Wisdom Prevails

Wisdom Prevails

October 2, 2011 Evening Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: We must not allow our emotions to carry us away to sin; we must allow God to be in control.

Focus Passage: I Samuel 25:14-38

Supplemental Passage: "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16 ESV)

Introduction: An angel appears at a faculty meeting and tells the dean that in return for his unselfish and exemplary behavior, the Lord will reward him with his choice of infinite wealth, wisdom or beauty. Without hesitating, the dean selects infinite wisdom.

"Done!" says the angel, and disappears in a cloud of smoke and a bolt of lightning. Now, all heads turn toward the dean, who sits surrounded by a faint halo of light. At length, one of his colleagues whispers, "Say something."

The dean looks at them and says, "I should have taken the money."

Betsy Devine and Joel E. Cohen, Absolute Zero Gravity, Simon & Schuster.

I. Acknowledge the problem (vs 24-26)

a. Abigail humbled herself before David and took the blame, even though it wasn’t her fault

b. She explained that she didn’t see the men, and if she had, things would have been different

II. Appeal for mercy (vs 27-31)

a. She asked forgiveness

b. and gives a blessing as to when David becomes king

III. Amend the situation (vs 32-38)

a. David thanked Abigail for restraining him from killing Nabal

b. God took care of Nabal in the end and David didn’t have to do it

Invitation: After a manner, Abigail was the savior of Nabal; so is Christ our Savior. We acted foolishly against God, but Jesus interceded and provided the necessary sacrifice to God that would save our lives.