"friends, Foes, And Finding Favor With God"

Title: “Friends, Foes, and Favor” Scripture: I Sam. 18

Type: Series on David Where: GNBC 10-6-24

Intro: If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve more than likely been betrayed by someone close to you.

Nothing hurts more than a hurt that you never see coming. Many people refer to this kind of betrayal as being “stabbed in the back.” There’s good reason for that. In the OT, friends protected one another’s flanks in the heat of battle, but occasionally, someone close, perhaps motivated by power, greed, or offense, has been known to thrust a sword into the back of a friend they swore to protect. No one expects a trusted business partner to embezzle from a shared account. We do not see it coming when a spouse commits adultery with someone we know. We do not expect friends to steal money or possessions from the home into which we graciously invite them. Nor do we expect our friends in church to cancel longstanding relationships based on a church division. But it happens. Few people in history have done more for a man than David did for Saul when he killed Goliath. Initially Saul’s reaction was gratitude and support, but in an instance all of that would change. Today we shall see why.

Prop: Follow w/me in I Sam. 18 as we continue to follow the aftermath of David’s great victory.

BG: 1. 3rd in our series “David, A Man After God’s Own Heart”. In an instance David goes from shepherd boy to national hero. Heady stuff!

2. Today’s events take place on heels of David’s greatest victory. Just as soon as people begin to sing David’s praises, Saul becomes consumed with fear and jealousy and seeks to undermine his success.

Prop: Let’s Examine 3 Important Insights into I Sam. 18 and David’s Ensuing Success.

I. David’s Great Day vv. 1-5

A. This Chapter Begins with David Experiencing the Blessing of Fame and Friendships.

1. David had immediately risen from a nobody to a somebody!

a. Illust: 1973 The Carpenters hit “I am on the Top of the World Looking Down on Creation” Such a feeling's coming over me, There’s wonder in most everything I see

Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes, And I won't be surprised if it's a dream. V.2 Everything I want the world to be, Is now coming true especially for me

And the reason is clear, it's because you are here, You're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen…David, Israel’s sweet singer may have been humming this tune just about now.

b. David is rewarded after killing the giant, Goliath. It was a good day for King Saul. Someone else fought and won his battle. It was a glorious day for young David. The stalemate is over. Victory is won without casualties. The king’s cousin, Gen. Abner brings the victorious youth to receive the king’s blessing.

2. Battles change the direction of one’s life.

a. V.2 – Important lesson. Being victorious or by contrast, being defeated, in certain battles in life will unalterably change the direction of one’s life. Ministry, business, family, etc.

b. V.2 Now we will explore this more deeply in a few moments, but I think this started off with good intentions but quickly turned sour. In fact, it reminds me of the old adage: “Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer.”

B. Jonathan Recognizes God’s Favor Upon and Choice of David

1. Jonathan Recognizes in David a Young Man with a similar passion and purpose.

a. I imagine this conversation takes place back in the king’s quarters near the battlefield. Celebration of victory after the battle. (There are 2 camps when thinking of Jonathan and David’s difference in age. Many think probably no more than 5 years apart. I think more likely at least 20 years difference. If Saul is pushing 70’s make sense Jonathan at least 40 yrs. David 15-18 yrs.).

b. “The conversation David has with Saul, clinches matters for Jonathan (18:1). No doubt Jonathan is impressed by David’s victory over Goliath, but David’s words with his father seem to be what impresses Jonathan most. Is it David’s faith in God? Is it the fact that David is careful to give the glory to God? Is it David’s humility and humble spirit? Is it David’s care for the people of Israel? We are not told exactly what impresses Jonathan so much in this conversation, but it is clear that from this point in time onward these two men are kindred spirits.” (Deffinbaum sermon) Jonathan vows loyalty to David even at his own expense!

2. Jonathan Vows Loyalty to the man who will take his position.

a. V.3 – Jonathan “made a covenant” with David. The prince recognized in David a kindred spirit in both their faith and devotion to God. I Sam. 14:6 relates the story of Jonathan’s absolute trust in God and bravery when with only his armor bearer, he attacks a Philistine garrison.