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(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)
God used David’s experiences to prepare him to be king of Israel.
Two passages in this week’s scripture to focus on. First, let’s look at 1 Samuel 25:28-31. This is Abigail speaking in regards to her “fool” husband Nabal. She starts in 1 Samuel 25:24 “Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him.” Then she proceeds with her speech of mercy, truth and wisdom.
1 Samuel 25:28-31
“Please forgive your servant’s presumption. The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live. 29 Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. 30 When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel,31 my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.”
God uses every circumstance to sanctify us.
I would like to add, He not only uses every circumstance but every person to sanctify us. Let me read again verses 29-30. This time listen for the wisdom in the words Abigail speaks. Do you think God used her to speak these words for a purpose even beyond that moment?
1 Samuel 25:29-30 Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. 30 When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel,31 my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself.
Now let’s read the second focus area of scripture for this doctrine of Sanctification. Look at 1 Samuel 26:9-11 with me. While you are turning there I will attempt to bring you back to that scene as well. David went to check out where Saul and his army commander Abner were camped planning their attack on David near the hill of Hakilah (Ha-ke-lah). Abishai agreed to go down to the camp where Saul and Abner were sleeping and found Saul with his spear stuck in the ground near his head.
1 Samuel 26:9-11
But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? 10 As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. 11 But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”
Deja vu? David’s words sound similar to Abigail’s words just a chapter before in regards to her husband Nabal. Basically she reminded him that even though someone is out to get him, God will not only protect him but avenge Himself on them. Reminded me of Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
In addition, wisdom says David does not want unnecessary bloodshed on his conscience. Therefore, as I got from Amy’s lecture “Die to self and live for Christ”.
Remember this wasn’t the first opportunity David had to take out Saul. He had that “cut the hem of his robe while he was in the potty opportunity” as well. Sometimes it takes multiple opportunities, tests, situations to bring us to where God wants us.
The Holy Spirit constantly, lovingly, graciously works through our circumstances to change us.
Sanctification defined: A believer’s progressive growth in holiness.
“Be holy as I am holy” says the Lord in Leviticus and reminds us in 1 Peter 1. Sanctification is not just a good idea, or #goal, it is a command of God.
So for you, for me, where am I resisting God’s process of sanctification in my life? Who, have I written off as “sand paper people” and not seen how God is trying to develop patience, and compassion for people using that one person? We are complete and secure in Christ. However, we still face situations that help us grow. Today is the perfect day (the start of a New Year) to submit to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. As we move into our corporate time of prayer, first “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need”. Take a minute to ask God for His sanctify work to be accomplished in you this year, forgive us of our pride, unforgiveness, control and idolatry of comfort.