Peter Barnes | 1 Samuel 11:1-15
SERMON NOTES
EARLY PROMISE
1 Samuel 11:1-15; Rev. 3:1-6
– Saul starts well, but does not finish well (see Matt.24:13)
1. The cruelty of the world.
– 11:1-5; the idea is obviously that Jabesh Gilead will not be able to defend itself – a little like the Treaty of Versailles after World War I
2. Victory through the Spirit.
– 11:6; like with Samson in Judges 14:19, and unlike Saul in 1 Sam.10:22
– there is unity (11:7-9), courage and resolve (11:7-9), and victory (11:10-11)
– this has come through the Spirit, as in Acts 5:29-33
– without the Spirit we are spiritually dead.
3. Grace leads to graciousness.
– 11:12; see 10:27; Saul is restrained and merciful in 11:13 but not so in 22:18-19
– the mercy, victory, renewal, sacrifices for sin, and rejoicing (11:13-15) are impressive but temporary