Sermon Recap
This week, Pastor David spoke about the two stories in which David spared the life of King Saul (1 Samuel 24 and 26). Here, we witness David once again on the run from Saul’s relentless pursuits. Forced to abandon his home, his wife, his family, and friends, David managed to avoid Saul time after time. Yet, in both of these stories, David is given an opportunity when Saul is vulnerable and helpless. Despite the insistence of his men, David refuses to harm Saul and take revenge despite all that Saul has done.
Following 1 Samuel 19, Saul gives himself to evil entirely, going as far as having the inhabitants of an entire town killed for having helped David. Realistically, between his acts of evil and the resources wasted, it would have been for most people’s benefit had David taken his revenge. Despite this, David refuses to take matters into his own hands. He commits his cause to the Lord, just as he had with Goliath, believing that the Lord would rescue him and give him justice in this matter.
From a worldly standpoint, David’s actions didn’t make sense. Saul had betrayed him several times over, and all the signs seemingly pointed to his revenge being justified. Ultimately, though, even if David’s actions would have been justified had he taken revenge, it doesn’t mean it would have been right. Scripture consistently testifies to the importance of exhibiting restraint and showing mercy, even when it doesn’t make any sense. As believers, the way we respond to the pain of betrayal should look different, and it shouldn’t make sense to those who don’t know Christ. While this is certainly a difficult calling, our God understands this well, and he helps us to live a life of mercy and restraint through the power of the Holy Spirit. After all, just as Jesus testifies to, what is impossible with man is possible with God.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
In the face of betrayal or hurt, is it difficult for you to show restraint? Why or why not?
In what ways can you grow your capacity to show mercy to others even when it's challenging?
Have you ever felt the need to pray for your enemies? Why or why not?
Prayer
Lord, you know my thoughts and the state of our hearts. I pray that you would grow my capacity to forgive, and my ability to show mercy to others. In the face of hurt and betrayal, would my response be like David’s, who refused to take revenge even when it would have been justified. I ask that I would have the heart of your son, who forgave those who persecuted him, even while on the cross. I ask that my heart and mind would be transformed in your likeness, and that I could love like you love. In your name I pray; amen.
Life Application
Just as David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to test you and know your thoughts each day in prayer.
Seek accountability from those you trust when it comes to the ways that you respond and speak to others.
Don’t Forget!
Night of Worship & Prayer Sept 7th @ 6:00pm
Additional Resources
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