Evidence Demanding a Verdict (Part 1)

PRAY FOR SUZANNAH

PRAY FOR OUR PRESIDENT

PRAY FOR OUR NATION

This morning we’re going to start a two part series entitled,

“Evidence Demanding a Verdict.”

The text for our series is in 1 Samuel 24:8-20.

This mornings message title is, “Confrontation.”

And in part one of this series we’ll be in verses 8-11.

I’ve broken this morning message into 4 main topics.

Reverence and Respect—vs. 8.

Rumors—vs. 9.

Obedience—vs. 10.

The Evidence—vs. 11.

Now, did you guys know that Abraham Lincoln’s tomb was pried open twice?

CLEAR SLIDE

So, the first time this happend was in 1887 only 22 years after his assassination.

So, why did they pry it open?

Well there was a rumor sweeping our nation that his coffin was empty.

And so a group of people were asked to watch and be witnesses as the tomb was opened.

So this group watched the cassket as it was opened.

Well, sure enough, the body was there.

Then this group watched as the casket was sealed with lead.

Then again, 14 years later, the tomb was opened again and this time by even more witnesses.

Why did they do it again?

Same reason.

Rumors that the tomb was empty.

You see, the public pressure had become so intense that the leaders were forced to open the grave again in spite of the protest of Lincoln’s son, Robert.

Abraham Lincoln’s body was finally laid to rest in Springfield, Ill, under 10 feet of concrete.

So Peter, why are you telling us this?

Because the power of rumors and gossip is absolutely amazing. (Elaborate)

* David’s life has been one complication and trial after another.

Saul throws his spear at David twice—18:11.

Saul makes David commander of 1,000, hoping he would be killed—18:13.

Merab is offered to David as his wife if he will “fight the Lord’s battles like a valiant man”—18:17.

Michael is offered to David for 100 Philistine foreskins, but he brings back 200—18:20-27.

Saul orders Jonathan and his servants to kill David—19:1.

Saul throws his spear at David for the 3rd time—19:10.

Saul sends spies to David’s house to kill him—19:11. *

CLEAR SLIDE

If you remember because of the lies of the Edomite named Doeg, Saul had Doeg wipe out the entier town of Nob encluding Women, Children, and all their animals.

King Saul just kept going after David with a vengeance.

Saul just keeps believing that David is disloyal to him and wants to destroy him.

And a good part of Saul’s opinion is based on hearsay and rumors.

We also know that Saul was prideful and full of jealousy against David.

So, in this portion of Scripture David gets an opportunity to respectfully confront King Saul about these rumors.

What about us?

IOW how do we deal with a person whoes trying to destroy your reputation or spread untrue rumors against you.

When this happens what should our attidude be?

Well, we’re going to learn from David how he demonstrates the right response to these things in this 2-part series.

David will present “Evidence demanding a verdict.”

So, let’s get started and see what David does.

Let’s read our text for this morning in 1 Samuel 24: 8-11.

1 Samuel 24:8–11 (NLT)

8 David came out and shouted after him, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked around, David bowed low before him.

9 Then he shouted to Saul, “Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you?

10 This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true. For the Lord placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king—he is the Lord’s anointed one.’

11 Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.

CLEAR SLIDE

PRAY FOR MESSAGE

So, let’s get into our 1st point for this morning, “Reverence and Respect” in verse 8.

ONE: REVERENCE AND RESPECT—24:8

1 Samuel 24:8 (NLT)

8 David came out and shouted after him, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked around, David bowed low before him.

* What a surprise for Saul! David was right under his nose, within his grasp, but he doesn't realize it.

He doesn't see him.

What a great picture of the unsaved today.

Salvation is under peoples nose, within their grasp, but they don't see it or won't believe it. *

Why?

1. Because of the Problem of Spiritual Darkness and Blindness

* 2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (NLT)

3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.

4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. *

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

* Proverbs 4:19 (NLT)

19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over. *

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

* 2. Because of the Rebellion of Men.

People simply refuse to see or obey the truth that’s already written in their heart.

Their reasonings make them hard hearted.

So what are some of the reasonings of the rebellious person?

There is no God and nothing to worry about. God says,

Psalm 14:1 (NLT)

1 Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! *

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

I'll go to Heaven my way. God says,

John 14:6 (NLT)

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

After death, there is nothing. God says,

Revelation 21:8 (NLT)

8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

I love my sin and do what I want to do. God says,

Ephesians 4:17–19 (NLT)

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.

18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.

19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

I don't need God in my life. God says,

Proverbs 3:8–9 (NLT)

8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

Please listen carefully, If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, salvation is within you grasp now.

Now is the time to trust Him before its too late (Isaiah 55:6-9; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Romans 10:9-13).

Romans 10:9–13 (NLT)

9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.

13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

So, Saul’s left the cave now and David follows him out and calls out to Saul.

“Hey Saul!”

So, why should David call out to Saul?

Because David’s confronting his accuser in order to get this problem resolved.

IOW David is an Old Testament illustration of a basic New Testament truth of reconciliation as seen in Matthew 18:15.

Matthew 18:15 (HCSB)

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

Going back to 1 Samuel 24:8, we also see that David isn’t crude, rude, lewd, or shrewd.

And he has no desire to feud with Saul.

He has an attitude of humility and not pride.

We see that he bows to the earth and shows respect for Saul because he is letting the Lord direct his life.

Listen, David has rejected revenge.

He’s reflected upon the fact of who Saul is... the Lord's anointed.

And he expects the Lord to protect him and be his helper. (Elaborate)

Got a problem with someone?

Then you need to let the Lord direct you to resolve this problem.

We must reject the temptation for revenge and hatred.

We need to reflect back on what happened in that situation and take responsibility for any wrongs we may have done.

We must also respect the person and be kind to them. And we must expect God to work. (Elaborate)

This brings us to our 2nd point, “Rumors” in verse 9.

TWO: RUMORS—VS. 9.

1 Samuel 24:9 (NLT)

9 Then he shouted to Saul, “Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you?

David asked, “Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you?”

CLEAR SLIDE

David confronts Saul up front with the accusations.

He gets right to the point.

Listen, gossip and rumors can be as deadly as the venom of a cobra.

Rumors and Gossip can wreck marriages, ruin careers, destroy reputations, cause nightmares, spawn suspicion, and generate grief.

Even the name hisses... gossip. (Elaborate)

So, we know that gossip and rumors and very damaging to people.

* Are we guilty of being a gossip at times or spreading rumors?

I’m sure that we’ve all done it from time to time.

So how can you and I avoid being a gossip or spreading rumors?

The best way is to use the THINK FORMULA.

T—Is it TRUE

H—Is it HELPFUL

I—Is it INSPIRING

N—Is it NECESSARY

K—Is it KIND *

* God commands us not to be busy bodies and gossips (Leviticus 19:16).

And we need to stay as far away from gossips as we can. (Proverbs 20:19)

But Why? Because...

Rumors rob us of blessings. (Proverbs 25:23) (Elaborate)

Rumors ruin friendships. (Proverbs 16:28) (Elaborate)

Rumors inflict pain. (Proverbs 18:8) (Elaborate)

Rumors have a ripple effect. (Proverbs 29:12) * (Elaborate)

CLEAR SLIDE

Let’s move on to our 3rd point for this morning, “Obedience” in verse 10.

THREE: OBEDIENCE—VS. 10.

1 Samuel 24:10 (NLT)

10 This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true. For the Lord placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king—he is the Lord’s anointed one.’

CLEAR SLIDE

* David presents evidence of his innocence and loyalty to Saul, his king.

He gives “Evidence that demands a verdict.”

Notice what David said in verse 10.

“The Lord placed you at my mercy; Some of my men told me to kill you; But I spared you.”

Notice David’s decisiveness when he said... “I will never harm the king.”

David’s determined to keep his cool and respond the right way.

We need to do the same thing when we’re trying to resolve conflicts. *

Let me illustrate this with this short true story.

Before Louis XII of France ascended to the throne, he had been cast into prison and kept in chains. Later, when he did become king he was urged to seek revenge against his enemies, but he refused. Instead, he prepared a scroll which listed all the people who perpetrated crimes against him. Behind every man's name he placed a cross of red ink. When the guilty ones heard about this, they were scared to death and fled the country. The king explained that the cross was not a sign of punishment, but instead a pledge of forgiveness extended for the sake of the crucified Savior, who upon His cross forgave His enemies and prayed for them.

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

We need to forgive those who hurt and offend us because that is what the Lord did for us.

Mark 11:25 (NLT)

25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

* When we forgive others it is “The Evidence That Demads a Verdict” concerning our character.

We need to ponder this when the temptation of not wanting to forgive someone enters our mind. *

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

So, this brings us to our 5th and last point for today, “The Evidence” from verse 11.

FOUR: THE EVIDENCE—VS. 11.

1 Samuel 24:11 (NLT)

11 Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.

CLEAR SLIDE

Here we see how David shows Saul some evidence of his loyalty and attitude towards him.

David shows Saul “Evidence Demanding a Verdict.”

And what David showed was evidence of his “Good Character.”

You see, what’s important in Davids response is this.

He appeals to Saul not only with words, but actions.

IOW, he doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk! (Elaborate)

Listen, David could have taken revenge but he didn’t.

* It’s interesting that theres a three step process we go through when we want revenge.

Injury... we are hurt. Saul hurt David. (Elaborate)

Vulnerability... the person is weak or exposed. Saul is exposed here. (Elaborate)

Depravity... the taking of revenge. David could have killed Saul but he doesn't. *

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

David told Saul in verse 11, "I have not sinned against you even though you’ve been hunting me down to kill me."

Guys, David has a clear conscience.

He knew he was doing what was right.

He was blameless and spotless before God in this matter.

And for you and I it’s also important for us to strive in our obedience to God to also be blameless and spotless as well.

James 1:27 (NLT)

27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

2 Peter 3:14 (NLT)

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

Philippians 2:15 (NLT)

15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

When we come to 2 Samuel chapter 16, we’re going to see That David has an opportunity to take revenge once again, but he doesn’t.

He remains obedient to God.

Someone once said, “God gives us motivation to push us. He gives us friends to push us to our potential. And he gives us enemies to push us beyond our potential!”

CLEAR SLIDE

(Elaborate)

God is using Saul to develop life traits in David like humility, faith, trust in God, self-control, patience, and forgiveness.

Do these sound familiar?

They should, especially when you take a look at Galatians 5:22-23 where you’ll find the fruit of the Spirit.

Listen, as the Holy Spirit works in your life, He’ll develop these traits.

And then you’ll show “Evidence demanding a verdict” by showing others that you’re following Jesus by your attitude and actions.

And that you have Godly character and integrity. (Elaborate)

David’s shown us evidence of his personal testimony and by showing us part of the kings robe as well.

Now comes the verdict!

What will Saul do?

How will Saul respond?

Will he attack, be angry, be apathetic, or will he make an attitude adjustment?

Come on back next week as we continue in part 2 of this series, “Evidence Demanding a Verdict.”

Elaborate Gospel

COMMUNION

CLOSING PRAYER

CLOSING SONG

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost, AMEN

CLEAR SLIDE