2. 3. “Michal: Scheming & Rescue”
1 Samuel 18 (20-30), 19 (11-17)
p. 265

3. Blessing David has done everything right! Some critical questions:
But Saul was afraid of him (18:15)
God’s presence made his life difficult (18:12)
Some critical questions:
Does blessing always follow when we do right?
What does blessing look like?
Is it personally rewarding to be faithful to God?

4. 1. Scheming David delivers Israel from Goliath. David’s life is hard
Saul makes him an army commander and then gets jealous (18:15-16)
David’s life is hard
In the bigger picture God’s purposes are achieved
David is fulfilling Saul’s role (1 Sam 8:20)
He is not praised by his boss.

5. David is doing what is right. Saul starts Scheming:
Let’s Saul off his promise to marry his daughter (17:25)
Saul starts Scheming:
Give his daughter as a “snare” (18:21)
To get David killed (18:25)

6. David acts honourably, faithfully, courageously
1. Scheming . . .
David acts honourably, faithfully, courageously
His reward is harsh (18:28-29)
Saul becomes his enemy.
Saul reveals his murderous intent (19:1)
Tries to kill David with a spear (19:9)
Sends soldiers to kill him at home (19:11)
Sends soldiers and goes himself to kill David at Ramah (19:21-22)

7. Why isn’t God blessing him?
1. Scheming . . .
David has been loyal, hard working … … but ends up a refugee on the run.
Why isn’t God blessing him?
Jesus’ warning – persecution (Matt 10:34-39, 24:9)
True in Paul’s life (2 Tim 3:10-12)
Persecution & opposition – rejoice (Matt 5:11-12)
We are part of a cosmic battle (Eph 6:12)

8. 2. Rescue 3x we are told exactly where God is:
“The Lord was with David” (18:12, 14, 28)
He is a refugee but God is with him
God works to rescue David:
Always prevails against the Philistines.
Two of Saul’s children side with him.
Samuel gives him refuge
God intervenes through his Spirit.

9. God’s purposes are moving forward –
2. Rescue . . .
God’s purposes are moving forward –
David is driving the Philistines back
He is growing in popularity and prominence.
There is a greater purpose to David’s life.
The same was true of Jesus (John 5:19)
We are called to the same (2 Cor 4:11, 5:15, Gal 2:20)

10. Presence of God made up for discomforts & dangers
2. Rescue . . .
Presence of God made up for discomforts & dangers
We need to break out of the terrible deception:
Fullness of our souls not from possessions (Luke 12:15)
Wealth is one of the greatest dangers (Luke 8:14)
Boldly stepping out in faith produces deep fruit
Mature, complete, not lacking anything (Jas 1:2-4)
Paul’s instruction to Timothy (1 Tim 6:18-19)

11. God turns Saul’s scheming against him
2. Rescue . . .
God turns Saul’s scheming against him
God’s presence more than makes up for hardships.
David does well spiritually when things are tough.

12. God achieves much in/through David’s life:
2. Rescue . . .
God achieves much in/through David’s life:
Philistines are driven back
David is popular with the people and the army
David’s claim to the throne enhanced by marriage
David is learning to trust God
His first instinct as a refugee is to turn to Samuel.
It is an example of Peter’s words (1 Pet 5:6-9).

13. God achieves much in/through David’s life:
2. Rescue . . .
God achieves much in/through David’s life:
Philistines are driven back
David is popular with the people and the army
David’s claim to the throne enhanced by marriage
David is learning to trust God
His first instinct as a refugee is to turn to Samuel.
It is an example of Peter’s words (1 Pet 5:6-9).

14. Living it Started with questions about God’s blessing.
Clear lessons from David’s life:
Blessing does not always make life easy.
We are called to faithfulness no matter if it is easy
We have assurance of God’s presence (Matt 28:20)
It is not all about us. God has a greater purpose.
God works in and through people.

15. The Christian life is not about heroic loners!
Living it . . .
God works in and through people.
David is supported by his men in battle
By Jonathan as an advocate
By his wife as a rescuer
By Samuel as a refuge
The Christian life is not about heroic loners!

16. We are about our Father’s business (Heb 12:1-3)
Living it . . .
We are about our Father’s business (Heb 12:1-3)
What it looks like in our context:
Get involved in a home group
Come to the retreat