E-pistle for November 20, 2015
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E-PISTLE
FreeWay Foundation November 20, 2015
between a rock and a hard place
(I Samuel 14:1-52)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jonathan and his armorbearer won a victory over the Philistines, vv. 1-15.
2. Saul's troops joined Jonathan to completely rout the enemy, vv. 16-23.
3. Saul foolishly ordered the troops to keep attacking all day without stopping
for food; Jonathan, unaware of his father's prohibition, ate some honey, but
he escaped punishment through the pleas of the other soldiers for Saul to
rescind his orders, vv. 24-46.
4. Saul continued to fight the many nations which attacked Israel; his family
members are named, including his uncle, Abner, who served as the
commander of his army, vv. 47-52.
II. Meditation: on the conversation between Jonathan and his armorbearer
1. Jonathan: "Come, let us go over to the Philistines garrison," v. 1.
2. Jonathan: "It may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains
the Lord from saving by many or by few," v. 6.
3. Armorbearer: "Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you,
according to your heart," v. 7.
4. Jonathan: "Come up after me, for the Lord HAS DELIVERED them into
the hand of Israel," v. 12.
III. Revelation: on attacking the enemy "BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE"
1. Jonathan surprised the Philistines by climbing on his hands and knees
through a difficult pass between two rugged outcroppings: "Bozez"
(Slippery) and "Sench" (Thorny), v. 4.
The path to victory often lies between the slippery slope of "doubt" and
the thorny bush of "fear" . . . and that path only can be traveled successfully
on one's knees!
2. Jonathan's faith and courage was based upon the power of Almighty God,
Who is not limited by how few persons are available to attack the enemy, v. 4.
3. Jonathan asked for, and received, a sign from God on whether to go forward
or to retreat, vv. 9-12.
4. Jonathan moved by "heart-prompting" from the Lord; in stark contrast, his
father, Saul, ordered the priests to stop trying to get divine guidance because
he didn't have time to wait, vv. 18-19.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to understand that . . .
1. Adverse circumstances call for spiritual faith and courage.
2. God delights in bringing victory in spite of overwhelming odds.
3. Godly leaders succeed only if they have faithful, loyal followers.
4. God speaks His work to the leader, who then enlists others to follow him by
citing the vision and the promise received from the Lord.
PRAYER: "Lord grant me . . . faith and courage as I stand 'between a rock and a hard place' . . .
victory over giant-sized enemies . . . faithful, loyal followers . . . and Your vision and
promise for encouragement. AMEN"
this one thing I do
(Philippians 3:3-24, 17)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on who are the true Jews (spiritual Israel) . . .
1. Persons who worship God in the Spirit, v. 3.
2. Persons who rejoice in Christ Jesus, v. 3.
3. Persons who have no confidence in the saving power of their human good
works ("in the flesh,") vv. 3-8.
4. Persons who have received Christ's righteousness by faith in God, v. 9.
II. Meditation: on a growing Christian's heart-felt desires (v. 10)
1. To know Christ intimately . . . "abiding" in Him, John 15.
2. To experience the power of His resurrection (through the Holy Spirit).
3. To share in the fellowship of His sufferings, including being persecuted.
4. To be completely dedicated to Him . . . even unto death.
III. Revelation: on how to accomplish these spiritual goals (vv. 13-14)
1. Face life with humility.
"I do not count myself to have apprehended."
2. Forget past failures and successes
"Forgetting those things that are behind."
3. Finish the race with perseverance and endurance
"Reaching forward to those things which are ahead."
4. Focus on Jesus (His will and purpose for me.)
"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward
call of God in Christ Jesus.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Recognize my position as a member of "spiritual Israel" and claim the
promises of God made to His people in the Old Testament.
2. Identify completely with (and participate in) Christ's life, suffering,
death, and resurrection.
3. "Run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus,
the author and finisher of our faith," Hebrews 12:1-2.
4. Live a Spirit-filled life so I will be able truly to say with Paul: "Brethern,
join in following my example," Philippians 3:17.
"Nothing needs so reforming as other people's habits."
Mark Twain
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