Peter Barnes | 1 Samuel 20:1-42
SERMON NOTES
A True Friend
1 Samuel 20:1-42
The subtitle of this chapter might be: ‘How to walk the tightrope of relationships’.
1. Being godly in trying circumstances.
– Jonathan seeks to be godly in the ambiguity and the fallenness of this world. Arthur Pink and Richard Phillips criticise David for turning to Jonathan rather than the Lord – but see 2 Timothy 4:9-10, 16-17.
– Jonathan seeks to believe the best about his father before he has to believe the worst – 20:2; see 19:6-7, then 20:3-3, 9, 34, 42.
– Matt.10:37; Proverbs 18:24b.
2. Sin left unchecked takes over.
– Once a door is opened, sin rushes in and takes over; 20:24-27. Jonathan lies to his father, as David had suggested back in verse 6 – 20:6, 28-29. Walter Chantry: ‘Evasion and tactics of battle demand deceit. Fools must be answered according to their folly.’
– Saul gives himself away – 20:30-33; 2 Pet.2:20.
3. Covenant love.
– a wonderful display of Christian friendship (20:12-17, 23, 41; Psalm 133. But faith runs all through this – 20:16.
– David and Jonathan do not just follow the same football team; they are united by faith in the God of the covenant.