09(1Sam 26)Playing the Fool
Read Luke 6:32-36.
When people are in pain—whether it’s pain from the consequences of their own actions, or something someone has done to them, or even from perceived slights—they’re likely to respond by inflicting pain on others. And this is why Jesus wants us to respond instead with love—because we’re supposed to be different from the world. And there’s nothing that makes us stand out from the world like the way we respond when someone harms us. So let’s look at how we can actually do what Jesus asked us to do and love our
enemies.
I. Saul listened to wrong counsel.
A. He had encountered David in the mountains of En Gedi.
§ David had passed on an opportunity to kill Saul, in obedience to the word of God.
§ Saul had seen in this David’s integrity and David’s innocence.
§ Saul returned home to leave David alone.
B. Now word comes that David is spotted again.
§ The company around Saul was convinced for Saul that killing David was a good idea.
§ Saul was persuaded to again pursue David, though he was resolved to leave him alone.
C. Even friends with the best intentions cannot wear your skin.
§ It is quite possible that others will not understand how God is working things out in your life.
§ They will base their advice on what they can see, but they are not able to see your heart.
§ No advice that violates the word of God is ever wise counsel.
II. David had his share of so-called friends. (26:8)
A. Abishai urged David to take advantage of a “God-given” situation.
§ He offered to do the deed, and spare David the consternation.
§ He saw an open door, a heavily sleeping guard, and a spear sent from heaven!
§ “Spear” was a hallmark of Saul, and surely reminded David of earlier dangers in Saul’s court.
§ Abishai’s urgency: “I know what I’d do! I wouldn’t have to think twice, much less strike twice!”
B. David weighed the opportunity against the Word of God.
§ He saw the same sleeping guards, the same spear, and the same opportunity.
§ But he also saw something that Abishai did not stop to see – this action was against God’s word.
C. David did not forget his experience of obedience.
§ He had obeyed God’s Word earlier in caves of En Gedi – and he was still alive.
§ He had not forgotten the provisions of God for him.
§ Through this ordeal of running and hiding, he was learning patience – to wait on God to avenge.
III. How do you play the fool?
A. When you listen to the world, even the world of your friends, over the word of God.
B. Principle: don’t go through the open door that violates the word of God.
§ God will never lead you to violate His word. Never.
§ Circumstances never excuse disobedience to the Word of God.
IV. How do you love your enemies?
A. Find Your Strength in God. (1 Samuel 23:16)
§ It takes strength to love someone who’s hurt you & that kind of strength can only come from God.
B. Look to God’s Promises (1 Samuel 23:17)
§ He promises to never leave us or forsake us.
§ He promises that when we’re tempted to respond in a wrong way, He’ll provide a way of escape.
§ He promises us strength when we’re weary.
C. W23When the time comes, we have to repay evil with good.
§ This is exactly what David chose to do.
§ Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
§ “Oh how I love Jesus, oh how I love Jesus, oh how I love Jesus, because he first loved me.”
§ Because when I had done everything I could to make an enemy of Him, Jesus responded with love.
§ And our response to His love for us to love those who are our enemies.
§ Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Do everything in love.