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The Success Of King David - Part 2 Series
Contributed by Dag Heward-Mills on Oct 23, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: Learn to be successful by emulating one of the most successful biblical figures of all times - David. In this sermon series we will learn the principles he followed that set him ahead of the pack.
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We pick up our sermon on the principles that made David successful. The Bible says of David
And he died in a GOOD OLD AGE, FULL OF DAYS, RICHES, and HONOUR: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.
1 Chronicles 29:28
Principle # 5: The Principle of Ministering to Others
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that DAVID TOOK AN HARP, AND PLAYED WITH HIS HAND: SO SAUL WAS REFRESHED, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
1 Samuel 16:23
If you want to be successful in this life, decide to be a blessing to others. This will unlock gates for blessings to flow into your life. David took advantage of the opportunity to minister to Saul. Whenever evil spirits came to torment Saul, David refreshed him by playing the harp and singing unto the Lord. He suddenly became useful to Saul and his kingdom. Are you useful to anyone? Your value rises with your usefulness! Jesus is so valuable to all of us because He saved our souls by giving His life.
David's value rapidly increased after he helped Saul in his time of demonic affliction. Take up your opportunity of counseling people and sharing the Word of God. Take up the responsibility of ministering to others. The more valuable you are, the more important you will be.
Principle #6: The Principle of Fellowship and Non-Isolation
But all Israel and Judah loved David, because HE WENT OUT AND CAME IN BEFORE THEM.
1 Samuel 18:16
Fellowship is a very important part of success. The more you interact with godly people, the more godliness will rub off unto you. The more you interact with successful people, the more successful you will become.
David did not isolate himself. He kept in touch and that helped him immensely. It is helpful to interact and to fellowship. In fact, the Bible teaches us that this is a sign that you are a Christian.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP ONE WITH ANOTHER, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
If you are doing well in life, you will often be found fellowshipping. Relate with people ahead of you. Befriend successful people. You will become a blessed person because you have made the right associations.
Principle #7: The Principle of Avoiding Arrows of Hatred
And the evil spirit from the Lord was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand. And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.
1 Samuel 19:9,10
Anyone whom God has blessed will begin to have arrows of hatred and jealousy thrown at him. You may do good and only good, but you will be hated because of your success. This is part of life. It is your duty to avoid the arrows of hatred.
When David had one spear thrown at him, he decided to run away. Perhaps this is the reason why David lived to a good old age. There are times when it is wiser to run away than to stand and fight. One time the Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus. When Jesus got to know of it, he withdrew himself from that area.
Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But WHEN JESUS KNEW IT, HE WITHDREW HIMSELF from thence…
Matthew 12:14, 15
Young Christian men must know that they attract the arrows of Satan because of the gift of God in their lives. In fact, the Bible teaches that because of the anointing on your life, young ladies will be attracted to you.
Because of the savour of thy good ointments [anointing] thy name is as OINTMENT [anointing] poured forth, therefore do THE VIRGINS LOVE THEE.
Songs of Solomon 1:3
Young lady, because you are beautiful, many wicked and adulterous men are interested in you. Run away from those arrows immediately, otherwise, your whole life may be destroyed.
The Bible teaches that precious ministers are sought for by the devil. Anyone who is a precious instrument of God will be hunted after!
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and THE ADULTERESS WILL HUNT FOR THE PRECIOUS LIFE.
Proverbs 6:26
Principle # 8: The Principle of Adapting for Progress
And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know anything of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee… Now therefore what is under thine hand? GIVE ME FIVE LOAVES OF BREAD IN MINE HAND, OR WHAT THERE IS PRESENT.