E-pistle for February 12, 2016
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e-pistle
FreeWay Foundation February 12, 2016
a flea on a dead dog
(I Samuel 24:1-22)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. After chasing off the Philistines (chapter 23), Saul took 3,000 men
and sought David; unknowingly, Saul entered a cave where David
and his men were hiding; David secretly cut off a corner of Saul's
robe; David's conscience bothered him over this act, and he
would not allow his men to kill Saul, vv. 1-7.
2. After Saul left the cave, David called to him and pointed out that
he could have killed him but that he only had cut off a piece of his
robe; David called upon the Lord to judge the situation, and stated
his determination never to harm the Lord's anointed; David humbly
referred to himself as unworthy when compared to the king . . . like
a flea on a dead dog, vv. 8-15.
3. Saul wept, admitting that David was more righteous than he; Saul
got David to swear that he would not destroy Saul's family line,
vv. 16-21.
4. Saul returned home, and David and his men went back to their
hideout (stronghold), v. 22.
II. Meditation: on some significant events recorded in this chapter
1. David had a very sensitive heart which troubled him over a seemingly
minor infraction: cutting Saul's robe, v. 5.
2. David honored and respected the anointed office of the king, although
the man himself was neither honorable nor respectable, v. 6.
3. David exhibited humility and submission, in sharp contrast to Saul's
arrogance and pride, v. 14.
4. David repaid evil with good, rather than taking vengeance upon the
enemy who was trying to kill him, v. 17.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual principles seen here
1. The Spirit of God convicts His people of their sins, John 16:7-11.
2. Persons in authority should be treated with dignity and respect for
the sake of their office, in spite of their personal failures,
Romans 13:1-7.
3. Submissive servant hood is the mark of true greatness in the kingdom
of God, Matthew 20:25-28.
4. God's people are to love their enemies, bless those who curse them,
do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who persecute
them, Matthew 5:44.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Be sensitive to the prodding of the Holy Spirit; immediately repent of
my sins, confessing and forsaking them.
2. Treat governmental and spiritual leaders with due honor and respect.
3. Exhibit a humble, submissive spirit as I serve God and other persons.
4. Love, bless, do good to, and pray for my enemies who hate, curse,
and persecute me.
seek those things which are above
(Colossians 3:1-24)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on a believer's position in Christ
1. Believers have been raised with Christ to sit with Him at the place of
authority . . . "the right hand of God," v. 1.
2. Believers are to "set" (focus) their minds on spiritual things, not on
physical things, v. 2.
3. Believers have absolute security because their lives are hidden with
Christ in God, v. 3.
4. Because Christ literally is the believer's life, they also appear with
Him in glory, v. 4.
II. Meditation: on "taking off" and "putting on"
1. Remove (take off; get rid of); (vv. 5, 8-9)
(1) Fornication (5) Covetousness (9) Malice
(2) Uncleanness (6) Idolatry (10) Blasphemy
(3) Passion (7) Anger (11) Filthy Language
(4) Evil Desire (8) Wrath (12) Lying
2. Receive (put on; cultivate): (vv. 10, 12-15)
(1) Knowledge (5) Kindness (9 ) Tolerance
(2) Holiness (6) Humility (10) Forgiveness
(3) Acceptance (7) Meekness (11) Love
(4) Tender Mercies (8) Long-suffering (12) Peace
III. Revelation: on the positive results of such a changed life
1. Spiritual edification and encouragement of each other, v. 16.
2. Worship, including singing with grace to the Lord, v. 16.
3. "Whatever you do" . . . do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
giving thanks, v. 17.
4. "Whatever you do" . . . do it with your whole heart, as to the Lord
and not as unto men, v. 23.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Rejoice in my position of authority and security in Christ.
2. Focus my mind on spiritual things, allowing Christ to really "BE" my life.
3. Renounce sin and embrace righteousness in my daily life.
4. Worship God and serve others (with thanksgiving) in the name of the
Lord and with my whole heart . . . as UNTO the Lord.
"Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me;
All His power and passion and purity.
O Thou Spirit divine, All my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."
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