Pastor Marshall Ochs | July 16, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 27-28. These chapters tell the story of David moving to Ziklag and Saul seeking advice from a witch. Both situations reveal the characters walking in sin and contrast wisdom with folly. These stories help us understand that there are deep roots and consequence to waking in obedience and waking in disobedience.
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Monday: Read 1 Samuel 27
In 1 Samuel 27, we delve into the consequences of foolish decisions. Despite being anointed by God and having experienced His faithfulness, David chose to live with the Philistines. Some argue that it was a wise decision, but we can see the sin and compromise involved upon closer examination. David decided in his heart not to seek God's guidance. God's last word to him was to live in Judah. By aligning himself with the Philistines, David became a servant to Achish instead of his true calling as a servant of God. David's compromise started in his heart and gradually spread, affecting not only him but also his family and friends. Sin and disobedience always start in our hearts.
How can you ensure that you remain steadfast in your trust in the Lord, even when faced with difficult circumstances?
Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 28:1-6
In chapter 28, the narrative shifts to Saul. Saul's path is marked by disobedience and godlessness. His disobedience and failure to trust God's plan had led to his disqualification as king. God had withdrawn His favor and stopped answering Saul's prayers. Saul's actions had dire consequences. When we turn away from God and think we can create our own paths or solutions, we will find ourselves on the path of foolishness. Let us guard our hearts and seek to align ourselves with God's Word.
Have you ever found yourself on a godless path, away from God's guidance and authority? Reflect on the statement that sin doesn't bring peace but only destruction. How does this truth resonate with you? How can you cultivate a heart that desires obedience to God's Word, knowing that it leads to true peace and joy?
Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 28:7-14
In this chapter, we witness Saul's desperate attempt to seek guidance from the spirit realm, even though he had banned mediums. God does not forbid us from these practices because they are fake or make-believe but because they are real and extremely dangerous. Engaging in these forbidden practices opens you up to demonic deception. Demons can masquerade as angels, or the dead offering knowledge and false solutions. The risks are significant, and the consequences are dire. As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize His Lordship and submit to His authority alone. Let us avoid the forbidden paths that lead to deception, destruction, and separation from God. May we remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom found in God's Word.
Have you ever been tempted to seek guidance from sources outside of God's Word? How can you reaffirm your commitment to Christ as Lord over your life?
Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 28: 15-25
Saul's desperate plea for guidance finally receives an answer, but it is not what he hoped for. Samuel's message to Saul is one of impending doom and death. The consequences of Saul's sinful choices are severe: he and his sons will die, and Israel will lose the battle against the Philistines. Saul's story is a stark reminder that sin does not bring peace; it leads to destruction. The path of the fool, characterized by disobedience and godlessness, may seem appealing in the moment, but its consequences are far-reaching and eternal. Let us take heed and examine our own lives. Are we walking in outright rebellion or, like David, choosing our own path because we don't understand God's? Instead, let us choose to walk the course of the wise, obedient to God's Word, and not rely on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Him and know He will indeed direct our paths.
Do you fully grasp the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience? How can you encourage others to choose the path of obedience?
Heavenly Father, help me understand the gravity of sin and its consequences. Help me to understand that choosing my own path is sin. Give me a heart that desires obedience to Your Word. Grant me wisdom and discernment to make choices that honor You and lead to a life of blessing. May my life be a testimony to others, encouraging them to walk in obedience as well. In Jesus' name, amen.
Friday: Read 1 Samuel 29-30