I Samuel 13

• I Samuel 13:1
  • Different translations have different numbers here. See Acts 13:21. A few late manuscripts of the Septuagint say Saul was 30 years old when he began to reign, so some translations use that number.
  • The assumption is that the numbers in Hebrew dropped out at some point, but we have other references we can use to reconcile the chronology.
  • Even the most literal of translations don’t agree on the rendering of this verse.
  • It is estimated that Saul became king in roughly 1051 B.C., but estimates here can differ greatly depending on how you interpret the verse.
• I Samuel 13:8-9 - We must learn patience!
• I Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul tried to make excuses, but this made no difference with God.
• I Samuel 13:14 - This is clearly referring to David, but David may not have even been born at this point.

I Samuel 14

Introduction

• Philippians 4:7
• John 14:27
• There is only one source of true peace.

“If I just had a bit more money …”

• Ecclesiastes 5:10
• Money is no guarantee of peace.
• I Timothy 6:17-19
• The heart needs God not stuff.

“If we could jsut elect the right person …”

• John 19:10 - Jesus didn’t expect peace to come from any of the officials.
• Philippians 1:2; 4:7-9 - Paul looked to God for peace.
• True peace doesn’t come from politics.

“If I could just be healthy …”

• II Corinthians 4:16-18; 12:7-10

“If I could just have some awesome vacations …”

• Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
• Peace comes from a clean conscience.

“If ______ would just get what they deserved …”

• Psalms 73:3, 16
• Romans 12:19
• Ultimately, God will take care of things at the end and justice will be done.

“If I could just have a better relationship with ______ …”

• Romans 12:18
• Matthew 5:11-12
• John 15:19; 17:14; 14:27
• Galatians 5:14-15

“If I just had the right family …”

• I Corinthians 7:26-27, 32-35

“The only perfect peace is with God through Christ.”

• John 16:32-33
• Romans 1:7; 5:1; 8:5-8
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Do you have peace?

Local churches are authorized to provide for the preaching of the gospel (continued)

Observation: the money was sent directly to the preacher (continued)

• Wayne Goforth: “Why I Left the Institutional Position”
• If the principle is wrong, the scale doesn’t matter.
• Let’s not stray beyond the simple NT pattern (“Herald of Truth,” “One Nation Under God” campaign, etc.).
• Sponsoring church arrangement
  • First, there is no authoring for churches to pool money together for evangelism.
  • Second, local churches - which should have independent local function and local oversight - give away control of the money they send.

Observation: the gospel was taught

• I Corinthians 9:14
• II Corinthians 11:7
• Philippians 4:15
• I Corinthians 15:1-8
• II Thessalonians 1:8
• The gospel is more than just the facts of Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection - it’s the whole body of teaching in the New Testament.
• Mark 16:15-16
• Matthew 28:19-20
• What a wonderful thing we are tasked with teaching! Romans 1:16
• We also cannot go beyond the gospel to teach other things.

Observation: Encouragement of preachers was important (not just money).

• Acts 13:3; 14:26

I Samuel 11

• I Samuel 11:1-3 - Although it is not mentioned here, we know from later passages that Nahash is the king of the Ammonites. The elders didn’t seem to have confidence in either Saul or God.
• I Samuel 11:4 - The people also show complete lack of confidence in God and Saul.
• I Samuel 11:5 - Saul seems to have not been recognized in his official capacity yet.
• I Samuel 11:7 - Saul ties himself to Samuel’s authority.
• I Samuel 11:15 - Saul is again anointed king and there is great rejoicing. Saul was doing a great job as king so far. He showed faith and courage and handled problems quickly and decisively. He was still humble at this point.

I Samuel 12

• I Samuel 12:1-5 - Samuel had a good reputation. He reminds the people that he had done a good job and they had no good reason to demand a king.
• I Samuel 12:7-13 - Samuel reminded them of all the righteous deeds God had done for them as further indictment for their decision to ask for a king.
• I Samuel 12:14-15 - The nation would have run fine under judges if they had obeyed God.
• I Samuel 12:23 - Samuel considered it sin for him to not pray for Israel.
• I Samuel 12:25 - It is interesting to compare the state of Israel with the founding of America. See the book Forged in Faith by Rod Gragg.

It does not reject or replace Christ

• Some have the idea that either Jesus or baptism saves. It is it not either or!
• Acts 2:38
• Luke 10:17 - What does “in your name” mean?
• Baptized in the name of Christ
  • Deuteronomy 18:20
  • I Samuel 17:45
  • Acts 3:6; 4:7
  • Matthew 28:19
  • Acts 2:38
  • Acts 8:16
  • Acts 10:48
  • Acts 19:5
• Romans 6:3
• Colossians 2:12
• I Peter 3:21
• Therefore … obey Christ by being baptized!
  • Luke 6:46 - Jesus is the one demanding we do things!

It does not add one to a denomination.

• I Corinthians 12:12, 27 - Baptism adds us to the one body.
• Galatians 3:27
• Baptism doesn’t put one into any man-made organization or into a local church.
• Therefore … submit to Christ!
  • I Corinthians 1:12-15

It does not mean your work for God is done.

• Matthew 28:19-20
• Acts 2:38, 41
• Therefore … walk in newness of life!
  • Romans 6:3-5, 11-13

It does not keep one from sinning later and being lost.

• Acts 8:12-13, 18-24
• Galatians 5:4; 1:2; 3:26; 5:7 - They were once faithful, but then hindered.
• I Corinthians 9:19, 22-23, 27 - Paul was careful to not be lost himself after working so hard to save others.
• Therefore … keep resisting the devil.
  • James 4:7
  • Colossians 1:21