Peter Barnes | 1 Samuel 14:1-52
SERMON NOTES
VICTORY AND FOLLY
1 Samuel 14:1-52
– contrast of Jonathan and Saul
1. Faith that is brave and humble.
– 14:1-6, 7-15
– in day to day life, faith often speaks the language of ‘perhaps’ (14:6)
– Jonathan has confidence in the power of God to save (14:6)
– Jonathan is courageous
2. A rash vow and a lack of judgment.
– 14:24-26; like Judges 11:30-31; see Eccles.5:2, 4-5
– Jonathan makes more sense in 14:27-30; Saul learns nothing in 14:36-45; see Prov.8:15
3. Yet God still uses mixed instruments.
– 14:31-35; Saul shows some wisdom and obedience here (note Gen.9:4; Lev.17:11); he still wins victories in 14:47-48; he is still human; God can use one who does not belong to Him.
– Dale Ralph Davis: ‘One can be a historical success and a covenant failure.’