Haters Hate…but God
1 Samuel 23:14
Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
Introduction: Why do haters hate? Jealousy, Envy, Ignorance, Insecurity, Frustration
A. God rejected Saul as King of Israel because of his haughty rebellion.
B. God chose David as Saul’s successor.
C. Samuel anointed David as King while he was still a boy.
D. As David grew, he proved himself to be “special/different”.
? He was an able shepherd – killing a lion and a bear.
? He was a gifted musician – writing songs and playing beautiful music.
? He was a firm believer – God could give him victory over Goliath.
? He was a lauded hero – “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
? He became an object of jealousy – “Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”
? He became a hunted foe – “Saul hunted him day after day...”
1. Bad Things Happen To Good People!
A. David’s heart was right with God. Acts 13:22 - But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after My own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.'
B. David suffered because of Saul’s rebellion.
? Human suffering is not measured by ones personal goodness or godliness. Matthew 5:45 - … This is what God does. He gives his best--the sun to warm and the rain to nourish--to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.
? David suffered because of Saul’s jealousy. 1 Samuel 18:11 - And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it.
? David’s suffering lasted about 10 years.
? David’s suffering at the hand of Saul was unjust/unfair. Psalm 59:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. 4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
C. David grew spiritually as a result of the suffering he experienced.
? At least 9 Psalms were written during this period of suffering.
? Psalm 59 {1 Samuel 19}
? Psalm 56 {1 Samuel 21:10-15}
? Psalm 34 {1 Samuel 21:10-15}
? Psalm 142 {1 Samuel 22:1-3}
? Psalm 63 {1 Samuel 22:5}
? Psalm 52 {1 Samuel 22:9-19}
? Psalm 54 {1 Samuel 23:19-29}
? Psalm 57 {1 Samuel 24:1-22}
? Psalm 7 {1 Samuel 24:9-12}
2. Man’s Evil Schemes Cannot Thwart God’s Good Purpose And Plan.
A. Saul was relentless. 1 Samuel 23:14 - “Saul hunted him day after day...”
? “Pin the javelin” on David” 1 Samuel 18:11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
? Saul’s dowry plot - 1 Samuel 18:17, 21
? Servants ordered by Saul to kill David - 1 Samuel 19:1
? “Pin the javelin” on David” - 1 Samuel 19:10
? Saul sends messengers to kill David - 1 Samuel 19:11
? Saul sends messengers to bring David back so he can kill David - 1 Samuel 19:15
? Saul sends messengers to kill David - 1 Samuel 19:20
? Saul sends messengers again. (3rd time) - 1 Samuel 19:21
? Saul goes himself in an attempt - 1 Samuel 19:22
? Saul sought David in the wilderness of Ziph and Horesh - 1 Samuel 23:15
? Saul seeks David again in Ziph - 1 Samuel 26:2
B. Saul was restricted. 1 Samuel 23:14 - “Saul hunted him day after day...”
? When suffering violates God's purpose, He steps in.
? Satan is under the parameters and permission of a sovereign God. (Job 1:6-2:10)
? Satan is on a leash. (Mark 5:12-13)
? If you are going through a fiery trial, God has His eye on you and His hand on the thermostat. (Daniel 3)
? You are invincible until God is done with you. (Revelation 11:7)
3. When Haters Hate, True Friends Can Relate. [Dealing with bullies]
A. Jonathan and David were true friends.
? 1 Samuel 18:1 - And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
? 1 Samuel 18:3 - Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
B. When David was bullied by Saul, Jonathan came to his aid.
? 1 Samuel 19:1-2 - And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. 2 But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:
C. A true friend will stand up for you when you are not around.
? 1 Samuel 19:4 - And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:
