The Rewards of Commitment
(1 Sam. 22:1-21;Chron. 11:1-25;)
Bethany Bible Chapel – Nov. 18, 2007
Introduction
Considering a Series on “Commitment” – Here the rewards of Commitment
Here along with 2 Sam 23 is the list of David and His mighty men
It details the great deeds performed by these mighty men – who went from the ragtag group that they were to people of fearless devotion to their king
It reminds us of what becomes of those who come to the Lord from their humble beginnings – in some cases bruised and battered from the effects of sin into men and women of God who do great exploits for Him
Dan 11:32 - but the people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits.
1 Co 1:26-27 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty
But by the time that the Lord is finished with us we will be conformed to the image of Christ – keeping the promise of Scripture – He that began a good work in you will complete at the day of Jesus Christ
And just as God recorded every deed done by these men for the sake of David their king – so too God will take note of every deed done for the Lord’s sake and will reward it at the judgment seat of Christ
Only one life twill soon be past only what’s done for Christ will last
Discussion
1. The People (1 Sam. 22:1-2)
1 Sam 22 – gives the simple background of these disciples of David who went on to do great things for their king whose deeds are recorded for us by God
It cam at a time when David was in rejection
He had been running from King Saul – king of Israel who was jealous that David received praise for having slain Goliath, the Philistine giant
And it was during this time of rejection that these men voluntarily went down to David while he was at cave of Adullum and joined themselves to him
Notice that they were not great men – all that were in debt, distressed, discontented in life joined him and he became captain over them
This is the way it is with many who become Christians – they realize that life is not the way that is cracked up to be according to the movies and literature and that following the ways of the world has a bitterness to it far from the promises that it makes and leaves us in debt, distressed and discontented
But very fact that it does this, is what makes us more prepared follow the One
Also became our leader our captain – just as David became their captain
What stands out about these men who later hazarded lives for their leader
They went to him–voluntarily went to him because were drawn to him
They understood who he was – they had sense that he would come into his kingdom in time
They had also come to realize that they had neither place nor portion in this world having been in distress, in debt, discontented – had turned back on world
Instead had their eyes on another goal -- how to please their king
This is how it is with Christian – we have also acknowledged that our place and portion is not in this world and have voluntarily attached ourselves to the one who is the captain of our salvation
· They were in the minority - they were not following the crowd – they were a relative minority in Israel with only 400 people from a larger group
1 Co 1:26-27 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty
2. The Person - 1 Chron 11:1-9
The next thing is the Person – David – how is he described?
Shephard/King Qualified/Consistent – always demonstrated his credentials – led Israel out/brought them in – He was one who truly cared for people of Israel even when he was recognized as King–others did not do this Saul did not
This reminds us of the Lord who thru out His earthly ministry demonstrated His credentials as Messiah – and even though it will not be until a future time that He will be universally acknowledged as King
He demonstrated in his life/work to His people that He is the King who cares
At Battle with Goliath He was taking care of the sheep
No one ever cared for me like Jesus; There's no other friend so kind as He.
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me; O how much He cared for me.
He had the care and compassion of a Shepherd who tenderly cares for His Sheep and yet ruling in the fear of God – He is Good, great and Chief shepherd
Good – He redeems give His life for the sheep, He restores Great He works that which is well pleasing in His sight, Chief Shepherd – He will reward us for work well-done
Not only that but Shepherd as well – God said - you will shepherd My people and rule my people Israel – David was the shepherd king
When Israel was being challenged by Goliath – it was David who was tending the sheep that came out to deliver Israel from the Philistine giant
And the Lord Jesus – a greater than David is also a Shepherd-King – who it is said of Him will govern or shepherd His people Israel
Matt 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule (shepherd) my people Israel.
Anointed – properly acknowledged to be approved by God
Saul’s anointing - vial (1 Sam 10) compared to David’s 1 Sam 16 (flask)
David was great – probably the greatest of Israel’s earthly Kings – but Lord is even greater – greater than Jonah – greater than Queen of Sheba – than David
The Lord was not anointed like that but symbolically He was – dove, oil
Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Great – David went on to become great and he established His kingdom
Then He will establish His kingdom and will eventually be recognized and will rule from Zion
Luke 19 – went into a far country to receive a kingdom for himself to return
While He is “away” His servants are working for reward and will be rewarded when He returns
At that time He will be acknowledged as King
Luke 1:31-32 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
3. The Performance (vv. 10-25)
What follows in these verses is the list of the achievements of the top of David’s mighty men – their exploits accomplished in honor to their captain
It details in some way the qualities that God looks for in our lives
Who were these mighty men – these disciples of David and what did they do that God includes them in His Hall of Fame
· Jashobeam – Dauntless (fearless) (v. 11)
He fought off the Philistines – the perennial enemy of David in his day
Slew three hundred at one time – during one battle
Philistines were intruders into the land who challenged Israel’s right to land
They did not possess it – they just did not them to possess it and enjoy it
They do not physically exist today – but spiritually they do
The Church has to contend against those who spiritually intrude into the land to keep believers from enjoying their inheritance in Christ
ACLU – Anti-Christian Litigation Unit works to fight against Christian concerns to keep Christians from enjoying their privileges in Christ
Jashobeam demonstrated the quality on being dauntless – fearless in battle
Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in Lord, and in power of his might.
Christians ought to stand firm with sword of Spirit in power of His might
· Eleazar – Defender (vv. 12-13)
2 Sam 23 also includes Shammah – who together defended plot of ground filled with lentils that the Philistines wanted to capture
He stationed himself in the middle of the field and defended it and brought about a great victory
He reminds us who are rewarded for being defenders of the faith
I for one am thankful for those Christians w/ great minds who are able to refute the gainsayers
This plot of ground full of lentils was the provision of God’s people
The word of God is the food of God’s people – and all of it is – every bit of it is inspired even genealogies!! – not just certain portions depicted by fact that he stationed himself in the middle of it
Jude 3 Beloved, exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
1 Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of hope that is in you with meekness and fear
· Three men – Devotion (vv. 15-19)
Not even named The description of their deed for their king is the most honored – they heard the desire of their king and went to please Him
Greatest desire for our is worship
· Abashai – also dauntless (vv. 20-21)
He had performed a number of deeds for David including this one
· Benaiah – Daring (vv. 22-25)
Only proactive deed compared to the other which were reactive
Victory over Flesh – lion-like en of Moab (relatives)
Victory over devil – defeated a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day
Victory of the world – the spectacular a man of great height Egyptian whose spear was taken out of his hand and used against him
Conclusion - Final thoughts – what we see in this portion
1. “They strengthened themselves” (v. 10) – grew in their abilities in service to their king just as with many a Christian
2. The judgment Seat of Christ - in which great deeds attempted and accomplished for the Lord’s sake are not overlooked but are rewarded
3. Worship is the highest honor bestow upon the king - Benaniah
Dan 11:32 …but people that do know their God shall be strong & do exploits.
Only one life twill soon be past – only what’s done for Christ will last