3. “Michal: Scheming & Rescue”

1 Samuel 18 (20-30), 19 (11-17)

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Blessing

David has done everything right! But Saul was afraid of him (18:15)

God’s presence made his life difficult (18:12)

Some critical questions: Does blessing always follow when we do

right?

What does blessing look like?

Is it personally rewarding to be faithful to God?

1. Scheming

David delivers Israel from Goliath. Saul makes him an army commander and

then gets jealous (18:15-16)

David’s life is hard

In the bigger picture God’s purposes are achieved David is fulfilling Saul’s role (1 Sam 8:20)

He is not praised by his boss.

1. Scheming . . .

David is doing what is right. Let’s Saul off his promise to marry his

daughter (17:25)

Saul starts Scheming: Give his daughter as a “snare” (18:21)

To get David killed (18:25)

1. Scheming . . .

David acts honourably, faithfully, courageously His reward is harsh (18:28-29)

Saul becomes his enemy.

Saul reveals his murderous intent (19:1) Tries to kill David with a spear (19:9)

Sends soldiers to kill him at home (19:11)

Sends soldiers and goes himself to kill David at Ramah (19:21-22)

1. Scheming . . .

David has been loyal, hard working …… but ends up a refugee

on the run.

Why isn’t God blessing him? Jesus’ warning – persecution (Matt 10:34-

39, 24:9)

True in Paul’s life (2 Tim 3:10-12)

Persecution & opposition – rejoice (Matt 5:11-12)

We are part of a cosmic battle (Eph 6:12)

2. Rescue

3x we are told exactly where God is: “The Lord was with David” (18:12, 14, 28)

He is a refugee but God is with him

God works to rescue David: Always prevails against the Philistines.

Two of Saul’s children side with him.

Samuel gives him refuge

God intervenes through his Spirit.

2. Rescue . . .

God’s purposes are moving forward – David is driving the Philistines back

He is growing in popularity and prominence.

There is a greater purpose to David’s life.

The same was true of Jesus (John 5:19)

We are called to the same (2 Cor 4:11, 5:15, Gal 2:20)

2. Rescue . . .

Presence of God made up for discomforts & dangers

We need to break out of the terrible deception: Fullness of our souls not from possessions (Luke

12:15)

Wealth is one of the greatest dangers (Luke 8:14)

Boldly stepping out in faith produces deep fruit Mature, complete, not lacking anything (Jas 1:2-

4)

Paul’s instruction to Timothy (1 Tim 6:18-19)

2. Rescue . . .

God turns Saul’s scheming against him

God’s presence more than makes up for hardships. David does well spiritually when things are

tough.

2. Rescue . . .

God achieves much in/through David’s life: Philistines are driven back

David is popular with the people and the army

David’s claim to the throne enhanced by marriage

David is learning to trust God

His first instinct as a refugee is to turn to Samuel.

It is an example of Peter’s words (1 Pet 5:6-9).

2. Rescue . . .

God achieves much in/through David’s life: Philistines are driven back

David is popular with the people and the army

David’s claim to the throne enhanced by marriage

David is learning to trust God

His first instinct as a refugee is to turn to Samuel.

It is an example of Peter’s words (1 Pet 5:6-9).

Living it

Started with questions about God’s blessing.

Clear lessons from David’s life:

1. Blessing does not always make life easy.

2. We are called to faithfulness no matter if it is easy

3. We have assurance of God’s presence (Matt 28:20)

4. It is not all about us. God has a greater purpose.

5. God works in and through people.

Living it . . .

5. God works in and through people.• David is supported by his men in battle• By Jonathan as an advocate• By his wife as a rescuer• By Samuel as a refuge

The Christian life is not about heroic loners!

Living it . . .

We are about our Father’s business (Heb 12:1-3)

What it looks like in our context: Get involved in a home group

Come to the retreat