Misusing Religion
I Samuel 13-14
April 9, 2000

-          Monarchy was new concept for Israelites:  they wanted it but were not sure what to do with it

-          Saul had no mentor; nor was he teachable

-          Disorganization characterized the nation

-          People scattered and were only loosely connected by their religion and family heritage

-          Saul faced ominous task of delivering Israel from Philistine oppressors and others including the Ammonites

-          Saul resorted to strong-arm tactics and manipulation rather than godly leadership (e.g. 11:7)

-          Israelites had undue reliance on the office of King rather than the Lord (12:12-15)

Human accolades may come, but God looks not on our outward success but our faithfulness to Him.  Contrast between Saul with his touch of success and Jonathan with his faithfulness.  Jonathan had a true religion; Saul only sought to "use" religion for his purposes.

 

I. Veil of Religion 

1.      Saul liked the "press" clippings - pride (13:2-4); pride exposes a heart not bent on the Lord.  (The writer is not glaring in his assessment but subtle).

2.      Saul gave little thought to heart obedience 13:8.

 - his concern was for appearance

 - his religion was for the crowd, not the Lord

 - his direct violation of divine instruction shows his carelessness.

3.      Saul could always find an excuse (13:11-12) - excuses sound good, at least on the surface; the underlying thought showed he had no dependence on the Lord.

4.      Saul appears to be unmoved over Samuel's stark proclamation (13:13-14)

-          Beware of a religion that takes for granted God's favor or goes soft on God's pleasure

-          Saul is now without spiritual leadership or direction (13:15a)

-          Saul resorts to scheming with those out of divine favor (14:2-3, rejected kingship and priesthood).

5.      Saul wanted the credit for others' work and faith (14:14).

 

II. A Simple Faith 14:1,4

            1. Jonathan's actions were not to impress men or to have their approval (14:1)

            2. "Imagination of Faith" (Ralph Davis) (14:6)

 - A reliance upon the Lord, not self (check the wording)

  - Focus upon the greatness of God

 - Recognition of God's power and ability

3. Faith not presumption 14:6

"perhaps"

Davis:  "Many in our own day think that to say "perhaps" cuts the nerve of faith, that if faith is faith it must always be certain, dogmatic and absolutely positive.  Faith however, must not be confused with arrogance.  Jonathan's "perhaps" is part of his faith...faith does not dictate to God, as if the Lord of hosts is its errand boy.  Faith recognizes its degree of importance and knows it has not read a transcript of the divine decrees for most situations.  All this, however, does not cancel, but enhances its excitement.  Who knows what this omnipotent God may be delighted to do against these uncircumcised Philistines" (138).

 

III. Clouds Amidst the Victory 14:16

1.      Pseudo-religious mind 14:18-19

2.      Saul's foolish vow 14:24 - Ellisen:  "Saul's oath belongs to those superstitions which think that God is more likely to listen if men indulge in unnecessary self-denial" (Davis 140).  He failed to gain a great victory (14:30).  The people were led into sin (14:32-33).

3.      The real leader never gained the throne because of Saul's disobedience and arrogance - 14:28-30.  Yet God was pleased to use Jonathan as a choice vessel and example of faithfulness.  He realized the kingdom was not his nor Saul's but the Lord's (Davis 142).  Davis:  "For Jonathan, then, the kingdom was not his to seize, not his to rule, but his to serve (142).   

 

Do you hide behind the thin veil of a useless religion?  Or does your religion keep you steadfast in faithfulness to the Lord?

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