Kingdom and Chaos
Honoring Authority
March 24, 2017
1 Samuel 24:1-7 NIV
After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, "David is in the Desert of En Gedi." 2 So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats. 3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, "This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.'" Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe. 5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord." 7 With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 5:19-20 NIV
“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.”
Hebrews 13:17 NIV
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
God places people in authority.
Most leaders have pure motives and are leading sincerely.
People in authority can become corrupt.
Corrupt people must not remain in leadership.
The question is how to handle such matters.
Matthew 18:15-17 NIV
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Pray for them.
Listen first.
Be honest.
Trust God for outcomes.
1 Samuel 24:12 NIV
May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.
The honor we give, will be the honor we receive.
2 Samuel 23:14-16 NIV
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 15 David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!" 16 So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David.
The Table:
Each week, we come back to this familiar place to remind ourselves his grace is still enough.
This week, his grace is enough.
Next week, his grace will be enough.
Ephesians 4:30-32 NIV
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
