"MAKING OR BREAKING EXPERIENCES"
(The Leader’s Success)
I SAMUEL 17:54-18:16
This is a subject that we often avoid mostly because of its worldly connotation. But God wants us to be successful (see Joshua 1:8). Jesus said, "I have come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly." God wants us to succeed! But when success does come it is our responsibility to make sure it is a making experience not a breaking experience.
How would I define success for the Christian?: Fulfilling our God given purpose!
COMMITMENT
The tombstone of Annie Armstrong appropriately summarizes her life. It simply reads, "She hath done what she could." A worthy goal for us all!
(MissionsUSA, February 1991, p. 2)
David had suddenly been cast into the spot light of life and had become the man of the hour. But how did he handle it?
There are several factors that determine or contribute to the outcome of a leader’s success.
That is to say, that the leader’s possession of these factors will determine if his success is a making or breaking experience.
I. SINCERE HUMILITY 17:55-58 "son of thy servant"
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
(James 4:10) (Jesus washing the disciples feet - John 13:5)
A. Realize the source of life’s blessings
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17)
B. Recognize the source of life’s blessings 17:37,45-47
"That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him." (John 5:23)
C. Rely on the source of life’s blessings
II. STEADFAST RECEPTIVITY 18:1-11 (not content with success but God)
A. God given Opportunities 18:2 (most people aren’t looking for them)
B. God given Provisions 18:1-4 an intimate friendship based on kindred spirit in God
- What or who has God put in your life as His provision?
1. Giver 18:2-4
2. Supporter 19:4-5
3. Listener 20:41b
4. Encourager 23:16-18
5. Trustworthy 19:1-3
C. God given Authority 18:5a "David went out wherever Saul sent him"
D. God given Wisdom 18:5b "behaved himself wisely"
prudence: caution and careful forethought in planning.
III. SPIRITUAL AUTHENTICITY 18:12-16
Relationship with the Lord 18:12, 14, 28 God was with him because he was with God.
Three reasons this is essential:
A. Our Need 18:9, 11
B. Our Purpose (to serve Him & the only way to do that is to spend time with Him in order to determine what He would have us do)
"I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5)
C. Our Testimony 18:28
