The Dilemma of the Disobedient
The sermon highlights the importance of seeking God's will and the consequences of not doing so, using the examples of David and Saul's disobedience.
Theodore Epp discusses the dilemma faced by David as he becomes a bodyguard to Achish, king of Gath, which leads him into conflict with his own people, the Israelites. Epp highlights David's struggle with dishonesty, noting his history of lies that stem from doubt and fear. The sermon also examines Saul's desperate search for guidance, culminating in his visit to the witch of En-dor, which reflects his rebellion against God's will. The appearance of Samuel emphasizes the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking God's direction. Epp concludes with a reminder that true peace is unattainable for the wicked, urging believers to pursue God's will faithfully.
Text
1 Samuel 28:1-19
David and his men became bodyguards to Achish, king of Gath, and this soon put David in a dilemma. The Philistines decided to go against the Israelites, and David apparently could see no way out of going along and fighting against his own people. He had a weakness for telling lies when doubts came into his heart. This was one of his besetting sins. He had lied to Jonathan and, through Jonathan, to Saul. He had lied to Ahimelech, and that had brought death to 85 priests.
When Saul saw the Philistines, he desperately wanted help to know what to do. The story of his visit to the witch of En-dor is well known. Samuel had been dead for some time, and Saul had no one he could turn to who would reveal to him God's will. It was in keeping with Saul's character to have issued orders to destroy everyone who sought contact with the dead, such as the witch of En-dor, and then, when he found himself facing a real difficulty, to seek the help of just such an evil person.
The witch of En-dor was terrified when she discovered that it was not the evil spirit for whom she was a medium who appeared to Saul. It was Samuel himself. Once again we see that Saul's great sin was the sin of rebellion against the will of God. May we always seek to know God's will in order that we may do it.
"But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked" (Isa. 57:20,21).
Sermon Outline
- David's Dilemma
- Saul's Rebellion
- God's Will
- Importance of seeking God's will
- Consequences of not seeking God's will
Key Quotes
“But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We must seek God's will in order to do His will and avoid the consequences of disobedience.
- Disobedience to God's will leads to a life of turmoil and unrest.
- We must be careful not to rebel against God's will, as seen in Saul's example.