I Samuel 25

I. Nabal demonstrates the danger of self-centeredness.
-Nabal = fool
-Is. 32:6
-Similarities between Nabal and Saul.
1. Saul set up a monument for himself at Carmel. Nabal's business was at Carmel.
2. Saul chases David in Maon. Nabal lives in the region of Maon.
3. Saul is king. Nabal is wealthy and celebrates like a "king."
4. Nabal's name means "fool." Samuel told Saul he had acted foolishly (13:13; Saul admits acted foolishly 26:21).
5. Nabal refers to David as the "son of Jesse." Saul refers to David as the "son of Jesse."
-Dangers of self centeredness.
1. All attention is placed on the temporal.
2. Self-centeredness is self-idolatry.
3. There is no willingness to help and share with others.
4. There is a refusal to acknowledge the divine source of what we have.
-Heb. 13:16

II. Abigail faithfully intercedes.
-Contrasts between Abigail and Nabal.
1. Nabal was a fool. Abigail was discerning.
2. Nabal was harsh. Abigail was beautiful and gentle.
3. Nabal acts with arrogance and contempt toward David. Abigail acts with humility and deference toward David.
4. Nabal has no concern for David's future. Abigail is concerned for the future impact of David's present actions.
-Impact of her intercession.
1. She interceded for the sake of her family.
2. She interceded for the sake of David's guiltlessness.
-James 5:19-20

III. David has to gain "wisdom transfer."
-Wisdom transfer = the ability to apply the principles of past lessons to present situations.

-Lessons of application
1. Avoid the dangers of selfishness by loving God and loving people.
-Rom. 2:8, James 3:14-16, Phil. 2:3
2. Be ready to intercede for others.
-Gal. 6:1-2
3. We must learn "wisdom transfer," applying past lessons to present situations.
4. Victory over sin today doesn't guarantee victory over sin tomorrow.
5. Praise God for His restraining hand.