Trust in God rather than Man
Introduction
1. Let’s turn to 1 Samuel 19.
2. Have you noticed how much we depend on technology in our modern world?
a. I have been so conditioned to the modern world; I think that I would have some difficulty being forced to live without modern conveniences.
b. Think with me about all the ways we look to technology rather than to God.
· Used to be when you got a headache, you would pray for God’s touch. Now I just take some Advil.
· Things are going well physically, I call and make an appointment with my primary care physician so I can get into a specialist.
· One of the hopes of modernism was the technology answering all our problems.
c. There are some ways in which we call out to God when things get out of control.
· As Mark Twain said, “Everyone talks about the weather, but no one ever does anything about it.”
· I believe it was yesterday, Sonny Perdue, the Governor of GA, hosted a prayer meeting for rain.
· Mayor Tony Reames of Orme, TN opens the water valve for the city every night at 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm after the water is trucked in from Alabama.
· Remember September 11th; all of a sudden, public prayer was okay and apparently manger scenes were not as offensive as they used to be.
3. We will waiver if we put our trust in man rather than God; how do we misdirect our faith to men from Christ?
4. We are continuing in our study of 1 Samuel.
a. We have been introduced to David when he was anointed in 1 Samuel 16.
b. He defeated Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.
c. Last week, we saw that David’s faith was tested and he passed with flying colors.
· His faith was tested by popularity – Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands (1 Samuel 18:7).
· His faith was tested by demotion – Saul demoted him yet he behaved wisely and the Lord was with him (1 Samuel 18:14).
· His faith was tested by disappointment – Saul never gave his daughter as was promised to the one who defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17:25).
5. Tonight, I want us to see we will waiver if we put our trust in man rather than God.
I. David faith begins to waver as he begins to trust in men.
A. David trusted that Jonathan could intercede for him with his father.
1. Saul still wanted to destroy David.
2. David didn’t need Jonathan to intercede; he needed Saul to have a change of heart
B. David trusted in his wife, Michael
1. David allows his wife to use deception to protect him.
a. Can you do evil hoping that good will come; “And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.” Romans 3:8
b. This is a profound question that is seen throughout Scripture
· The Jewish midwifes (Exodus 1).
· Rehab (Joshua 2).
2. David wrote Psalm 59 during this time.
C. David trusted in Samuel
1. This was probably David’s wisest move.
2. Samuel defeats Saul without lies or weapons but with the Spirit.
II. We will wavier if we put our trust in man rather in God.
A. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to have faith for someone else?
1. I routinely pray for individuals who are going through financial difficulties.
a. I encourage them saying that God will provide
· I do believe it!
· I don’t even think or worry about how he will do it; I just know that he will.
b. However, if I am the one in a financial difficulty; I doubt, wrestle, fret, loose sleep, wondering not only how but also if.
2. When I visit someone in the hospital, I pray for God’s blessings and healing.
a. I try to encourage them saying, “It’s only a minor operation!” God is going to get you through.
· Remember, a minor operation is defined as an operation on someone else.
· God will heal; God can use doctors to heal.
b. When I am in the hospital, it’s a major ordeal regardless if it’s a minor operation.
3. It is easy to believe for others, but believing God for our own needs can be more difficult.
B. We will wavier if we put our trust in man rather in God.
1. Those who trust in man inherit a curse and trouble (Jeremiah 17:5).
a. They will actually live in dry places.
b. They will not even see when good comes – nothing is enough.
c. It is not uncommon to encounter people who do not seem to be able to look to the Lord for their security or help.
· They look to the pastor to be their Jesus.
· They can become angry when the answer is no.
2. Those who trust in the Lord inherit a blessing
a. God promises to provide protection and strength to those who trust him.
b. Trusting God doesn’t mean that we cannot be helped by human beings.
· When we get medical treatment, it is God who heals not the medical staff.
· When we get that promotion, it is God who is lifting us up not our employer.
· We should thank those who minister or help us, but let’s also recognize that God is behind it.
3. It is time for us to ensure that our eyes are on Christ as he blesses us day to day (Matthew 6:33).
Conclusion
1. David faith begins to waver as he begins to trust in men
2. Let’s not waiver, but stay strong as we trust in God rather than man.