BIG IDEA:
GOD CAN USE OUR NETWORK OF CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS TO HELP PROTECT US IN TIMES OF DANGER AND PERSECUTION
(:1A) INTRODUCTION: BIG-TIME, SURPRISING DANGER
A. Unexpected/Unjustified Danger
“Now Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death.”
Any danger we face pales in comparison.
You have the king putting out the contract on David’s head.
B. Imminent Danger
C. Complication: Threat coming from the very one David was called to served
Aspects of authority and submission involved as well as self preservation
Rom. 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I. (:1B-10) PROTECTION BY A CLOSE FRIEND (JONATHAN)
David needs to take responsibility to protect himself as well
“please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself.”
A. (:1b) Good Definition of Friendship
“But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David.”
Where you might have expected to find jealousy and rivalry you find true friendship instead.
Friends in high places can be helpful.
B. (:2-3) Friendship Involves Taking Risks to Support One Another
Complication: Betraying the confidence of his father and king.
Jonathan correctly viewed Saul’s unjustified attacks against David as sin. Therefore, he first tried to appeal to his authority … but if that failed he was prepared to act according to his conscience. This was not just about friendship.
Seeking information and clarification – are things really as bad as they seem? Can a peaceable solution for forged?
C. (:4-7) Friendship Involves Speaking Up on One Another’s Behalf
Reinforce their positive characteristics and contributions.
– “he has not sinned against you”
– “his deeds have been very beneficial to you”
D. (:8-10) Cycle of Danger and Protection Renewed
The ambush of a crazy man … possessed by demons.
– Divine Providence
“he slipped away out of Saul’s presence”
– Human Responsibility
“and David fled and escaped that night”
II. (:11-17) PROTECTION BY AN INTIMATE RELATIVE (MICHAL)
David needs to take responsibility to protect himself as well
A. The Counsel of Your Wife can be Perceptive and Timely
B. The Creativity of Your Wife can Suggest a Good Plan
C. Complication: Resorting to Trickery and Deceit
Household idol = not a very positive sign of the level of family spirituality
III. (:18-24) PROTECTION BY A SPIRITUAL MENTOR (SAMUEL)
David needs to take responsibility to protect himself as well
A. A Spiritual Mentor Makes a Good Confidante
“Now David fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him.”
B. Plans to Capture David are Repeatedly Frustrated / The Supreme Power of the Spirit of God
Saul was persistent in his efforts to seek out David to capture and kill him.
C. Complication: What type of ecstatic prophesying was being practiced here?
Some bizarre behavior