Sunday Morning July 5, 2009
Bel Aire Baptist Church
Series: Pot Holes [#2]
G.P.S.
1 Samuel 9:1-10:27
Introduction:
As you are driving to your destination, it always helps to know how to get there. Have you ever gone somewhere that you didn’t have directions to? If you have a man with you, you are really in trouble; because most men refuse to ask for directions, (including me). I would rather wander around for days than ask for directions.
When Dale, Tharon, and I went to the Disability Swimming Championships in Cincinnati, Ohio; Dale brought his G.P.S. (Global Positioning System). Now I must admit that for years I have said that I didn’t need one of those because it was the same as asking directions; but since Dale has one it must be o.k., and it helped a lot. This year for Father’s Day I got a G.P.S. system and I must say that it is extremely helpful. You can set it to several different voice options, (I chose a female voice because I’m accustomed to a female telling me where to go); and she will tell you when to turn. If you miss your turn, she will just say recalculating, and will give you new directions. You can plug in a type of restaurant, park, attraction, etc… and she will give you your options and then tell you how to get there. One of the interesting things I learned about using a G.P.S. system is that I became so dependent upon the G.P.S. that without it, I was lost.
This morning I want to look at a different G.P.S.- God’s Positioning System. I am here to tell you that without this G.P.S. you will surely fail. We live in a nation that often goes its own direction. Our homes and our churches are filled with people that all go their own directions; and the result is not good. In their stubborn rebellion against God, the Israelites asked for a king, and God gave them their request. God gave them a king not only to meet their needs but to also discipline them. He wanted to teach them some lessons about who was in charge and what their responsibility to Him was.
God has a purpose for each of us and as long as God is directing us, we will not hit the potholes. In 1 Samuel 9, we learn of a young man by name of Saul who was sent with one of his father’s servants to find some missing donkeys. Saul and the servant had traveled for a ways and had not found the donkeys so Saul told the servant that they should turn around so his father wouldn’t get worried about them; but the servant had a different plan. The servant suggested that they go ask the man of God that lived in a nearby town if he could tell them where their donkeys were. So they went to find Samuel and on the way they met some girls and they asked them. The girls told them to hurry up to the high place and catch Samuel before he blessed the sacrifices. Once he did that, he would then eat with those that were invited.
1 Samuel 9:15-27
I want you to see this morning that the God has a plan for you and he will do all that is necessary for you to fulfill that.
God’s Positioning System uses…
1. Your location.
God chose your parents, where you live, your economic status, your circumstances, etc… Saul came from a leading family within the small Tribe of Benjamin. You live here or are visiting here on purpose.
God’s Positioning System uses…
2. Your physical attributes.
In a world that is extremely concerned about looks, we sometimes forget that God made us like He wants us to look. Now that doesn’t mean that we are not supposed to take care of our bodies. Our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and we are supposed to take care of it, but if your ears are too big (like mine) or you’re too tall or too short, etc…; that must be how God wanted you to look. Saul was physically strong and attractive. God can use our appearance as part of the plan. The people needed someone that looked the part so they would follow and God knew that.
Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
God’s Positioning System uses…
3. Your upbringing.
Parents, how we raise our children is important. You will generally find that whatever is important to you becomes important to your children. For example, if your children are taught that getting up and going to church is what you do every Sunday, when they get old enough to decide, guess what they will probably do? They will go to church.
Saul was obedient to his father. Saul went out looking for some lost donkeys. I wonder if Saul would have become king if he would have not been obedient to his father. You never know what door God is opening. Saul was also concerned about his dad. Saul didn’t want his father worrying about him while he was out looking for the donkeys.
Now before you begin to blame your parents for your lack of spiritual growth or concern; be reminded that would just be an excuse. Saul obviously was not raised in a “religious” environment. Samuel was a highly respected man of God and had been there a long time and Saul did not know that, his servant had to tell him.
God’s Positioning System leads you…
1. To the solution.
1 Samuel 10:1-2
After Samuel anointed Saul, he assured him that the donkeys had been found and that he could stop worrying. When the servant of God is in the will of God, God solves their problems. God was saying to Saul, “No matter what the problems are, remember that I can solve them.” If you have been called to a place of leadership and yet you are worried or anxious about some situation, remember that God can solve your problems. Just do what he wants you to do. After Samuel anointed Saul, God gave Saul the assurance that He would help him. God has given us assurance of our salvation through the Holy Spirit within us. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you.
God’s Positioning System leads you…
2. To the provision you need.
1 Samuel 10:3-4
God was providing for Saul everything he needed. God doesn’t place us in a situation that He does not provide for our needs.
God’s Positioning System leads you…
3. To the power you need.
1 Samuel 10:5-8
When the Spirit of God comes upon us, we are changed. God changed Saul from a farmer to a king. If you will allow the Spirit of God to work in you, you will have all the power you need to do what God has called you to do. When you are serving the Lord, the only way you can survive is through the power of the Holy Spirit. There will be many potholes that you have to avoid.
Conclusion:
If you are going to avoid hitting the potholes, you need to trust your G.P.S. Understand that God knows exactly what’s going to happen and you need to trust Him. There are going to be moments that it won’t seem like things are going correctly, but trust in what God is doing.
1 Samuel 10:9-27 tells us about Saul’s obedience to God’s plan. By the way don’t skip verse 27 because the enemy will use people to try to get you to not trust your G.P.S.
Will you follow your G.P.S. today?
