E-pistle for February 26, 2016
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e-pistle
February 26, 2016 FreeWay Foundation
lessons from the widow of a drunk
(I Samuel 25:1-44)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. This chapter begins with the death and burial of Samuel, who had
been the spiritual leader of the nation of Israel for over 60 years,
v. 1.
2. David sent some of his men to ask for supplies from a rich man
named Nabal; in his drunkenness, Nabal insulted them and sent
them back empty-handed; David prepared to take vengeance,
vv, 2-13.
3. Nabal's wife, Abigail, hearing of her husband's rudeness, took
food to David; she apologized, begging David to forgive her
husband rather than killing him; she acknowledged that God
would make David king, and asked him to remember her when
he came to power, vv. 14-35.
4. David followed her advice; Abigail returned home and told Nabal
what had happened while he was drunk; he had a stroke and died
within ten days; David took Abigail to be one of his wives,
vv. 35-44.
II. Meditation: on the key events of this chapter
1. The death of Samuel marked the end of the period of the Judges
and the beginning of the ascendancy of David to Israel's throne.
2. Nabal vividly illustrates the problems caused by alcohol, but this
event also reveals that during David's days as an outlaw, he
served as a protector of the shepherds and other nomads in the
nation, v. 7.
3. Abigail, the wise and beautiful wife of Nabal (v. 3), typifies the
strong Old Testament women who influenced the prominent male
leaders of Israel with their spiritual discernment and good advice.
4. David here exhibited the trait of teachableness, which helped him
many times throughout his life.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual truths seen here
1. No man is irreplaceable; God's purpose moves on beyond our
lifespan.
2. Alcohol clouds the mind, often causing persons to sin with foolish
actions.
3. Spiritual discernment is vital, but it also is important for a person to
use kindness, humility, and tact when giving good advice.
4. Teachableness and the willingness to accept good advice, even from
someone less intelligent or powerful, is an admirable trait in a leader.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Take the long view of this ministry; God's purpose will continue to be
accomplished in spite of my passing off the scene of human history.
2. Abstain from drugs and all other addictions which can become idols.
3. Give guidance and correction with a spirit of love and compassion.
4. Always be teachable and open to advice from others; avoid becoming
an obnoxious "know-it-all!"
take heed to your ministry
(Colossians 4:1-6, 17)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on "taking heed" . . . paying attention
"Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord,
that you may fulfill it," Colossians 4:17.
1. Treat others justly and fairly, v. 1.
2. Continue in earnest prayer, with vigilance and thanksgiving, v. 2:
(1) For us to have an open door for witnessing, v. 3.
(2) For us to be able to reveal clearly the message
of Christ, vv. 3-4.
3. Walk in wisdom in the sight of those who are lost . . . making the
best possible use of your time, v. 5.
4. Answer spiritual questions with grace (God's gifting) and with the
preserving properties of salt in a decaying society, v. 6.
II. Meditation: on these major things that we should "heed"
1. Inter-personal relationships – Live by the "Golden Rule,"
Matthew 7:12.
2. Prayer life – "Pray without ceasing," I Thessalonians 5:17.
3. Daily walk and influence – Produce the "Fruit of the Spirit,"
Galatians 5:22-23.
4. Spoken testimony and witness – "Be witnesses to Me,"
Acts 1:8.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual perspectives of these "heeded" things
1. Living the Christian life is not "pie in the sky by-and-by," rather, it
involves "down-to-earth, practical day-by-day living in the now."
2. Prayer for effective ministry is two-fold:
(1) For an open door of opportunity for service.
(2) For power and guidance to reveal Christ's message
clearly when we go through that open door.
3. Spiritual matters should be given the major portion of our "free" time.
(The apostles gave themselves "continually to prayer and to the
ministry of the word," Acts 6:4. So should we! How much valuable
time do we Christians waste watching television or surfing the internet!)
4. A believers cannot adequately answer spiritual inquiries unless he:
(1) Treats others with love,
(2) fellowships with God in prayer, and
(3) uses his time wisely . . . with the proper priorities and with
spiritual discipline.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Be friendly and courteous to all persons, exhibiting the sweet spirit
of Christ in all I do and say.
2. Pray for my church and other worthy Christian ministries . . . that God
will prosper and use them mightily to accomplish His purposes.
3. Discipline myself to give clear priority of time to spiritual things, such
as Bible study, meditation, and prayer.
4. Be open to God's revelation about His truths and purposes . . . so that
I may share this God-given wisdom and knowledge with those who want
to know Him better.
"We know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose,"
Romans 8:28
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