Our Response to Unfairness
Bible Text: 1 Samuel 24, Psalm 34 | Preacher: Pastor Steve | Series: The TWO Caves of David
1 Samuel 24:1–3 …Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David had gone into the wilderness of En-gedi. So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David…
Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were hiding farther back in that very cave!
1 Samuel 24:4…So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe…
Life At Times Can Be Unfair And That Is Not Fair!
The model of the Redeemer is transformation through incarnation, rather than exclusion through damnation.
The core of redemption’s mission is Jesus. The way is narrow but it is not a narrow-minded way. The divine plan for Jesus: to become more human rather than non-human (John 1:14). Jesus demonstrates true biblical separation, a lifestyle that fully takes place in the world without becoming infected or influenced by the world. (John 4:27; Matthew 9:9-13).
1 Peter 2:20–24 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
1 Samuel 24:5 But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe.
Romans 2:12–16 …For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.
What Is Our Response To Injustice?
Psalm 34:1-22
Humility and Conversation with God
Psalm 34:1–7 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together…
Respect and Trusting in God
Psalm 34:8-10 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him…
Honesty and Pursuing God
Psalm 34:11-14 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
Righteousness and Repenting to God
Psalm 34:15-18 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Knowing and Resting in God
Psalm 34:19-22 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
God ALWAYS delivers (verse 19)
God ALWAYS redeems (verse 20)
Isaiah 43:1-2 Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.