An Upright Heart
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An Upright Heart responds to personal attack by trusting in God’s justice and returning good for evil.
Key verse: 1 Samuel 24:17
The Hatfields and the McCoys feud started over allegations of a stolen pig. It spanned the better part of two decades and resulted in the death of many on both sides. All because they took vengeance into their own hands.
Escalation of pranks at Eagle Mountain. (scaring, to waking up in the middle of the night, to frogs in toilets, to cellophane on toilet seats, to hiding people’s things).
Respond Quickly to Conviction
Respond Quickly to Conviction
David had an opportunity to seize the kingdom.
God had both promised David the kingdom and protected David from Saul, would he now take matters into his own hands?
David cut the corner of the robe, a symbol of royal power, but then his conscience began to bother him.
When temptation arises are you quick to respond to the prick of our conscience by the Holy Spirit? This seemed like no big deal, especially in light of what he was being urged to do, but God saw the danger in David’s heart. Would he take the kingdom, or would he allow God to give it to him?
Charles Wesley wrote:
I want a principle within of watchful, godly fear,
A sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near.
I want the first approach to feel of pride or wrong desire,
To catch the wandering of my will, and quench the kindling fire.
From Thee that I no more may stray, no more Thy goodness grieve,
Grant me the filial awe, I pray, the tender conscience give.
Quick as the apple of an eye, O God, my conscience make;
Awake my soul when sin is nigh, and keep it still awake.
Almighty God of truth and love, to me Thy power impart;
The mountain from my soul remove, the hardness from my heart.
O may the least omission pain my reawakened soul,
And drive me to that blood again, which makes the wounded whole.
Rely upon the Righteous Judge
Rely upon the Righteous Judge
David plead his cause before Saul, and both armies, but his ultimate appeal was to the Lord.
Christ is the ultimate example of waiting for God’s justice.
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
When we take matters into our own hands then we are declaring that we trust ourselves more than God.
Return Good for Evil
Return Good for Evil
How then can we prevent bitterness from arising in our hearts toward a personal grievance? Overcome evil with good.
David showed mercy to Saul in two ways, first he didn’t kill Saul. Second, he promised not to wipe out Saul’s house after he became king.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Christ has returned the good of salvation to us, who have wickedly rebelled against God.
The very heart of the Gospel is the Just God redeeming sinful man from our rebellion and giving us a new heart.
