Too Little, Too Late (Samuel)

Formal Elements / Descriptive Data

Text: Samuel, First & Second

CIT: Samuel describes the transition of Israel from a Theocratic Dictatorship into a Monarchic Dictatorship while laying forth the contrasting kingships of both Saul & David in light of their respective exploits and failures on behalf of the kingdom.

Proposition: The journey towards dictatorship begins at the gate of godlessness, continues down the road of corruption in leadership, and arrives at the failing promises of a better system of government.

Statement of Purpose:

MO - Supportive

SO - I want my hearer to stand firm in the faith defending the sovereignty of God while understanding the tendencies of national backsliding which pave the way for the erosion of liberty under any ruler but Christ.

Title: Too Little Too Late or The Road to Dictatorship: Godlessness, Corruption, Discontent, Resignation

Informal Elements / Rhetorical Data

Intro: See Clippings on Communism

Propose the CIT (above), Proposition, & Purpose

Samuel describes the transition of Israel from a Theocratic Dictatorship into a Monarchic Dictatorship while laying forth the contrasting kingships of both Saul & David in light of their respective exploits and failures on behalf of the kingdom.

The journey towards dictatorship begins at the gate of godlessness, continues down the road of corruption in leadership, and arrives at the failing promises of a better system of government.

Stand firm in the faith defending the sovereignty of God while understanding the tendencies of national backsliding which pave the way for the erosion of liberty under any ruler but Christ.

Body - Development - Outline:

I. Corruption - Samuel's Office - A Time of Transition: From Corruption to Corruption (1 Sam. 1-8[15]; Read 1 Sam. 2:30)

EXP: Samuel's Youth (1-3); Loss & Return of Ark (4-6); Defeat of Philistines (7)

ILL: Deal with the power & presence of God (Socialism leaves Him out fundamentally)

APP: NIVApp - Socialism promises to answer capitalism's apparent failures in peoples' minds.

TS: The first phase towards dictatorship is for God's people to become discouraged by the corruption that permeates high places. Next, let's consider the cost of...

II. Compromise - Saul's Office - A Time of Turbulence: Who Should Reign, a Contrast of Kings (1 Sam. 9[16]-31; Read 1 Sam. 8:19-20)

EXP: The People Request a King (8); Samuel Privately Anoints Saul & Publicly Chosen by Lots at Mizpah (9-10); Saul Leads to Victory over the Ammonites & Inaugurated as King (11-12); Saul Rejected as King (13-15) - Disobedience (13-14), Rebellion & Rejection (15); Saul & David - Samuel Anoints David (16), David Serves Saul (16-17), Saul Despises David (18-19), David & Jonathan (20), on the Run: Nob & Gath (21), Adullam & Nob (22), Keilah & Ziph (23), Engedi (24), Nabal & Abigail (25), Abashai (26), Achish (27); Saul at Endor (28); David Spared from War (29); Ziklag (30); The Death of Saul & Sons (31).

ILL: When God goes to the ballot box; Forms of Gov't Funny.

APP: God gave them what they asked for, "like" the Canaanite kings; be careful for what you wish.

TS: There are bad leaders, and then there are worse leaders, now contrast David with Saul...

III. Conquering & Conquered - David's Office -

EXP:

A. A Time of Temporal Triumph: The Glory Days of David (2 Sam. 1-10; Read 1 Sam. 16:7)

David anointed/Ishbosheth/Abner (1-4); Zion (5); Ark to Jerus. (6); Nathan & the Temple (7); Victories (8); Mephibosheth (9); Hanun's Villany (10)

B. David's Demise - A Time of Temptation & Sin (2 Sam. 11-12)

C. Israel's Undoing - A Time of Tribulation: The Consequences of Sin (2 Sam. 13-20)

Amnon, Absalom & Tamar (13); Absalom (14-19); Sheba (20); Gibeonites & Philistines (21)

ILL: Be sure that sin will find you out, even the best of us are beset, none are exempt; God is faithful

IV. More Than Conquerors - Christ's Coming Office - "And He Shall Reign" (2 Sam. 22-24)

EXP: David's Song of Praise (22); Last Words & Mighty Men (23); Census & Failure (24)

ILL: Melchizedek - Prophet, Priest & King (Perfection in Messiah) (Gen. 14:18; Ps. 110; Isaiah, NT, Rev. 20)

APP: All have sinned (except Jesus), Jesus will return and His Kingdom shall be established in righteousness and peace. He is the answer, not any other "ism." The problem is sinners, not government, the problem is patience and repentance. Of the options we have at the moment, we must do the best with what we have. The Bible teaches against socialistic tenets (i.e. right to private property, etc.)

Conc:

The book of Samuel narrates the transition in Israel’s leadership from judges to monarchy and demonstrates the need to take seriously Yahweh’s holy, powerful, and dangerous presence. God honors those who honor him (whether barren woman, shepherd boy, or king), but he thwarts the purposes of all who stand against him, whether priest, king, or warrior (1 Sam. 2:9, 30; 2 Sam. 22:28). In contrast to Saul’s failures, David’s successes display God’s ideal for kingship, yet David’s sin and its consequences stress the need for one greater than David. As such, 1-2 Samuel closes with hope still kindled for a greater David of whom it could accurately be proclaimed, “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Sam. 7:13). [DeRouchie, What the OT Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Jesus’ Bible]

In this day of deep-state corruption and misguided ideologies, we know that each step leads us closer to the answer of John the Revelator's closing prayer, "Even So, Come, Lord Jesus." Who Himself reminds us today, "Behold, I come quickly..." for those who reject Him, He comes in wrath, but for those who receive Him, He comes as the promised Son of David, with healing in His wings. We need search for no other answer than that has been provided in the promises of God's holy pages. Therefore, be wise as serpents, harmless as doves.

Stand firm in the faith defending the sovereignty of God while understanding the tendencies of national backsliding which pave the way for the erosion of liberty under any ruler but Christ.