David Faithful To God's Calling Lesson 4 Series

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Saul led 3,000 men against David (1 Samuel 24:2; 26:2).

2. David a man after God’s heart, did not sin against God. David had two opportunities to kill Saul, but followed God’s highest calling. En Gedi cave and Hachilah. “I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’S anointed” (1 Samuel 26:23, NKJV).

3. Both occasions Saul led 3,000 men (1 Samuel 24:2; 26:2).

B. EN GEDI, A CAVE WHERE DAVID AND MEN WERE HIDING: 1 SAMUEL 24:1-22

1. Saul came into a cave where David and his men were hiding. “David cut off a corner of Saul’s robe” (24:4).

2. Followers tried to get David to kill Saul. “This is the day … the Lord delivered your enemy into your hands” (v. 4).

3. David pleaded God’s cause. “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him” (v. 6).

4. David called out to Saul. “See the corner of your robe in my hand” (v. 11). “I have not sinned against you”(v. 11).

5. Saul’s insincere apology. “You are more righteous than I” (v. 17).

6. Saul’s prediction. “I know you surely will be king” (v. 20).

C. HACHILAH – OPEN DESERT: 1 SAMUEL 26:1-15

1. Saul and 3,000 men asleep. “A deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them” (v. 12).

2. David and Abishai sneaked into Saul’s camp. “Saul lay sleeping… spear stuck into the ground” (v. 7).

3. Revenge. “Abishai … God has delivered your enemy into your hands … let me strike him” (v. 8).

4. Commitment to God. “The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed” (v. 11).

5. Saul recognized. “Is that your voice, my son, David” (v. 17).

6. David’s response. “Here is the king’s spear” (v. 22).

7. Saul’s prediction. “You shall do great things and also prevail” (v. 25).

D. Ten Ways to Be Faithful To God’s Goals For Your Life

1. It is never right, to do wrong, in the right way.

2. It is important to have witnesses to the good things you do.

3. Always remember God’s promises. “Samuel took ... oil and anointed him” (1 Samuel 16:13).

4. Follow God’s providential open doors/situations. Saul came into David’s cave at En Gedi, but David went to Saul in the desert.

5. Don’t be swayed by bad advice from good people.

6. Always be guided by what you know is right.

7. Don’t retaliate, remember Saul had hurled the spear at David. “Saul sought to pin David to the wall with his spear” (1 Samuel 19:10). David returned the spear.

8. Evidence is one of your best arguments, i.e., corner of robe and spear.

9. Keep safe distances. “David came out of the cave” (24:8). “David went over to the other side” (26:13).

10. Accept others apologies, but be careful.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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