Part 4: Powerful Contrast

1. Keep your focus on God to overcome fear. 1 Sam 21
   1. Fear can lead to desperate measures. 1 Sam 21:2ff
   2. Fear can lead to dangerous actions. 1 Sam 21:10-15

2. Recognize the consequences of defective theological vision. 1 Sam 22
   1. David’s big view of God builds trust, even when David is on the run. 1 Sam. 22:1-5
   2. Saul’s small-to-nonexistent concern for God leads to paranoia, even on the throne.
   3. Consequences of defective theological vision.
      1. Alienation: Refusing to listen to Ahimelech’s legitimate defense. 22:14-15
      2. Desperation and Sin: Frustrated, Saul turns to Doeg, killing the whole city. 1 Sam. 22:18

3. Give weight to God. 1 Sam 26-31
   1. A lifetime of dishonoring (“under-weighting”) God can lead only to ruin.
      1. Saul’s royal career began with a special meal prepared by Samuel, after which Saul went forth to become king. Now he eats his last meal, prepared by a witch, and goes forth to certain death. 1 Sam. 28:25
      2. Regularly giving more weight to circumstances than God meant that Saul constantly vacillated between overwhelming fear and overweening pride.
   2. David, though flawed and sometimes failing, honors God by living in genuine relationship with him, and in return God gives him weight and rescues him. 1 Sam. 29:6-11

NEXT SUNDAY: Join us next week for “Gospel Transformation” Pt 5 as we combine Proverbs and Mark and look at how with the Gospel, you are always in “The Early Morning of Life.” See you then!
THANKS FOR COMING! We’re glad you are here, and we hope you’ll make yourself right at home. If you are visiting with us today, we would love for you to fill out a Connection Card and place it in the offering box; or you can scan the QR code and fill it out that way! Also, please feel free to pick up a Welcome Bag on the back table. We hope you are inspired and encouraged today!
STEP 1: BLUEPRINT FOR BELONGING. TODAY, Sunday, July 27th at 12:00 is our introduction to The Connection. We will get to know one another and learn about the blueprint for our church and is our first step in membership. Lunch is included. It’s not too late, stick around and we’ll have food!
UPCOMING WORKSHOP: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Sunday August 17th 12:00-2:00pm. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Come ready to learn, reflect, and connect with others as we explore how the Holy Spirit equips us to serve and build up the body of Christ. All are welcome! Register for this event on a Connection Card, through the Connection App or on our website.

• Congregation: $5,534
• Counseling Centers: $9,493