Dr. Dennis Deese
“WHEN SOMEONE HAS DONE YOU WRONG”
(The Leader’s Self-Control)
I SAMUEL 24:1-22
When you are in the position of leadership, you will be provoked. David had 4 motivating thoughts to help keep him on track (to make the right decision) when most would have been easily diverted from God’s will. What were the four thoughts that led to his self-control?
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)
How much is in you? Let’s consider four thoughts we need to develop that will motivate and maintain self-control (when I say self-control, I am distinguishing the difference between personal control by the Holy Spirit and having control over others). There needs to be the governing thought of:
I. RIGHTEOUSNESS 24:5, 11, 12-13, 17 (See Romans 6:11-21) That is Based upon:
A. Conviction 24:5 (Daily discipline of yielding to the Holy Spirit)
B. Change (See Romans 6:11) (being obedient to God not self his relationship with the Lord was his priority)
C. Character 24:6-7, 10 (influence of our testimony)
II. RESPECT 24:6, 8, 10, 15 That is prompted by the:
A. Word of God 1 Chronicles 16:22
“[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” (Psalms 105:15)
B. Example of Jesus
“[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:3-5)
C. Design of God (Lines of authority such as family, government, work force etc.)
III. RECONCILIATION 24:9-11, 16
He could appeal for reconciliation because he had an understanding of:
A. Origin of conflict 24:9, 13
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:9-10)
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and father of it.” (John 8:44)
B. Value of relationships 24:9-11
C. Futility of vengeance 24:14 (Chasing flees)
D. Intervention of God 24:12
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:7-9)
IV. REWARDS 24:19
A. God’s Presence 24:15
B. God’s Provisions 24:20
