Who Is King?

Sunday Morning July 29, 2001 Bel Aire Baptist Church, Hobbs, NM

WHO IS KING?

1 SAMUEL 8

Introduction:

1. Who here likes to be in charge? You know, be in control of what happens! Almost all of us, if we are being honest, like to be in charge.

2. We face that problem in our church, in our work places, in our homes, etc…

3. This is not a new problem, but it definitely has an affect on our relationships.

4. Let’s look at this question this morning of “Who is king”?

5. Turn with me to 1 Samuel 8.

I. Whining

[Illustration]: Anytime we want to be in control and things don’t go as planned, the natural reaction is to make up reasons and excuses for why it needs to be our way. I will assure you that I have heard more excuses for not attending or serving at church than you can imagine. Some of them are pretty good but others are just flat ridiculous. It is human nature to always have a reason even if it is not a good reason.

My police officer friends can give you great explanations that they have been given for people speeding. You know, like non-pregnant women going into labor, having to make it to a restroom, late for church (yea right), etc…

Israel’s explanations for wanting a king:

A. Explanation #1: Samuel’s sons were not fit to lead.

1. When people see us as Christians not following Christ and our lives full of sin, they will use this as their excuse for not following Christ.

2. Using others faults to justify your own sins has always been a popular route.

B. Explanation #2: The 12 tribes of Israel could not work together because each tribe had its own leader and territory. The people hoped a king would unite the tribes into one nation and one army.

1. In our churches and workplace do we depend on a man to fix all of our problems or do we go to God for our solutions?

2. Who will hold us together as a church? The staff? The deacons? Or will we allow God to hold us together?

C. Explanation #3: The people wanted to be like the neighboring nations.

1. How often do we allow our values and beliefs to be changed or altered to fit in with others?

2. We are supposed to be different (2 Corinthians 5:17).

3. Are we different or do we fit in the crowd?

4. Let’s look at Lot for a moment (Genesis 19:14).

a. Lot had lived so long fitting in with those around him that he was no longer a believable witness for God.

b. Lot allowed his environment to shape him instead of shaping his environment.

c. When Lot finally made a stand, no one listened.

II. Warning

A. Samuel tells the people they will regret their decision.

1. The nation of Israel would eventually have 41 kings. Only 11 kings followed God at all and seven of those forgot God at the end of their reign. This spiritual rebellion later caused captivity by foreign nations.

2. The people learned that a human leader was not an answer to their problems. Only God.

B. Samuel carefully explained the negative consequences of having a king, but the Israelites refused to listen.

1. In our Christian lives, do we weigh out the positive and negative aspects of each decision we make and take it to God or do we set our minds on what we want and do it?

2. When we want something bad enough, it is very easy to not allow God to make the decision.

III. Will

A. Although God knew He was the only fit King for the Israelites, He gave them free will to choose. They wanted a human king so God did not stop them.

1. God has a plan for each of us. God has a plan for our church.

2. If we choose to not follow it, God does not stop us. That sin that has you captive. That habit you have. God will not stop you from going back to those. He has warned you of the dangers, but He will not treat you as some robot.

B. Notice that God did not leave His people. God appoints Saul as king and the nation of Israel is victorious for a while until Saul’s sins began to hurt the nation.

1. Yes, God allows us to set up human leaders, but why follow man who will eventually fall instead of following God who will never fail?

2. You say, “If that’s the case why are you here preacher”? I am here to lead you in the direction God is leading all of us, but as soon as I began to think I am in charge and push God to the side, we are all in big trouble.