I Samuel 22:6-23

I. The self-centered live a short-sighted existence.
-characteristics of the self-centered
1. They are consumed with their own wants and comforts.
2. They see people as means to an end instead of God's image-bearers.
3. They overestimate their importance.
4. They treat others unjustly.
-John 13:34, Phil 2:3, Micah 6:8

II. The enemies of God ultimately fulfill God's word.
-I Samuel 2:31-35
-Acts 2:23, 4:27-28

III. There is safety in the presence of God's anointed.
-Three contrasts between Saul and David
1. Saul looks "secure" sitting out in the open, but he is ultimately insecure. David seems insecure in the cave, but is ultimately secure in God's will.
2. Saul had the priests kill, feeling no remorse. David didn't kill the priests, but felt sorrow and responsible for their deaths.
3. Saul summons Ahimelech and "all his household" having them killed. David's parents and "all his household" came to him and he sought their safety.
-Col. 3:3-4

Three reminders:
1. Our lives are not our lives, don't focus on the temporal to the neglect of the eternal.
2. Don't be discouraged by the enemies of God, for even they end up fulfilling God's word.
3. Be encouraged becuase our safety is in the arms of God's anointed (Messiah).

I Samuel 21-22:5

I. Who will we depend on for provision?
-Matt. 12:1-8

II. Who will we trust for deliverance?
-Ps. 34:1-3, Ps. 56:11, 13
-Robert Bergen "David took upon himself the trappings of insanity to hide his sanity; Saul surrounded himself with the trappings of sanity to cloak his insanity."

III. Who will we rely upon for direction?

I Samuel 20

In the covenant relationship there is:

I. Uncommon faithfulness.
-kindly = hesed = lovingkindness;
Davis "is not merely love, but loyal love; not merely kindness, but dependable kindness; not merely affection, but affection that has committed itself.”
-John 1:14, Hebrews 4:14-16, 9:15

II. Steadfast commitment.

III. Unfathomable peace.
-safety = shalom
-Romans 8:31, 37

Sermon Notes: 1 Samuel 18

4 references to David's success (5, 14, 15, 30)

3 references to Yahweh being with David (12, 14, 28)

6 uses of verb for love (1, 3, 16, 20, 22, 28)

3 references to Saul fearing David (12, 15, 29)

I. The surrender of faith.

-knit = to bind, league together

-S.G. DeGraaf "This deed on his part was an act of faith, Only faith makes us willing to be the lesser. Faith causes us to surrender the rights we pretend to have over against the Christ, who is truly Israel's King."

-John 14:15, Phil. 2:3

II. The danger of a jealous heart.

-anger = to burn

-displeased = bad, wicked

-snare = moqesh = bait, lure; used three times in Torah for danger of idols (Ex. 23:33, 34:12, Deut. 7:16)

Jelousy:

1) Distorts the way we think

2) Motivates rash actions.

3) Devises devious plots.

-Prov. 27:4, Song of Solomon 8:6

III. The Lord's favor on His anointed.

-enemy = be hostile to, hate

-John 15:18, 24

-Matt. 3:17, 17:5, Acts 10:38

-John 8:42-45