Sermon Central
-
The View From On Top Series
Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 31, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: Saul found the view from the palace great, but the responsibilites were greater than his heart allowed him to enjoy.
And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.
1 Samuel 13:7
It’s great to be on top…
You see what others only wish to
You know what it was like to be really there
You decide what others will only later find out
It can also be very lonely…
You will be criticized
You stand out in front, where everyone can see you
You know you will be replaced one day
In 1 Samuel 13, Saul:
+ Had led in a great victory (2-3)
+ Found himself surrounded by terrified people (6-7)
+ Was afraid as people deserted him (8-13)
-So afraid he decided to dishonor God (9)
-Just when God was about to honor him (13)
Our personal checklist:
1. You do what’s right when no one is looking
2. You do what’s right when everyone is compromising
3. You do what’s right in adversity and prosperity
4. You do what’s right and finish well as proof the truth works
In other words...
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7