1 Samuel 18:1-30 “True Friendship”

For the Times

1. The Friendship Covenant (1-5)

a. Love of the Lord bonded them together

i. Mark 12:31 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

ii. Do we love others as Christ has commanded us?

1. Where is the evidence?

2. What would our neighbors say?

a. What are we willing to do to love our neighbors?

i. Are we willing to give up some of our rights if it means we are loving our neighbors?

ii. All of this is with in alignment to Scripture.

b. Is there something we are not willing to do to love our neighbors?

i. Does it violate scripture?

ii. Why are we unwilling to do it?

b. Loyalty shared in Covenant

i. This is what it happens if it is kept and this is what happens if it is broken

ii. Compare with the Love of Christ and the New Covenant established by His life, Death, and Resurrection.

c. Family of God vs. our Family

i. Jonathan is choosing to follow and obey God over his own family.

Application:  What do our Friendships look like?  Are our deepest friendships with others who love Jesus?

2. The Evil Head of Jealousy Appears (6-30)

a. People without act like it.

i. A psychiatrist Dream

1. Many mental disorders – depression, split personality, PMS, paranoia, mood swings, maybe schizophrenia.

ii. God’s spirit had departed Saul

1. He is angry at God and angry at anyone who represents God.

a. Many people today are angry at God and at God’s people

iii. God will protect His people

1. This spear was at close range and he misses

a. Fear is the response from Saul

i. Why? Because he recognizes God’s protection

b. Saul would try again to ruin David, through failure or death

i. Sends him to get Philistine Foreskins.

1. Probably not giving those up very willingly.

Application: How do we respond when people treat us badly?

- Do we return in kind?

- Does it matter if they are Christians or unbelievers?

- What are we to expect?