Approval or Presence

Prostituting the Anointing

In the work of worship there is a danger in the trying to conjure up His presence as if we could somehow manipulate the Lord’s presence.

Whether in ministry when we seek His presence as a professional obligation or as an individual when we seek His presence to resolve our problems there is a danger in only worshipping out of duty, obligation or out of need.

In a performance based society we are accustomed to throwing money or resources at problem instead of building the relational aspect of what has come to assail our life.

If we try this with our intimate relationships this is known simply as prostitution. Paying for intimacy.

As we advance the conversation of worship we cannot be found prostituting His presence, and must learn how to build our relationship with Christ.

This will inevitably lead to a decision point in our lives. In making this decision we come to terms with the fact that deciding to worship the living God will cost us everything as we build a relationship with the Lord living in His Presence daily and forsaking the need for the approval of those around us.

We must seek the intimate moments in His presence over the approval of others.

Acts 13:21–22 ESV

Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’

Saul was chosen to Protect the people of Israel (1 Sam 10:1)

Promised his Kingdom was to be an everlasting Kingdom

Period of Appointing, Period of Confirming, Period of Shaping

Challenged by personal sins

Decision to seek the Lord’s presence or seek the approval of those he was appointed to serve

Contrast David

Promised his Kingdom was to be an Everlasting Kingdom

Period of appointing, Period of Confirming, Period of Shaping

Challenged by personal sin

Decision to seek the Lord’s presence or the approval of those he was appointed to serve

God does not make mistakes… He gives people opportunities to step into the fullness of His vision

There is a cost to either decision in how or who we worship

One will cost you the vision the Lord has spoken over you the other will cause you to surrender it all for His glory.

Seeking Approval will Cost You the Vision

God Breathes Vision

1 Samuel 9:1–2 ESV

There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.

Selects a man of stature

wealthy

tall

handsome

Taken from the smallest, humblest, he didn't believe he could possibly be qualified

Don’t Disqualify Yourself

Starts Humble

God Equips

1 Samuel 10:6–9 ESV

Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you. Then go down before me to Gilgal. And behold, I am coming down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, until I come to you and show you what you shall do.” When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day.

God gives Him the assignment

God transforms him into a new man

God gives him a new heart

Insecurity, Pride, and Arrogance leads to Rebellion

1 Samuel 10:21–22 ESV

He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. So they inquired again of the Lord, “Is there a man still to come?” and the Lord said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”

Saul has an issue accepting his Calling

Hides himself (Faux humility)

Need for approval leads to a costly sin

1 Samuel 13:8–9 ESV

He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering.

Disobeyed the direct command to wait

Warfare brought about doubt and when the people started to leave he took matters into his own hands.

Disconnect with God led the people to Sin

Only Seeks the Lord after everything appears to be falling apart

1 Sam 14:35 Builds an altar to the Lord for the First Time

Arrogance Leads to Excuses

Saul Commanded to Destroy all of the Amalekites

1 Sam 15:15-16 Saul makes an excuse to not do as the Lord commanded and says it is for the Lord.

When confronted he doesnt acknowledge but makes more excuses

1 Sam 15:23 all was viewed as out right Rebellion

Twice Saul admits it was for fear of losing the people he did what they wanted without Consulting God

1 Samuel 13:13–14 ESV

And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

Saul’s Kingdom was to last forever… but His actions were deemed

Foolish

Rebellious

the Lord Rejects Saul because Saul rejected the word of the Lord.

Saul’s Rebellion Cost him the vision the Lord had for him.

Seeking His Presence Affirms the Promise

Selection of David

Ruddy-brown

Sheep Farmer

Handsome

Pointing to How God Selects Appoints Anoints and Confirms

Right Heart Posture in Worship

David’s Faith

1 Sam 17 Confident the battle with the Giant is won

Gives credit to the Lord

David’s Trust

1 Sam 17:37-40 Saul places his armor on David

David later took Goliaths sword

David says I dont trust your armor I will put on what i have tested… The LORD

David’s acknowledgment of his humanity and ability to worship even when he has failed

Psalm 51:1–2 ESV

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

Confronted by the Prophet He Doesnt run to hide… He runs to the Lord, acknowledges his sin, and iniquity

Psalm 51:8–9 ESV

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Doesnt blame another simply acknowledges his condition and raises his voice to contending against his rebellion

Psalm 51:10–12 ESV

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

his will is contra Gods will, surrenders and asks God to continue changing him

Pleads to stay in His presence

Knows his place is in the presence of the Lord

Your will over mine Lord