Whatever is making us believe that we will suffer defeat, let’s look at this promise and hold on to it: “With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.” (Psalm 60: 12) Whatever we need victory over, God is able to fight for us.
Why? He has raised a banner over His children. “You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth.” (Psalm 60: 4)
(Shared from Psalm 60, Paraphrased)
Could His banner over us declare victory? Why? We are dead to sin but made alive in Christ! His promise says, “Know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with…” (Romans 6: 6)
For a believer this old self has been rendered powerless–we are no longer enslaved by it. We used to be slaves to sin, but now we are free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness, slaves to God. This position as a slave to God has promoted us to reap holiness, only because of what Jesus did. It’s nothing we’ve earned. It’s a free gift–grace. It’s no longer I who live, but Christ lives through me.
(Shared from Romans 6, Paraphrased)
Saul needed to gain victory over himself. Samuel is sent to Saul and tells him to destroy the Amalekites, as God has instructed. He said, “Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. (1 Samuel 15: 3)
Saul summons his men to go, they attack their enemy but they spared the best of the sheep and cattle and everything that was good.
The Lord was grieved that he had made Saul king because he didn’t fully obey Him. “Samuel was troubled and he cried out to the Lord all that night.” (1 Samuel 15: 10)
- When we feel troubled in our spirit, going to the place of prayer is the best place to go.
Samuel then goes to Saul the next morning finding he had gone to Carmel, to set up a monument in his own honor.
- Self-glorification in leadership is not good.
- Stay humble and remember who we are serving.
Samuel confronts Saul reminding him that the Lord had said to destroy everything but Saul didn’t listen. He chose to keep their best livestock, thinking he could use these animals as a sacrifice to the Lord.
When Saul explained this to Samuel he said, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15: 22)
Saul confesses he has sinned, but Samuel knew it was not a true repentance. He turns to leave and Saul grabs his robe tearing it. At that point, Samuel turns toward him and declares, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors–to one better than you. He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.” (1 Samuel 15: 27)
- God doesn’t change His mind, but man does.
The Lord had given Saul another chance to prove himself, but again, Saul failed. He was more concerned about his reputation and pleasing the people than his character before God.
- Walking in obedience will bring us to victory in all areas of our life. (Shared from 1 Samuel 15, Paraphrased)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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