sins.

Here’s the difference. Jealousy says, “I want what you have.” We might say, for example, “I’m jealous that you got to go on a cruise.” What we mean by that it that I’d like to go on a cruise, too. Next time you go, take me and I’ll be happy. Or we might say, “I’m jealous that you got a new iPhone.” What we mean by that is that I’d like to have one, too. And if I get one, I’m happy.

Jealousy says, “I want what you have.” But envy says, “Not only do I want what you have, but I also don’t want you to have it. I want it to have it instead of you having it.”

If I am jealous, then I can be happy as long as I can acquire this thing that I want. But if I am envious, I can only be happy if I can take that thing away from you. And if I can’t do that, I will at least be happy if you lose it.

What that means is that envy is not really concerned about that possession. Envy is more concerned with the honor or status or worth that goes along with having that possession. If an envious person wants something, it is because that object symbolizes or signifies its owner’s position.

1 Samuel 18:5-9 (KJV):

5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.

6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.

7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

Sermon Thesis: Blessed But Bitter

Introduction:

In the annals of Israel's history, we find a cautionary tale about the perils of envy. When God warned the Israelites against desiring a king like the other nations, their stubborn hearts craved a leader they could see and touch rather than trusting in the divine guidance that had led them thus far.

God granted their wish, choosing Saul, a man who initially appeared promising due to his impressive physical stature and charismatic presence. However, as we delve into 1 Samuel 18, we witness the unraveling of Saul's kingship, which was fueled by the same spirit of envy that led Israel astray from God's original plan.

The consequences of Saul's envy were devastating, not just for himself but for the entire nation.

Punchline 1: Going into business for yourself can make you lose everything.

Saul's initial successes:

Led Israel to multiple military victories.

Achieved a significant triumph over the Ammonites.

Solidified his position as king through these victories.

Rallying the tribes of Israel:

Successfully united the tribes against common enemies.

Strengthened Israel's defense and unity.

A shift in reliance:

As the crowd's cheers grew louder, Saul's reliance on God diminished.

Began to see himself as the primary source of his victories.

Grew increasingly proud and self-reliant.

Specific actions that led to Saul's downfall:

Offering the burnt sacrifice without Samuel:

Impatiently performed a priestly duty that was not his to perform.

This act of disobedience showed a lack of faith in God's timing and commandments.

Sparing King Agag and the best of the Amalekites' livestock:

Directly disobeyed God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions.

Kept the best livestock and spared the enemy king, rationalizing it as a sacrifice to God.

Jealousy and attempts to kill David:

Became intensely jealous of David's growing popularity and success.

Made multiple attempts on David's life, driven by envy and paranoia.

Consulting the Witch of Endor:

Sought guidance from a medium, directly violating God's laws against sorcery.

This act of desperation highlighted his complete disconnection from God.

Consequences of Saul's actions:

Lost divine favor and guidance.

Leadership became increasingly irrational and paranoid.

Alienated supporters and created internal strife.

Ultimately led to his downfall and the nation's turmoil.

Example: Imagine a championship-winning sports team. Their early success is fueled by a combination of talent, teamwork, and the guidance of their coach. But as the accolades pour in, they start to believe their own hype. They stop listening to the coach, ignore their game plan, and begin to make reckless decisions. This leads to discord within the team, loss of games, and, eventually, the loss of their championship title.

Another way to say it: When we stop leaning on God, we lose our spiritual compass.

We begin to rely on our own understanding, leading us down a path of disconnection and, ultimately, a loss of divine favor.

Transition: Saul's shift from reliance on God to self-reliance didn't just lead to his own downfall; it created fertile ground for even darker emotions to take root. His growing paranoia and pride set the stage for the envy that would consume him. This envy didn't just make Saul a worse leader; it transformed him into an enemy of those who posed no real threat to him, revealing the destructive power of unchecked jealousy.

Punchline 2: When we fail to course correct, we begin to conspire against our enemies. Jealousy is just one stop short of murder – it manifests in seeking to harm the person, in either word or deed.

Expound: Saul's Envy Towards David:

Initial Jealousy: Saul's jealousy begins when David is celebrated more than him after defeating Goliath.

Attempts on David's Life:

Spearing Incident: Saul tries to kill David by throwing a spear at him multiple times during moments of rage.

Sending David to Battle: Saul sends David on dangerous military missions, hoping he will be killed by the Philistines.

Manipulation and Deception:

Marriage Manipulation: Saul offers his daughter Michal in marriage to David, hoping it will be a trap leading to his death.

Plotting with Servants: Saul conspires with his servants and son Jonathan to kill David, showing the extent of his obsession.

Pursuit and Persecution:

Relentless Pursuit: Saul relentlessly hunts David, forcing him to flee and live as a fugitive.

Massacre of Nob City: Saul orders the massacre of the priests of Nob for helping David, highlighting his paranoia.

Explanation for the Concept of Course Correction:

Definition: Course correction refers to the act of making adjustments or changes to one's actions or behavior to get back on the right path.

Importance: Recognizing and correcting mistakes early can prevent more significant problems and lead to personal growth and improved relationships.

Application to Saul: If Saul had acknowledged his jealousy and taken steps to address it, he might have preserved his kingship and maintained his relationship with David.

Biblical Example: David's willingness to forgive Saul and not retaliate shows how course correction can lead to redemption and harmony.

Modern Example: In a professional setting, a manager who recognizes their bias against a high-performing employee and takes steps to support rather than undermine them can foster a healthier work environment and better team outcomes.

Consequences of Unchecked Envy:

Loss of Reason: Jealousy blinds us to logic and compassion, making us act irrationally.

Alienation: It isolates us from those we should be close to, as we perceive them as threats.

Destructive Actions: Jealousy can lead to harmful actions, both physically and emotionally, against those we are envious of.

Regret: Once the destructive consequences of jealousy are realized, it often leads to deep regret and a sense of loss.

Another way to say it: Jealousy is a cancer that eats away at our souls. It distorts our perception of reality, leading us to see others as rivals rather than allies. If we don't confront this destructive emotion, it will consume us, driving us to actions we may later regret.

Transition: As we reflect on the consequences of unchecked jealousy and the importance of course correction, we must also recognize the value of patience and waiting for our appointed time. Just as Saul's envy led him astray, David's patience and trust in God's timing serve as a powerful contrast. This brings us to our next point – the test of waiting and the purpose each season serves in our lives.

Punchline 3: The Test of Waiting: When Your Season Hasn't Arrived

Punchline 1: Every Season Serves a Purpose

Expound: David's time serving under Saul was a test of his character and a preparation for his future.

Even when our season hasn't arrived, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes.

Example: A musician, working as a barista while pursuing their dreams, uses their platform to share their music, eventually gaining a following and landing a record deal.

Another way to say it: Don't despise small beginnings.

Each season in our lives is a stepping stone towards our destiny.

Punchline 2: Your Turn Will Come

Expound: God's timing is perfect. When we remain faithful in our waiting, our turn will come.

David's patience and trust in God eventually led him to the throne.

Example: A single person, patiently waiting for their spouse, invests in personal growth and community, becoming a well-rounded individual ready for a fulfilling partnership.

Another way to say it: Waiting is not wasted time. It's an opportunity to grow, prepare, and become the person God has called us to be.

Climactic Punchline: Jesus – The Ultimate Example of Waiting and Serving

Expound: Jesus, the Son of God, humbled himself to serve humanity. He waited patiently for His time, ultimately sacrificing His life for our salvation.

Example: Point to examples in the Gospels where Jesus washed the disciples' feet, healed the sick, and taught with humility and compassion.

Another way to say it: Jesus is our model for waiting with grace and serving with love.

When we follow His example, we find true fulfillment and purpose.

Conclusion:

Recap: The cheers of the crowd can reveal our true perspective. Will we fall prey to comparison like Saul, or will we embrace humility and service like David?

Challenge: Examine your heart. Are you allowing comparison to steal your joy? Choose to serve with humility and wait patiently for your season.

Invitation: Ultimately, our hope is found in Jesus, who served and waited perfectly. Let's follow His example and allow Him to transform our hearts and perspectives.