E-pistle for January 29, 2016
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E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation January 29, 2016
david's friends: false and true
(I Samuel 23:1-29)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. The Philistines attacked the Jewish city of Keilah; David inquired of the Lord,
Who told him to march to their rescue; David's men became afraid, but at the
Lord's second word they attacked and defeated the Philistines, vv. 1-5.
2. Abiathar, the only surviving son of the high priest, wore the ephod (sacred
tunic) and received instructions from the Lord for David; Abiathar revealed
that Saul was coming to Keilah and that the inhabitants would surrender
David to the king's forces, so David and his 600 men fled into the wilderness,
vv. 6-13.
3. Saul sought for David in the wilderness but could not find his hiding place;
Jonathan did find David in the forest and encouraged him with the assurance
that he knew David would be the next king of Israel; Jonathan and David
renewed their covenant, vv. 14-18.
4. The citizens of Ziph reported to Saul where David and his men were hiding;
David kept moving his camp, but just when he almost was trapped, word
came to Saul that the Philistines had invaded Israel; Saul broke off pursuing
David to return to leading his troops in defending the nation, vv. 19-29.
II. Meditation: on the events of this chapter
1. The Lord, through the high priest, Abiathar, gave David instructions.
2. The citizens of both Keilah and Ziph betrayed David because they were
intimidated by the power of the wicked King Saul.
3. Jonathan remained loyal to David, giving him aid and comfort although he
knew that David would succeed his father, Saul, on the throne.
4. Just when things looked darkest for David, the Lord intervened, using the
Philistines to break off Saul's pursuit.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications of these events
1. God gives guidance to his faithful, chosen people.
2. People often become frightened and fickle in the face of fierce opposition.
3. A true friend assists another in spite of personal danger or possible loss.
4. God controls the events of history; He shall accomplish His purposes.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Seek guidance and direction from the Lord day by day.
2. Avoid becoming cynical when persons I have helped fail to reciprocate or
repay my kindness to them.
3. Be a friend indeed to my friend in need!
4. Trust God to bring good results out of bad circumstances, Romans 8:28.
Christ made us alive together with him
(Colossians 2:13-15)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the text
"You, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He
has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having
wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was
contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Having disarmed principalities and power, He made a public spectacle of them,
triumphing over them in it."
II. Meditation: on Christ's finished work ("having . . . ")
1. HAVING forgiven you all trespasses, v. 13.
2. HAVING wiped out the handwriting of requirements (signed confession of
indebtedness: I.O.U.) that was contrary to us, v. 14.
3. HAVING nailed it to the cross . . . He has taken it out of the way, v. 14.
("IT" means the indictment)
4. HAVING disarmed principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12), He made a
public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it, v. 15.
III. Revelation: on the benefits we receive through the cross of Christ
1. Forgiveness of sin.
2. Cancellation of debt.
3. Death of the old life; birth of a new life.
4. Victorious power to conquer evil spiritual forces.
IV. Applications: Daily I need to go to the cross . . .
1. In repentance and confession asking God to forgive all my sins.
2. Receiving from God a "clean slate" . . . cleansing (I John 1:9) . . . another
chance . . . a fresh start.
3. Putting to death my old, sinful, carnal nature (Galatians 2:209) . . . allowing
Christ to live in me (Colossians 3:4).
4. Exercising spiritual power over Satanic, demonic forces. (See Romans 8:37,
I Corinthians 15:57, and I John 5:4)
PRAYER: Lord, today I confess and repent of my sins, asking You for forgiveness and
cleansing. Nail my sinful nature to the cross, empowering me, through Christ's
life, to live victoriously also. AMEN
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