Respecting despicable authority
Notes
Transcript
I. Live by Principles, not Circumstances
I. Live by Principles, not Circumstances
The unique opportunity to kill Saul was combined with prophecy
The principle David operated by was that the Lord’s Annointed could only be removed by the Lord himself.
He didn’t have a problem with blood and gore (1 Sam 17:54, 57)
He didn’t have a problem with killing men in battle - and therefore with self-defense.
He didn’t have a problem with executing a man justly (2 Sam 1:14-16).
He has a strong conviction that killing the Lord’s annointed is wrong. why?
The same reason divorce is wrong - what God has appointed let no man put asunder
There is not a precise parallel between the Lord’s Annointed and a pastor.
Saul was directly appointed by God; pastors are chosen by churches. The nearest parallel are apostles and prophets, who are directly chosen.
David was refuting killing Saul, not criticizing him. Criticizing the Lord’s Annointed was permitted.
The Army of Israel opposed Saul for his ill advised attempt to kill Jonathan 1 Sam 14:45
But the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not! As the Lord lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.
David’s men criticized him for his decision to attack Keilah 1 Sam 23:3
But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”
Jesus’ own disciples raised an objection to Jesus returning to Judah before he raised Lazarus John 11:8
The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”
A railing, condemnatory harangue is forbidden Jude 8-10; 1 Timothy 5:19; Attacks on Moses.
Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.
Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves.
Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.
II. Respectfully appeal with persuasive wisdom
II. Respectfully appeal with persuasive wisdom
Notice David’s respectful language. It parallels Paul’s respectful language.
Bring evidence
Use persuasive reasoning
David emphasizes God’s Justice, because Saul accepts this. Paul not as much, as Felix doesn’t. Paul emphasizes his lack of opportunity/motive for sedition, as that is what Felix cares about.
David emphasizes a proverb that goes to motive
David emphasizes his unimportance, for his importance as a threat is exactly why he is being pursued.
III. Real Repentance must be more than words
III. Real Repentance must be more than words
IV. Respect is not Trust
IV. Respect is not Trust