People God Trusts: Trust with Relationship
People God Trusts • Sermon • Submitted
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Intro:
13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.
14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
Today, we will return to the thought, [People God Trusts], the title of my message is [Trust with Relationship].
When I was a child, we had a magazine in the library at school called Highlights. Does anyone else remember that magazine?
I always wanted to get it first. It had a lot of good information for kids. Thought provoking articles that really helped second graders. It covered information such as brain teasers, history or science facts, jokes, but my favorite article was called “Spot the Difference.”
Let’s look at a picture of this together. There are two nearly identical pictures, but if we look really close we will spot twenty differences.
I was always pretty good at finding most of the differences. Sometimes I would go to the back of the magazine and find the answers so I could spot ALL the differences.
It always amazed me that two pages that looked identical could have so many differences.
I thought of spotting the difference as I prepared this message. We’re in a series entitled, [People God Trusts].
Noticing the similarities and differences in the people God trust shines through in lives of Saul and David. On paper, both of them were similar.
They were both anointed by the prophet Samuel
They both prophesied when the Spirit came on them
They both ruled over the nation of Israel
They both led armies into battle
From the outside looking in, they were very similar, but God spotted the differences. In fact, they were so different that God moved on from Saul and selected David as king.
Why? What was so different between the two?
Saul had a bad habit of disregarding God’s instructions to please and appease people. Eventually, God had enough. He instructed the prophet Samuel to inform Saul that the Lord was finished with him.
What would cause God to take such drastic steps?
God couldn’t trust him anymore. Saul would not keep the commandments of the Lord. God wanted to give Saul a throne that would last forever. He planned to allow Saul’s descendants to always rule Israel.
But now, his kingdom had to end and God would seek a man after His own heart.
God found that man in David. Here is one of the big differences:
David was a man after God’s heart
Saul was a man after man’s heart
Another big difference came down to one word— relationship. David had a relationship with God and Saul did not.
As we’ve noticed every week, throughout Scripture, God desired to fulfill His plan and purpose. For some reason, instead of just doing what He wanted to do, He decided to use people.
He opted to work through people He could trust to accomplish His will.
It is easy to trust God, but does God trust us?
He can never love us more than He does right now, but He can trust us more!
On the outside, many people lump all religions together assuming there is very little difference. They look at the similarities :
religions believe in god
religions have a holy book
religions meet in a place to worship
But God does not see people the way we do. Some might lump ALL religions in the same category, but if we look close, there are some differences.
While we might look at everyone the same, God can spot the difference, who really has a relationship with Him?
Let’s look at a famous event in the history of Israel— David and Goliath. I do not want to focus on Goliath as much as I want us to see the DIFFERENCES in how Saul and David handled Goliath.
I have three points, [Differences in their Response], [Differences in their Review], and [Differences in their Relationship].
Let’s begin
1. Differences in their Response
1. Differences in their Response
10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.”
11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
The Philistines were one of the major enemies of Israel. It always seems that they are ready to fight Israel, seeking to destroy them. Once again, it was time to go to war.
Every man over the age of twenty gathered around the Valley of Elah. The Israelites strategized on one mountain and the Philistines on another.
The Israelites didn’t see a way to defeat the Philistines for their enemies had a secret weapon— a giant that was 9’6”, over a foot taller than the tallest person in medical texts. Whose armor weighed 175-200 pounds. The head of his spear alone weighed 20-25 pounds.
Goliath came to the valley and challenge the Israelites. He called Saul by name and told them, if you defeat us, we will become your slaves, but if we defeat you, the Israelites will serve us.
When Saul heard these word he was terrified and deeply shaken. Because of his cowardice, all is Israel’s armies were also afraid.
Goliath issued the same challenge for forty days, over and over and over, and Saul never responded.
He did not depend on the God who defeated the Egyptians or the one who knocked down the walls of Jericho, or the one who came through over and over for Israel.
Instead, he responded in fear. Let’s look at how David handled this situation.
23 Then as he talked with them, there was the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, coming up from the armies of the Philistines; and he spoke according to the same words. So David heard them.
24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid.
25 So the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house exemption from taxes in Israel.”
26 Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
The fact that David was present at the battle shows his faithfulness and humility. Because the Israelites armies had not defeated the Philistines for forty days they were low on rations.
David, who was less than twenty, came to bring sandwiches for his brothers. He overheard the taunts of Goliath and became curious.
While everyone else was afraid of the giant, David wanted to know what would be done for the man who kills the uncircumcised Philistine who defies the armies of the living God.
Some have assumed David came with selfish motive upon hearing about a large reward, Saul’s daughter as a wife, and tax exemption for his family.
I do not agree, on paper he knew he could not go up against Goliath, he would surely die. What does a large reward to if you die in battle?
A wife in exchange for my life, there are plenty of fish in the sea?
And I know two things come to life death and taxes, but I do not want them at the same time!
David was not selfish, he had righteous anger— how can we stand idly by while this man mocks God.
Notice the difference— Saul was afraid while David was angered.
Why type of person does God trust? We can tell in our response to the lies of the enemy.
When we see Satan’s assault on righteousness, do we grow fearful and go along to get along, or do we take a stand trusting God will be on our side?
Saul and David were different in their response...
2. Different in their Review
2. Different in their Review
31 Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him.
32 Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”
Someone overheard David take a stand for God. His brother accused him of selfishness and David asked, is there not a cause? Doesn’t God deserve this, we need to stand up for Him.
Those who overheard David went to Saul and told him, there is a teenager who is causing a ruckus and Saul sent for him.
What a picture of two very different people. David goes to Saul and explains— King Saul don’t worry about the Philistine, I will fight Him!
Saul mocked him, accused him of being ridiculous, you could NEVER defeat this giant! You’re only a boy and he has been a man of war since he was a boy.
They reviewed the situation very differently, Saul focused on what Goliath had and what David lacked. While David focused on what God had and what Goliath lacked.
He went onto explain— King Saul, I have tended my father’s sheep and have protected them. When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb, I go after it and rescue the lamb from the mouth of the lion or bear.
If the animal tries to get me, I will grab it by the jaw and club it to death.
He reviewed the situation— i have killed a lion and a bear, and I will kill this man who defies the LIVING GOD.
37 Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”
What faith in David— God WILL deliver me from this Philistine. Saul’s response— may the Lord be with you.
From all we know about David, he was passionate in his sincere desire to serve God.
From all we know about Saul, he was selfish. I doubt he believed in David. Instead, he probably expected David to buy him a little time to figure out what to do.
It seemed obvious to Saul that David would die from Goliath, but it would be a nice distraction.
Saul gave David his armor, which didn’t fit David and David refused to take it, instead trusting in God.
He took his slingshot and grabbed five smooth stones and was ready for battle.
What a picture of the very different personalities of Saul and David.
In our walk with God, when we face giants, do we focus on what they have and what we lack? Or do we remember WHO we have, God, and what they do not have?
How we respond and review the situation makes all the difference.
3. Difference in their Relationship
3. Difference in their Relationship
44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
47 Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
I love this passage. I envision both armies watching as this teenager goes out to the valley with no armor confronting a man who is nearly ten foot tall, wearing armor that weighs more than David.
Goliath cursed David and belittled him. No doubt, Saul regretted sending David, he had just offended Goliath, who would likely take his wrath out on Israel once he killed David.
But David spoke— I hear your taunts and lies, but you do not realize who you’ve come up against. Sure, I am small in your sight, but I do not represent me, I do not come in the name of King Saul or of Israel.
No, I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s armies, and HE is the God whom your defied. So today, the LORD will conquer you and He will allow me to cut off your heard and give your bodies to the birds.
Then EVERYONE watching will know that the LORD is the one who saves! No one will get or deserves the credit for this EXCEPT for God.
What killed Goliath?
Was it the stone?
Was it David’s skill?
We could argue it was both. But if we were to ask David, he would tell us, I had little to do with it, this was ALL because of God.
God needed someone He could trust to defeat the blasphemous Philistine, and for some reason He decided to trust me!
David’s focus was ALL ABOUT GOD, because he had a relationship with Him.
What about Saul’s focus?
After the victory, David brought Saul Goliath’s head. People were ecstatic. They couldn’t believe what happened. When word reached home, they had a parade to celebrate the victory.
Woman danced in the streets singing a song:
Saul has killed his thousands and David his ten thousands.
How did Saul feel about this?
8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”
9 So Saul eyed David from that day forward.
He was livid, he kept a jealous eye on David, and even attempted to kill him over twenty times from that day forward.
Why would Saul get so upset?
It came down to his relationship, or lack of relationship with the Lord. Instead of rejoicing in the fact the GOD produced a great victory, he wondered why people didn’t celebrate him.
For David, it was all about God.
For Saul, it was all about Saul.
Close:
Show picture of Saul and David
Can we spot the differences?
From the outside looking in, these two men are two historic figures who led a kingdom thousands of years ago.
They should be a footnote in history, but their differences far outweigh their similarities, and that is why we should study their lives.
Saul had everything he needed to be a successful king, but he did not have a relationship with God.
David was the least likely person worthy to lead such a great nation, but he had a relationship with God.
God wants a relationship with us!
What makes up a relationship?
Communication
Mutual respect
Mutual interest
Willingness to listen
These are just a few important factors. So my question is, do we have much of a relationship with God if we do not:
communicate with Him
Saul didn’t, but David did
mutual respect
Saul respected what God said, as long as he heard what he wanted to hear
David respected God’s word even when it conflicted his desires
mutual interest
Saul never showed a desire to know God more
David never lost his hunger to grow closer to God
willingness to listen
Saul wanted God to listen to him, but he never listened to God
David and God had an ongoing conversation
What was the difference? RELATIONSHIP!
Now, in 2022, God wants to have a relationship with us. He desires walk close with us and to make us more like Him.
All we have to do is accept Him and willingly follow Him.
I recently read an article in the April 2022 edition of Decision Magazine, a publication of the Billy Graham Evangelist Association, about a man named Kamal Saleem.
As a child raised in Islam, he was taught to that serving Allah meant doing good and not bad. Should he do bad, Allah would weigh his actions and determine whether to go to heaven or hell.
At the age of seven he left school and joined the Muslim Brotherhood. He went to a training camp, shot an AK-47 and within a few weeks was smuggling duffel bags of TNT blocks into Israel through underground tunnels.
Years later, the Muslim Brotherhood sent him on a new mission, go to the U.S. and change America for Allah. Not longer after his arrival he was hit by a truck leaving him injured.
He laid in a hospital bed, wondering why Allah was angry with him. One of the doctors took him in to their home to help him heal. The entire family was loving toward him.
They even prayed that Jesus would heal this man. He wrote, “They were speaking as if they had a relationship with their God.”
He never knew that type of relationship was possible. In Islam, you’re a servant and Allah is a distant God. He desired a relationship with Allah.
One day, he fell on his knees in front of an open window, raised his hands toward heaven and cried out to Allah. He wanted and nothing happened.
As he waited he thought, “I can’t live anymore because everything I lived and worked for is not real. It’s false and when I needed Allah the most, he did not come to me.
He went onto explain, “Islam teaches that if you challenge Allah, he will kill you, and I had challenged him.” He just knew Allah would kill him.
As he worried about this, he heard a new voice that said, “Kamal, why don’t you call on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
He fell on his knees again and cried out, “God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, if You are real, will You speak to me? If You are real, I want to know you!”
Right then, the glory of God filled the room and the Lord spoke to Him, Rise up Kamal, you are my warrior, you are not their warrior.
As he stood, his head, neck, collarbone, ribs, and knees were instantly healed!
He wrote, “In that moment, everything changed for me. I said to God, ‘I will live and die for you,’ Be He said, ‘I died for you that you may live.’”
That describes the power of a relationship!
God longs for those who want to have a relationship with Him. And when we do, He is not like other gods. No, He is the only one who loves us and will trust us to pour out His grace and mercy!
How is our relationship with the Lord?
When we face something, do we respond in fear or faith?
When we review a hardship, do we thin of what WE can do or what God can do?
When He comes through for us, is it about HIM or about us?
He still longs for those who will be people after His own heart!