LIVING LIFE ARTFULLY

1 SAMUEL 26

 

 Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 I. THE ART OF WAR [v. 1-11]

 

 1. Know Your Enemies [v. 1-5, 1 Pt. 5:8-9]

 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

 

2. Know Your Allies [v. 6-7, 1 Pt. 5:1-5]

 

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

 

3. Know The Lord [v. 8-11, 1 Pt. 5:6-7]

 

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

 II. THE ART OF PROTECTION [v. 12-16]

 

 1. The Protection of the Lord [v. 12, 1 Pt. 5:10-11]

 

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while , make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

 

2. The Protection of Distance [v. 13]

 

3. The Protection of the Flesh [v. 14-16] weak

 

2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

 

 III. THE ART OF CONVERSATION [v. 17-25]

 

 1. Conversing Without Real Expectation [v. 17-20, Psalm 146:3]

 

Put not your trust in princes

 

2. Confession Without Repentance [v. 21]

 

3. Confidence Without Reserve [v. 22-25, Proverbs 3:5-7]

 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.