5.13.9 "Pride Leads to Sin"

"Pride Leads to Sin"

1 Samuel 14:1-52
John 7:31-53
Psalm 109:1-31
Proverbs 15:5-7

God does great things. He moves in each of our lives in incredible ways. Sometimes we can see it, other times we miss it. As we know, Saul is a man with character flaws. Samuel has already declared that he would be replaced as king because of them. As the story in chapter 14 is told, we see Saul's flaws come to the surface.

In this chapter, Saul & his small army are positioned across the valley from the Philistine army. Saul's son Jonathan & his armor bearer decide to sneak up to attack the Philistines. God moves and the Philistines are sent into a panic. Saul & his men rally to give chase.

Saul makes a statement in verse 24-25, "Saul had declared, 'A curse upon anyone who eats anything before evening - before I have full revenge on my enemies.'".

Notice that Saul takes what the Lord is doing and makes it about himself. We have to be careful and not get personal about the things God is doing. This seemingly insignificant statement sets off a bad chain of events for the reign of Saul.

His son, Jonathan doesn't know about the curse, and eats honey. His men tell him about it, and he says, "That's ridiculous! A command like that only hurts us." Saul's prideful command gives way to his son maligning his authority.

Once Saul's men finish killing the enemy, they are so hungry, they begin to eat even raw meat which is against God's law for them. Saul's statement has now also positioned his men to sin.

At that point Saul decides he wants to hear what God has to say, but in verse 37 it says, "So Saul asked God, 'Shall we go after the Philistines? Will you help us defeat them?' But the Lord made no reply all night." There was sin in the camp that caused them to not hear the voice of God.

Saul makes the statement that "Whoever is the sinner must die. Even if it's my own son." Well, as it turns out, it is his son. He's eaten the honey...

Saul decides Jonathan must die. The men can't take it anymore, so they say, "'Jonathan, who saved Israel today, shall die? Far from it! We vow by the life of God that not one hair on his head will be touched, for he has been used of God to do a mighty miracle today.' So the people rescued Jonathan." (vs. 45)

I believe this is where Saul's reign has really fallen apart. He has lost authority in his family & in his army. What was his problem? He's impetuous, speaks without seeking God first, and is motivated by pride.

We have to be careful to understand that it's the little things in life that can cause the crumble. Just like Saul, our pride leads to sin. We do things for "me" rather than to please God. Some times the actions we take and statements we make set those around us up for trouble as well.

When we can't hear the voice of God, we must check for sin. We must make sure we are pure before him. We need to make sure we are hearing him BEFORE we move in the flesh. We need to lay down our pride and live pure, holy, and obedient before the Lord.




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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