John 15:1-8 (NIV)

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Recap series, “When the Heroes of Faith Speak”

PRAY

This morning, we?re going to look at possibly the most beloved character in the Old Testament.

He lived a life of success and sorrow, faith and failure.

He knew the humility of being a simple shepherd?

He knew the honor of being a nation?s King.

His name was David?and Scripture tells us that David was a man “After God?s own heart”.

And yet, David made some horrible mistakes in his life that brought shame upon him, and pain/suffering upon his family.

As I pondered what King David would say if he stood in this pulpit this morning, I was literally overwhelmed.

We could spend months looking at his life?

I could preach entire sermon series on the life of David.

How could I possibly boil his entire life down into just a few words of advice?

I believe that if David were here, he would share these 3 bits of wisdom with you.

First, I believe that David would remind you?

PRIDE KILLS FAITH

I Samuel 16 tells the story of the Shepherd boy who became a King.

The youngest of 8 children, David was out in the fields tending sheep when Samuel came to his father?s house to anoint a new king over Israel.

Jesse sent 7 of his sons before Samuel, beginning with the oldest.

He was a fine looking fellow, probably a cross between a young Tom Cruse, Bruce Willis and Richard Gere.

Samuel thought for sure that this was the man to be King?he just looked like a king!

But God said to him in I Samuel 16:7,

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

6 more sons passed by Samuel, and God didn?t allow Samuel to anoint any of them as the new King.

Finally, Jesse called David from the fields.

Verse 12 tells us the he was bright, red headed and good looking.

Samuel anointed the young boy David as the new King of Israel.

The youngest brother – a poor peasant sheep-herder was made the king of Israel.

But there was only one problem.

King Saul was still on the throne and refused to accept that he was fired!

He still remained on the throne, and David couldn?t take his place until God had removed him.

Saul was slowly going crazy, and verse 14 says that a distressing spirit troubled him.

David came to play some music for Saul, and even though he was the rightful King, remained in submission to Saul.

Fast forward with me to chapter 17?The armies of Israel were on one side of the hill?.The armies of the Philistines were on the other side of the hill, and “No man?s Land? stood in the valley before them.

Each day, a nasty nine foot tall guy by the name of Goliath walked out into the center of the valley and challenged any one of the Israelites to fight him, winner take all!

This was the beginning of what we call in sports today, “Sudden death Overtime”.

This is when the game goes into overtime and the first team that scores wins the game.

Except, this really was “Sudden Death Overtime!”

Not a single soldier, including David?s own brothers, would dare face down Goliath.

David came to the camp to bring food to his brothers, and heard Goliath down in the valley.

David heard Goliath trashing the nation of Israel, and blaspheming God.

He was enraged?He went straight to Saul and volunteered to fight Goliath.

In the valley stood a giant and a boy, and warrior and a child.

Goliath looked down at David and said in verses 43-44, “?Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. “Come here,” he said, “and I?ll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”

David could handle a lot of abuse, after all, he had 7 older brothers!

But he couldn?t handle hearing God cursed, so David said in verse 45-47

1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NIV)

45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

He stunned Goliath with a rock from a slingshot, and used Goliath?s own sword to cut off his head.

And on that day, David showed everyone he really know how to get ahead in this world!

And as soon as he was done, he went right back to being the shepherd boy who played music for the king.

He went right back to his position of submission under Saul, and waited for God to make him the king.

Here?s the point that I want you to see.

David didn?t stand on his own abilities, strengths or talents.

David didn?t play politics, curry favor and try to take the king?s place.

David didn?t take the credit for the victories that God gave him.

Do you remember what David said when he faced Goliath?

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me?”

David knew that the victory belonged to God.

David understood who was the Shepherd and who was the sheep.

David understood who was the potter and who was the clay.

David was careful not to let himself become prideful in his own ability.

Jesus said it more appropriately in John 15:5

John 15:5 (NIV)

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Friends, we need to get a hold of that principle for our lives?David knew it well.

Without Jesus, you and I could not accomplish a single thing!

In my opinion, there tends to be a lot of pride in the church of Jesus Christ.

We talk about how we did this or we did that.

Friends, let me say this as your pastor?We haven?t done anything.

God has done everything.

This church is moving forward ? not because of anything we?ve done but because of what God is doing!!

Exciting things are happening here!

It?s not the preaching, teaching, caring, sharing, or giving that?s growing this church?It?s Jesus!

It?s not good management, careful budgeting, missions or outreach that?s growing this church?It?s Jesus.

He is the vine, we are the branches?

If the preaching/teaching are good, it?s because Jesus used some simple men/women to speak His truth.

If the caring/sharing minister to you, it?s because Jesus uses each of you to love one another.

If good management/careful budgeting helps us reach the lost, it?s because Jesus guided each person to make that happen.

If this church is reaching the lost through missions or outreach its because God planted passion/vision in come folks hearts to make that happen.

Let me share with you the quickest way to destroy God?s work in a church.

Just get prideful and start taking credit for what God?s doing!

The moment we start giving the credit to us rather than God, His blessings will disappear.

Friends, we need to make sure that we have David?s heart.

David knew that he couldn?t kill Goliath?but he knew that God could!

David knew that he couldn?t take the throne from Saul?but he knew that God could!

May I give you what I believe is a very accurate way to tell whether you suffer from “holy pride”?

How willing are you to stay out of God?s way and let Him work in your church and your life?

Pridefulness believes that it all depends on us.

Pridefulness has to have control.

Pridefulness resists any new ideas.

Pridefulness can?t step out on faith.

Pridefulness puts God in a box and says, “God, we make the rules here, not you. We know what we?re doing better than you do!”

In my experience, the more prideful a person is, the more controlling and resistant they are to allowing God to work freely.

And friends, here?s the secret that young David knew.

God can?t work in an atmosphere of pride.

His own people will quench His Spirit when they?re prideful.

His own church will stop His work when pride rules the roost.

Would you agree with me on a few things here this morning?

We really don?t deserve a God?s love that sent His son to die for us.

We really can?t do anything to earn our way to Heaven.

We really can?t become less sinful unless God?s Holy Spirit leads us.

We really can?t get God to love us more by doing favors for Him.

We really don?t want our way, we want God?s way.

We really can?t accomplish anything for God unless He accomplishes it through us.

Could you say those things this morning and really mean them?

Then you understand what David understood.

Don?t ever let yourself become prideful in your own ability.

So, before we go on, what happens when we let go of all pride and let God?s Spirit work through us, depending on Him for the results.

A. We?ll stop fearing failure.

We just do the work that Jesus sets before us, and let Him worry about the results!

B. We?ll be Free to Take a Step of Faith.

When we simply follow God?s leading and stop worrying about failure and results, then we?re not afraid to take those God led steps of faith.

We took a step of faith when we initiated the building project.

We stepped out on faith, trusted God for the results, and He isn?t letting us down!

When we strip away all pride in our personal ability, then God can really move and work in our midst.

David say to us this morning, “Pride kills faith”

2nd David would plead with us?

2. Don?t let too much idle time cause you to sin.

We?re going to fast forward again quite a few years ? Now the shepherd boy has become king over Israel.

He?s a king, anointed by God, placed on the throne to serve the people.

Turn to II Samuel 11 (Pew Bible Page 306)

2 Samuel 11:1 (NIV)

1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

And so began the most horrible time in David?s life.

He saw Bathsheba bathing on a nearby roof.

The roof was considered a private place, away from the prying eyes at street level.

But the palace towered above the other buildings in Jerusalem.

David saw Bathsheba, found out she was married, and still called her to the palace to have sex with him.

She became pregnant, and David called her husband home from the battlefield to sleep with her and hide his sin.

Uriah refused, so David had him murdered on the battlefield.

Turn with me to II Samuel 12 and see the horrible results of David?s sin.

2 Samuel 12:1-12 (NIV)

1 The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. 4 “Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.” 5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” 7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ 11 “This is what the LORD says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”

Even though David repented, there were still terrible consequences for his sin.

The young baby conceived by David/Bathsheba died from illness.

Incest was committed in David?s own home as David?s son Amnon took his stepsister Tamar.

David?s own son, Absalom, murdered Amnon is revenge for Tamar, then rose up in rebellion against David.

He drove David from the palace in Jerusalem, and took David?s wives and slept with them to insult/humiliate his father.

The rebellion was crushed, and Absalom was killed.

David lived the rest of his life in constant strife, sorrow and violence, just as Nathan had foretold.

If David was here this morning, He?d plead with you.

He?d say, “Don?t let too much idle time cause you to sin!”

Let me explain?Look back again with me to II Samuel 11:1.

2 Samuel 11:1 (NIV)

1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

Kings were supposed to accompany their armies to battle.

Kings weren?t supposed to sit idle around the palace.

I believe that David?s sorrows began when he stayed in the palace, with too much time on his hands.

If David had gone to war, he wouldn?t have seen Bathsheba on the rooftop.

If David had gone to war, he wouldn?t have called for her ands slept with her.

If David had gone to war, he wouldn?t have had to order her husband to be killed in order to marry her and hide the shame.

If David had gone to war, Nathan would have never pronounced God?s judgment on David.

There would have been no rape.

There would have been no murder.

There would have been no rebellion.

David would not have to watch as 2 of his sons died.

All that grief and pain caused by too much idle time on his hands.

Many years ago, someone said, “Idle hands are the Devil?s playground.”

How true it was in David?s case?How true it is in our lives as well.

Do you have too much idle time on your hands?

Do you find yourself being tempted when you have idle time?

Do you give into that temptation too easily when you have idle time and no accountability?

There is a solution for this. And I can attest to it. If you are married, have lots of kids (sic). Just joking.

But it is important that you have what I call accountable idle time.

Don?t allow idle time with no accountability. Plan what you do with your idle time and be accountable to someone about what you do!

David, a man after God?s own heart, sinned when he had too much time on his hands.

You?re no stronger than he is.

David would freely tell you this morning that Idle time destroyed his life.

He?d say, Don?t let too much idle time cause you to sin.

Last, David would plead with you.

He?d say?

Don?t be afraid to admit when you?ve blown it.

Look back at II Samuel 12:13.

This is David?s immediate response to Nathan when he exposed David?s affair.

2 Samuel 12:13 (NIV)

13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.

Now, I want you to turn to Psalm 50. (Pew Bible Page554)

David wrote it in response to his sin with Bathsheba.

READ PSALM 50

CONCLUSION

Do you want to know why an adulterer who committed murder is called “A man after God?s own heart”?

Psalm 50 tells us why!

David wasn?t afraid to admit when He?d blown it!

May I challenge to do the same thing right now?Don?t be afraid to admit that you?ve blown it!

You won?t be telling God anything that He doesn?t already know!

Take that first step toward forgiveness/restoration today?Be like David?.Don?t be afraid to admit when you?ve blown it!

Matthew 16:24-27 (NIV)

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

INTRODUCTION

recap message series, “When the Heroes of Faith Speak”

Today we?re going to look at the life of a man who was dedicated to God before he was born. In 1 Samuel, chapter 1, we are introduced to him.

Here we learn that there was named Elkanah, and Elkanah had 2 wives. The first wife was Peninah, and Elkanah and her had many children. Elkanah?s second wife is Hannah, and as much as she tried, she wasn?t able to conceive a child with her husband. Her heart ached to hold a little baby of her own. Elkanah must have known how much his wife hurt because verses 4-5 tell us?

1 Samuel 1:4-5 (NIV)

4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb.

Hannah was a sad, hurting, disappointed woman and her husband stood beside her as she dreamed of giving birth to a child to call her own. We find out also in chapter one that Hannah was even more tormented because Peninah did everything she could to make Hannah?s life absolutely miserable.

1 Samuel 1:6-7 (NIV)

6 And because the LORD had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.

As the story continues, we learn that each year the family would make a trip to Shiloh, which was the spiritual center of the Israelites at that time. With her hurt/pain/anguish, Hannah wandered to the Tabernacle to pray. Her tears splashed down her cheeks, and in verse 10 we learn that,

1 Samuel 1:10 (NIV)

10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD.

She was at the end of her rope, and she cried out in anguish?

1 Samuel 1:11 (NIV)

11 And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

Her prayers were answered, and God gave Hannah a son. She named him Samuel, which means “Heard of God” or “God heard me.” And Hannah kept her promise to the Lord. When Samuel was weaned form his mother, at 2 or 3 years of age, she took him to the Tabernacle, dedicated his life to God, and gave him to Eli the Priest to serve God in the Tabernacle. In the first 10 verse of Samuel chapter 2 is a wonderful prayer of a mother who loves her Lord and loves her child ? I would encourage you to read those verses sometime.

So this morning we?re going to look at the life of this child who grew up to be a mighty man of God ? Samuel.

Now Samuel is one of those people on the list of faith who appears a little more frequently in the pages of Scripture. By way of introduction there are a few quick comments I would like to make about him?

God shaped Samuel?s life from the start. Like Moses, Samuel was called to fill many different roles: judge, priest, prophet, counselor, and God? man at a turning point in the history of Israel.

Samuel was used by God to assist Israel?s transition from a loosely governed tribal people to a monarchy.

He was the last and most effective of Israel?s judges.

He anointed the first two kings of Israel.

While Samuel?s entire story is found in 1 Samuel 1 ? 1 Samuel 28, a very significant verse makes this observation about him:

1 Samuel 3:19-20 (NIV)

19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD.

Yes, Samuel was a great man of God and a man who accomplished much. As I approached his story in preparation for this message I found that there is so much that Samuel might say if he were here this morning ? that I didn?t know how I could narrow it all down to the time we have here today. I would never presume to be able to state to you what exactly Samuel would say to us this morning, but my attention was drawn to a major incident that happened in Israel during his tenure as judge. I believe that Samuel would have a lot to say about this event and so I?m going to zero on it this morning.

The event I?m referring to is found in our text for today ? 1 Samuel 4:1-10

READ TEXT AND PRAY

There is a popular children?s show on the Disney Channel called “Out of the Box”. The theme song is one of those songs that, once you?ve heard it, sticks in your mind all day. It ends with the words, “Out of the box, it?s really up to you what comes out of the box.”

In the business world there is a catch phrase that frequently pops up – “thinking outside the box.” It is a challenge to go beyond the ordinary and do something extraordinary.

I believe that Samuel would speak today to a church that is stuck in the box. For the most part ? the church in our society has a focus that has shifted from people to pews, from saving souls to sacred Sundays. Today when you mention Christianity most people immediately think of the worship assembly ? a church building ? or denomination. As long as we continue with this mentality we are stuck in the box without hope of growing beyond ? and fulfilling God?s mandate for us as Christians.

One of the greatest accomplishments that happened in Samuel?s life was when God worked through him to bring the nation of Israel to the place of revival. I believe Samuel would take one look at the church in Hanover and say, folks ? it?s time for a revival. I believe Samuel would say,

“If we want to experience revival in the church, if we want this family of God to grow then we must let God out of the box and back into our lives before we suffocate.”

In thinking about the them song from the Disney kids show ? “Revival, it?s really up to you what comes out of the box!”

Samuel and the Israelites had an experience similar to the one facing us today.

? The Israelites were losing a war to the Philistines like we are fighting a war against Satan. (which at times feels like a “losing” war)

? The Israelites? answer was, “Bring us God in a box.” Our answer is “We all need to go to the box (church – building).”

? The Israelites? answer brought them defeat, not Victory. Our answer will lead us to defeat unless we experience transformation by the hand of God.

.

Even in a time when “the word of the Lord was rare.” (1 Sam. 3:1) Samuel led the people in Revival. I hope this morning, Samuel does the same for our hearts.

So let?s turn our attention to what he would say to us today about “the box”

You are Relying on a Box

Israel?s answer to defeat was God in a box. 1 Sam. 4:3

1 Samuel 4:3 (NIV)

3 When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

Notice how it?s recorded that they said, “so it may go with us” rather than so God may be with them!

By bringing in the ark they thought they had secured the presence of God.

they had attached more significance to a “symbol” of God?s presence than to the actual presence of God!

Certainly some of the Elder?s would remember the story of when the Israelites first crossed into the Canaan and the miraculous crossing of the Jordan that involved the Ark of the Covenant?(Joshua 3)

The story of the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6)

The ark was a symbol of the presence of God ? but in and of itself it was nothing powerful ? it was just a beautiful, decorated box!

Their focus was on personal success and not on glorifying God.

Their focus wasn?t on glorifying God. Their focus was on beating up the Philistines. They weren?t seeking justice ? they were seeking revenge. And they thought that by bring “the box” they could win.

Our answer to our battles as Christians (whether it be with satan/world/sin) has been far to often faith in a box.

Far too often when we face a defeat we arm ourselves with the symbols of God?s presence and walk out to battle again. When we approach evangelism ? we equip ourselves with the symbols of God?s presence and head out to witness. Folks, I want to tell you something, listen carefully ? worship (by that I mean praising God in song or speech), prayer, reading your Bible, or even gathering together with other believer?s for a ministry or service are all very important and good things. However, they are all “symbols” of God?s presence.

We associate praising and worshipping God with inviting His presence.

We associate prayer with communicating with His presence.

We associate reading the Bible with learning about His presence.

We associate coming together with dwelling in His presence, or serving in His presence.

Now, listen to me carefully I must prelude my next statement by making the following clarification, I?m not saying these things are irrelevant, or that they are insignificant, or that they are not needed. But what I am saying that you can have these things attached to your Christian utility belt and still not have the presence of God. How is this possible?

When our faith shifts from the one symbolized to the symbol itself.

For example,

when we put more faith in a style of music or a particular song, or clapping our hands, or the way we worship than the one we?re worshipping.

When we put more faith in what we pray or how we pray than who we are praying to!

When we put more faith in the act of reading the Bible than in the one who wrote it.

When we put more faith in what we are doing for God than in Him who wants to do things through us!

An example of this is found in our emphasis on going to church, over being the church! When we associate our success with “the box”

Friends, I believe Samuel would draw parallels between the Israelites putting their faith in the “box” they carried to battle against the Philistines and the “boxes” we rely on in our life. I believe he would point out that many of us are relying on these “boxes” for victory and freedom. But then, I believe Samuel would next ask a pointed question? you are relying on a box, now?

Where has the Glory gone? (1 Samuel 4:12-22)

relate the story of the Ark of Covenant being taken by the Philistines and Eli finding out the news. Then emphasize verse 19-22

1 Samuel 4:19-22 (NIV)

19 His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near the time of delivery. When she heard the news that the ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth, but was overcome by her labor pains. 20 As she was dying, the women attending her said, “Don’t despair; you have given birth to a son.” But she did not respond or pay any attention. 21 She named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel”–because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 She said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”

A. With the ark gone the glory was gone from Israel. 1 Sam. 4:12?22

1. Israel?s hope was gone without the Ark of Covenant (the box).

2. The sad reality is that it was a false hope. God was never really with them.

B. When people put God in a box then they lose the glory.

1. Some people associate the glory (presence of God) with “the box” (or symbols of God?s presence).

2. Some people see Christianity as a “fix” instead of a way of life.

Imagine for a moment the feeling of the Israelite soldiers when the Ark of Covenant comes into the camp. “Yah! Now our victory is assured, the Ark is here”. Imagine the confidence that they carried with them into battle that day. But then imagine the sinking feeling in their gut when they realize that they are losing! When they realize God isn?t with them!

It?s the same feeling that many Christians have experience. Myself included. Haven?t you ever asked the question ? “Where are you God”? I?ve prayed, I?ve read your word, I worked for you, I?ve worshipped you ? but where are you?

For some of you that is where you are at today. And this is why when I pose that question that Samuel might ask himself ? it brings forefront ? “Where is the glory of God?” – Isn?t it every person?s desire to experience a revival that changes their life, makes it better, gives them hope? Isn?t that the most sought after experience in a believer?s life?

I believe Samuel would begin by saying, “You are relying on a box” then continue with the question, “Where is the glory” and finally direct us to the answer?

When we decide to live for God and rely on Him (instead of for what He brings), the glory will return. Stop relying on a box!!

I want to draw your attention to where Samuel enters the picture in 1 Samuel 7:2-10

1 Samuel 7:2-10 (NIV)

2 It was a long time, twenty years in all, that the ark remained at Kiriath Jearim, and all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD. 3 And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. 5 Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” 6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel was leader of Israel at Mizpah. 7 When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. And when the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. 8 They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him. 10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites.

Several key things happened here that resulted in revival (victory over the Philistines).

The Israelites realized how important God was to them.

Verse 2 says that, “all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD.” With the symbol of God?s presence gone (and with it the glory of God) they came face to face with the emptiness and loneliness of being without His presence. There was a void, a vacuum that they knew could only be filled by God.

Friend?s I believe that one of the catalysts to relying on a box is when we start to take God for granted. When we take Him for granted we start forgetting how much we need Him. We move “out of the box” and into reliance on God when we start realizing how much we need Him and when we miss His presence. That?s the first thing that happened with the Israelites ? and they “sought” after Him.

Samuel said, “choose your sides” and stick with it.

He basically said, “If you really mean it, if you really want to return to the Lord with all your heart, then make sure it?s with all your heart!” He called for a total commitment and undivided service to Him.

Friend?s if you are really seeking God, if you are really wanting to experience His glory and come into His presence then halfway measures aren?t going to cut it. If there is something that is dividing you from your pursuit of God then that “idol” has to go!

The Israelites confessed and repented and Samuel prayed?

The first step toward God is the last step away from your sin. The Israelites confessed their lack of faith and their divided loyalties, and their sins and repented of those things (the evidence of their repentance was found in their actions). When Samuel prayed for them it wasn?t because of his choice of words, or his stature as a man of God that somehow resulted in the return of God?s presence (that would be relying on a box again!) It was because of the attitude of their hearts that God heard Samuel?s prayer.

CONCLUSION

Friend?s I believe it?s time for the church to get out of the box. I hope you?ve heard the message of Samuel this morning? What boxes are you placing God in? Are you missing the presence of God. Are you wanting His presence. Are there things in your heart/life that divide your attention to that desire? Friend?s for us to experience and witness and walk in and know revival and the glory of God in our midst we must be committed wholeheartedly to seeking Him and serving Him.

For really it?s not revival we?re after ?it?s God we want ? it?s that deep, intimate, life-changing relationship with His awesome, supernatural person. Revival is just the side-effect.

Psalm 34 (whole chapter)

INTRODUCTION

PRAY

Recap series, “When the Heroes of Faith Speak”

Today we?re going to look at the Incredible Hulk of the Bible?.(explain who the Hulk is)

Today we?re going to look at Samson ? who I consider to be the incredible Hulk of the Bible! If Samson were here this morning, I believe that he?d spend hours telling you how God worked in his life. He?d admit his lusts, bad choices and consequences, and he?d be honest with you about his journey of life.

Samson?s story is found in Judges 13-16 and I don?t have time to read all of his story too you but I am going to be highlighting a few incidences in the course of this message.

Before we look at what Samson might say, let?s look at the context and background of his life. We?re going to be looking at Judges 13 so I invite you to turn in your Bibles to that passage if you have it.

The book of Judges tells us that for 400 years, Israel was locked in a vicious cycle of sin and repentance.

Every new generation would fall away from the lord.

They would become rebellious toward God.

They would become disobedient.

They would fall into idolatry.

And they would abandon God.

Again, the people had fallen away from God.

Again, God had allowed them to be oppressed/conquered by their enemies.

The Philistines were the latest enemy.

And into this world was born a little baby named Samson.

Judges 13 tells us that Samson was a specific answer to prayer.

His parents were childless.

An angel appeared to them, and promised them a son, if they would take a Nazirite Vow on his behalf.

Judges 13:3-5 (NIV)

3 The angel of the LORD appeared to her and said, “You are sterile and childless, but you are going to conceive and have a son. 4 Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean, 5 because you will conceive and give birth to a son. No razor may be used on his head, because the boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”

NAZiRITE = Devoted or separated one

Nazirites took an oath to ABSTAIN from worldly Influences & CONSECRATE their lives to God…

There were 4 Commitments that were Common to the Nazirite

1 ? To Abstain for All Intoxicating Drink & Grape Products

2 ? To Not Cut the Hair

3 ? To Avoid Contact with the dead

4 ? To Refuse to eat Food Regarded as Unclean

The vow could be taken by any Israelite for a period of time to commit themselves to God.

Typically it lasted 30 to 100 days.

Only 3 men in the Bible were thought to have taken the Nazirite vow for life ?

Samuel…John Baptist…and Samson.

Samson was one of those men whose intent was to serve God his entire life.

God had chosen him to free His people from the Philistines.

Samson had it made in many ways?

His parents were Godly…

His purpose was revealed clearly to him…

His Spiritual heritage was assured…

His path was carved out…

All he had to do was stay faithful and walk in it!

And yet, he lost his way, and failed to accomplish his God ordained, life?s purpose.

He never freed the Israelites from the Philistines.

There is much that we can learn from Samson?s life this morning.

I believe that Samson would warn you to be careful.

He?d say that?

Your Greatest Strengths can be destroyed by your Smallest Weakness

Samson was the strongest man who ever lived.

But all of Samson?s strength was overcome one slight weakness?.

Samson?s greatest problem was impulsive behavior.

Samson had a problem with wandering eyes

He just couldn?t be satisfied with what God had made available to him.

There were plenty of Israelite women, and I?m sure many of them were beautiful.

And I?m sure many of them would have been thrilled to have Samson come courting.

But Samson couldn?t be content with the beautiful Israelite women all around him.

He wanted to cross the line.

He wanted to taste forbidden fruit.

He wanted to see how long he could dance with the devil without getting burned.

Friends, here?s truth you can take to the bank!

If you let your eyes wander long enough your feet will surely follow.

You can?t play with fire without getting burned!

Job 31:1 (NIV)

1 “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.

David evidently learned his lesson with Bathsheba because in Psalms 101:3, he said

Psalm 101:3a(NIV)

3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing?

In Colossians 3:2, Paul says,

Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

These men knew what would happen if they let their weaknesses loose.

These men know what would happen if they let their sinful thoughts to percolate.

These men knew what happened once our focus on sin change from a glance to a gaze. (EXPOUND)

But, for all his strength, Samson didn?t (Not couldn?t) control his weakness.

Scripture says that Samson went down to Timnah.

Timnah was a border city in the no man?s land between the Philistines and the Israelites.

It was populated by both Israelites and Philistines.

It was kind of like the red light district of a large town.

Judges 14:1-3 (NIV)

1 Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. 2 When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.” 3 His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.”

Timnah wasn?t the only where he let his eyes wander?.eventually married the woman from Timnah ? riddle ? ended up woman and her family were killed?Samson visited a prostitute in Gaza?Eventually fell in love with a woman named Delilah in the Valley of Sorek. I want to tell you something folks?Samson wasn?t seduced by temptation – he willingly took steps that led him in the wrong direction.

Eventually Samson reached a place where he was no longer in control of his life. (Briefly tell the story of Delilah as told in Judges 16)

His hair was the secret to his strength.

When he allowed Delilah to cut his hair, he lost his strength.

Judges 16:21 (NIV)

21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison.

Here?s the Irony..Samson was a strong man, but he was also a weak man.

He was strong in public, but he was weak in private

His public life was good enough to fool a lot of people, but his private life was in shambles

Someone famous said, “Character is who you are when no one is looking.”

In spite of his physical strength, he ended up being defeated by his enemy, without his enemy even striking one blow,

He just laid his head in Delilah?s lap and went to sleep. Yes, it was the Philistines that bound him and put out his eyes, but not until Samson of his own free will revealed the secret power of his covenant with God.

It was his covenant with God that gave him his power

When his covenant was gone so was his power

It didn?t happen all at once, it was a gradual thing

The enemy will never tell you that you have to choose between him or God.

He?ll tell you that God trying to keep you from having any fun.

He?ll tell you that God is trying to run your life.

He?ll tell you that God is holding you back.

He?ll tell you that those “so-called” sins will make you happy. That there is nothing really wrong with them.

Listen friends, Samson?s mess was of his own making,

It was a series of wrong choices that brought him down.

This is where a lot of people are today

They have made wrong choices so long, that in their minds, what used to be wrong is now right.

If you justify wrong attitudes/actions long enough, you will sear your conscious to the point that you no longer feel any conviction over wrong thoughts, or actions.

If you allow your flesh to rule in your life, you will reach the point where you may be on the top, doing everything you want to do, enjoying the grass on the other side of the fence?.

But Spiritually you will be on the bottom?

No joy. No peace.

No victory.

No song in your heart.

Samson ended up a slave, eyes poked out, bound by the Philistines, grinding mill like a mule in the Philistine?s camp.

He didn?t get there because his enemy was so powerful

He got there because he was so weak.

He let his flesh/impulses/lusts/desires rule him.

Let me ask you a very pointed question this morning.

What?s your lust?

What?s your impulse?

What sin is ruling your life?

? Are you a blind slave to alcohol/drugs?

? Are you a blind slave to pornography?

? Are you a blind slave to illicit sex?

? Are you a blind slave to greed/money/power?

? Are you a blind slave to gossip/backbiting?

? Are you a blind slave to destructive relationships?

how about pride? Unforgiveness? Lying? Envy?

I want to tell you something – you didn?t get there in a day.

You?re blind, bound and broken because of a series of choices that you?ve made.

They probably started long ago, maybe even innocently.

Nobody gets up one morning and says, “I think I?ll begin serving Satan today”.

We all need to realize that, no matter how strong we all are, just one weakness can destroy us!

Don?t ever think that you?re too strong to be broken by sin! That in itself is a sin ? the sin of pride!

Don?t ever think that bad choices really don?t matter.

Don?t ever think that your reputation doesn?t matter.

Do you remember that tacky Fox network show “Who Wants to marry a Millionaire”?

That program caused quite a scandal?

After a prime time, beauty pageant romance Darva Conger married millionaire Rick Rockwell in front of millions of viewers.

Allegations that Rockwell was abusive emerged immediately.

Darva Conger sued for an annulment to the marriage because she said she, “Wanted her privacy”.

Then, she promptly posed as a centerfold for Playboy magazine.

Her life is an example of bad choices.

In an ABC TV interview, she told ABC?s Diane Sawyer, “I have worked my whole life to be a credible person, a person of integrity. Unfortunately, in two hours I destroyed much of that credibility. And … I?d like it back.”

I believe that Samson would warn us that your greatest strength can be destroyed by your smallest weakness.

But here?s the good part.

I think that Samson would also remind us that:

God is willing to give you another chance?

Thankfully this story doesn?t end with Samson in a slave?s pit.

Samsons life did end on a positive note.

Judges 16:22 (NIV)

22 But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.

When the hair returned, so did the strength.

I don?t want you to make a mistake, though, in thinking that it was his magical hair that gave him his strength.

He had the long hair because he had taken a lifelong vow of faithfulness to God.

It wasn?t the hair that made him strong, it was the renewal of his commitment to God.

You see, somewhere Between Barber Shop & the Coliseum?Samson got something he hadn?t had in a long time ? He got real with God!

His broken heart cried out to God.

As he turned to mill wheel, his mind dwelled on:

? All the missed opportunities.

? All the impulsive emotions.

? All the times he flirted with sin.

? All the disobedience to his Parents

? All the disobedience to his calling.

? All the disobedience to his God.

I believe that while his hair was growing, his faith was also growing.

I believe that Samson got real with God, and became broken before God.

Psalms 34:18 (NIV)

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalms 147:3 (NIV)

3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalms 51:17 (NIV)

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

And I believe that God heard the cry of a man who had wandered far away from God.

Scripture doesn?t spell it out, but can?t you feel Samson?s repentant heart as he worked in the grinding mill?

Numbers 6:12 tells us about what a Nazirite is supposed to do when he sins.

Number 6:12 (NIV)

12 He must dedicate himself to the LORD for the period of his separation and must bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. The previous days do not count, because he became defiled during his separation.

Friends, that?s called repentance!

This verse means that after repentance ? Nazarites start all over and the old sins are gone…

That?s exactly what happened with Samson.

He found himself standing between the pillars that held up the Temple of Dagon.

Dagon was the god of the Philistines.

In Judges 16:28, Samson does something that Scripture hasn?t shown him do for a long time.

He begins to pray?

Judges 16:28 (NIV)

28 Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

Judges 16:30 (NIV)

30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

I believe that Samson?s final choice to come back to God was what qualified him as a hero of the faith.

CONCLUSION

It doesn?t matter how far you?ve run away, it only matters that you?re willing to come back.

Acts 2:29-41

Big Idea: You can waste your life by making lame excuses or shape your life by making appropriate choices.

INTRODUCTION

Recap Heroes of Faith Series

Read text

In his book The Walking Drum, author Louis L?Amour makes this assertion:

“Up to a point a man?s life is shaped by environment, heredity, and movements and changes in the world about him. Then there comes a time when it lies within his grasp to shape the clay of his life into the sort of thing he wishes to be. Only the weak blame parents, their race, their times, lack of good fortune, or the quirks of fate. Everyone has it within his power to say, ?This I am today; that I will be tomorrow.??

In other words you can waste your life by making lame excuses or shape your life by making appropriate choices. God wants you to live a victorious life. He created you with destiny and purpose in mind. You have the power to be what you?ve always dreamed. This is the character of a person living a life of faith in God. When you have the kind of faith that these men and women have in Hebrews 11 you stop making lame excuses and start making appropriate choices.

Today we?re looking at the story of a man who was able to overcome tremendous odds and be used by God to shape the history of a nation. His name was Jephthah. He?s one of those little known characters from the book of Judges in the Old Testament. With God on his side Jephthah was able to save Israel and subdue an invading kingdom. He became a hero among his people, but you never would have guessed that would be his destiny at the beginning of the story! Notice how Judges 11 begins?

Judges 11:1-3 (NIV)

1 Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute. 2 Gilead’s wife also bore him sons, and when they were grown up, they drove Jephthah away. “You are not going to get any inheritance in our family,” they said, “because you are the son of another woman.” 3 So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a group of adventurers gathered around him and followed him.

Jephthah began life with several strikes against him. He was the illegitimate son of a prostitute. In those days in Israel your pedigree was important. People?s perceptions of you were determined by who your parents were. Jephthah?s father was a leader named Gilead from the tribe of Manasseh. His ancestry was esteemed except for his mother. Prostitutes were regarded with contempt. Jephthah, because of the woman who gave him birth, would have shared in her shame.

This is evident in what happened. Jephthah?s half-brothers, the legitimate ones, ran him out of town so that he could never collect a dime of their father?s inheritance. This act was perpetrated with the approval of the entire community, as we?ll see shortly.

Jephthah was victimized by his circumstances and by the people in his life. As a young man he allowed his past to shape how he lived. He relocated to the land of Tob and formed a gang. The translation I used paints Jephthah?s followers in a better light than they deserve. Other versions describe them as “worthless men? or “outlaws? Criminals attached themselves to Jephthah. He led the gang because he was the strongest and the smartest.

Jephthah allowed himself to be a victim. He decided that he was worthless and, thus began living a worthless life with worthless companions. Early on he must have felt that there was nothing he could do to change his lot in life, so he opted for crime and obviously felt justified. Jephthah, like so many people today, felt that his life had already been determined and believed himself to be powerless to escape.

In his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey writes about the three excuses people often make to avoid taking responsibility for their life situation.

3 Degrees Of Determinism

1. Genetic – “My grandparents did it to me.?

Here we blame everything on DNA. We use everything from nationality to hair-color to race to metabolism as an excuse for our failures.

2. Psychic – “My parents did it to me.?

This is the view that we?re screwed up because our parents did a lousy job raising us. They were either too strict or too permissive. They either smothered us or gave us no time at all. They praised us too little or too much. Then we go to a therapist and they affirm us an agree that it?s all our parents fault.

3. Environmental – “Someone or something did it to me.?

This category is increasingly popular today. Even juries and judges are starting to buy into environmental determinism as a legitimate defense.

In 1997 Dale L. Larson?s $41,000 trial-court award was upheld by a Wisconsin appeals court in October, which agreed with the trial court that the Indianhead golf course in Wausau was 51 percent responsible for Larson?s needing nine root canals and 23 dental crowns. Larson tripped on his golf spikes and fell hard on his face on a brick path outside the clubhouse, and he argued that he wouldn?t have fallen if it had been a smooth concrete sidewalk rather than a brick path. The trial court had found that only 49 percent of the accident was due to Larson?s having consumed 13 drinks that evening, which left him with a blood-alcohol level of 0.28 90 minutes after the fall.

In January of 1996, Lori Collison, 30, charged with robbing three stores in Toronto, Ontario, in 1994, was found not criminally responsible because of mental disorder. According to psychiatrist Hy Bloom, Collison thought she was making a screen test at the time and was playing the role of a person robbing the three stores.

Patrick L. Bark, 59, pleaded guilty in September of 1996 in Kansas City, Mo., to selling more than 1,300 guns illegally over a two-year period, including many to juveniles and felons. Said Bark at his sentencing, “I blame half of it on the (government) for letting me go as long as they did. How was I to know (the guns) would be used in (crimes)?”

(News of the Weird)

Here?s the truth about determinism: “It?s a lie.? You can be influenced by things outside of yourself, but you?re life is not determined by them. It?s like sailing on the ocean. There are outside forces that affect you like wind, waves and currents. Ultimately, however, your hand is on the rudder of the boat. You may have to compensate for outside forces, but by steering the rudder (i.e. making choices) you affect the boats direction.

That?s how human beings are distinct from the animal world. Animals can only react. They function by either instinct or training. We?re different.

Between stimulus and response, human beings have the freedom to choose.

The determining factor of your life is you – your choices, your responses, your actions.

Everything was about to change for Jephthah. Events conspired to bring him to a choice about the direction of his life:

Judges 11:4-11 (NIV)

4 Some time later, when the Ammonites made war on Israel, 5 the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob. 6 “Come,” they said, “be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites.” 7 Jephthah said to them, “Didn’t you hate me and drive me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now, when you’re in trouble?” 8 The elders of Gilead said to him, “Nevertheless, we are turning to you now; come with us to fight the Ammonites, and you will be our head over all who live in Gilead.” 9 Jephthah answered, “Suppose you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the LORD gives them to me–will I really be your head?” 10 The elders of Gilead replied, “The LORD is our witness; we will certainly do as you say.” 11 So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and commander over them. And he repeated all his words before the LORD in Mizpah.

Apparently, Jephthah and his gang gained some notoriety. Their fearless exploits were legendary in Gilead. They were the ancient equivalent of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the Jesse James Gang, the Hole in the Wall Gang, and Billy the Kid. Life as an exile in Tob developed Jephthah as a fighter and a leader.

The Ammonites began invading Israel and so now Israel needed a commander. The leaders of Gilead named Jephthah and sent out a search committee to bring him home.

Jephthah had a choice here. He could keep living as a perpetual victim and continue his life of crime or he could lead his people in a righteous cause. Frankly, the life of an outlaw would have been easier, at least in the short-term. Jephthah, jettisoned his past and chose to move forward into God?s greater plan for his life.

We all have this ability. We have the ability to respond appropriately. In doing so we choose our destinies.

The words of Eleanor Roosevelt ring true:

“One?s philosophy is not best expressed in words. It is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.? (Little House on the Freeway, Tim Kimmel, p. 143)

Here?s the lesson that we learn from Jephthah?

Because you have the ability to choose your response you have the power to fulfill God?s program for your life! (or reject it)

You can delete all the junk that people and circumstances have dumped into your computer. They only have power over you if you give it to them.

Now the story of Jephthah takes a turn for the strange. He made the right choice in becoming the leader of Gilead. He responded correctly. But soon afterward he lapsed back into reactive choices.

Judges 11:29-31 (NIV)

29 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, 31 whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”

This vow was totally unnecessary. God was on Jephthah?s side. He wanted to rescue Israel from the Ammonites as much as Jephthah.

What?s going on here? Jephthah was trying to control God. He slipped back into a victim mentality. His error provides us with another principle:

Responsible people focus on things within their realm of influence.

Jephthah was doing fine until he made this stupid vow. He was initially making decision on factors within his realm of influence. He didn?t know his Bible well enough to understand that you can?t manipulate God.

Here?s how you can tell whether you?re primarily a responsible person or a reactive person. Responsible people change what is within their ability to change. Reactive people turn their time and energy and thoughts to things beyond their control. This typically takes the form of worry or meditating on what might be. We see it also in blaming. Those who specialize in blaming other people are merely dodging responsibility for their own lives.

The consequences of Jephthah?s vow play out in a terrible way:

Judges 11:32-39 (NIV)

32 Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into his hands. 33 He devastated twenty towns from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as far as Abel Keramim. Thus Israel subdued Ammon. 34 When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of tambourines! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, “Oh! My daughter! You have made me miserable and wretched, because I have made a vow to the LORD that I cannot break.” 36 “My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me just as you promised, now that the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites. 37 But grant me this one request,” she said. “Give me two months to roam the hills and weep with my friends, because I will never marry.” 38 “You may go,” he said. And he let her go for two months. She and the girls went into the hills and wept because she would never marry. 39 After the two months, she returned to her father and he did to her as he had vowed. And she was a virgin. From this comes the Israelite custom

We?re not really sure what Jephthah had in mind with his vow. Maybe he expected an animal to run out first. In those days, people often kept their meager livestock in the house. Certainly he wasn?t expecting his only child ? his daughter to run out and meet him! Her greeting quickly turned Jephthah?s celebration into a catastrophe

At this point in the story, there is reason to both commend Jephthah and censure him as well. We can commend him because he did not back down from his vow. He could have made excuses. He could have looked up to heaven and said, “But I didn?t mean my daughter. ? He didn?t. Jephthah remained true to his word despite the cost. And this was a costly lesson. He was going to lose his daughter and the possibility of heirs. The line of Jephthah would end with him. Again, it was a big deal in ancient times.

Though it was a foolish and unnecessary vow we can commend Jephthah for being responsible for his words.

Responsible people are guided by their values and principles, not feelings or circumstances.

Reactive people are carried by the currents of outside forces. They typically don?t keep their word when it becomes inconvenient or difficult to do so.

Jephthah could be commended for his responsibility. However he must be censured for what he did to his daughter. Although he was guided by values and principles, they weren?t godly values and principles. His vow was exceedingly ungodly. The sacrifice of human beings is forbidden by God.

“You must not do this to the LORD your God. These nations have committed many detestable acts that the LORD hates, all in the name of their gods. They have even burned their sons and daughters as sacrifices to their gods.?? Deuteronomy 12:31 (NLT)

Had Jephthah only known God?s word he would never have committed this act. In fact, there is an escape clause for such a vow. In Leviticus 27, verses 1 though 8, God reveals how to redeem people. Jephthah could have paid ten pieces of silver and spared her life, while at the same time remaining true to his word.

It?s great to be responsible and live by principles and values, just make sure that they?re informed by God?s word.

CONCLUSION

Let?s take some principle?s from Jephthah?s life and apply them to our own. How can we make the transition from a reactive life to a responsible life?

1. Stop trying to prove that your life is not your fault.

Author Wayne Dyer says: “All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty of something by blaming him, but you won?t succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy.? (Wayne W. Dyer, “Your Erroneous Zones?)

2. Admit that what you are today is because of the choices you made yesterday.

Own your life for what it is. If other people aren?t responsible for you, then who is? You are. You?ve made the bed that you?re sleeping in for better or worse.

Let me add that this is exactly what God requires of us to enter into his kingdom. If we want forgiveness, a relationship with him and eternal life we?ve got some admitting to do. You must admit that you?ve sinned and choose Jesus. Note how it happened after one of Peter?s sermons.

Acts 2:37-38 (NIV)

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

To repent is to turn away. You can?t turn away from sin unless you first admit that you?ve committed it.

Quit blaming circumstances and other people and admit that who you are today is because of the choices you made yesterday. This is the only way to become a responsible person.

3. Make promises and keep them

Don?t make foolish and uninformed vows like Jephthah. Let your promises be few, but keep the one?s you?ve made. If you?re married, stay true till death do you part. Remember when you pledged that kind of faithfulness. If you promise to be somewhere and do something at a certain time, show up and fulfill your promise even if it become inconvenient or, horror or horrors, you don?t feel like it. If you?re a member of this church, follow through with your covenant promises even if you?re scared or uncomfortable.

This is the path to growth. You become even more responsible by keeping your promises despite circumstances and feelings.

4. Discover God?s goals for you and make yourself available to Him in order to achieve them.

God has a purpose and a plan for every single one of you. Yet sometimes we?re so mired down by our environment and the things that have happened to us that we?re oblivious to the goals He has for us!

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

God has a plan and a purpose for your life but he requires your efforts. You can waste your life by making lame excuses or shape your life by making appropriate choices. Do you choose what God would have in your life? Do you choose His goals for your life? Do you choose to contribute to the Biblical Community that Paul wrote about by utilizing the giftings God has given you?

Mark 9:14-30 (NIV)

14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” 30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were,

INTRODUCTION

Recap Series ?

Last week we looked at Gideon and learned that the incredible potential God sees in you (which he sees in every person) is realized through faith in Him. This week we?re looking at the story of Barak. Chronologically, Barak comes before Gideon and so I probably could have spoke on Barak first last week and then Gideon this week but I am simply following the order in which they are found in Hebrews 11:32

When I undertook my study of Barak in preparation for this message I began to wonder why he was listed in the hall of faith! After all the story of Barak has always been for me more the story of Deborah a prophetess. Certainly as we look at this story today it would appear that she has more faith than Barak. Nevertheless there is still much to learn from the story of Barak about faith.

Read Judges 4:1-17

pray

If Barak were here today I believe he would draw attention to the different levels of faith in the midst of life?s complications. Certainly Barak faced a rather sticky complication in his life?

If Barak were here today, there are probably many things he could say but here are some observations I feel he would make about the faith found in the main characters of his story.

SISERA?S FAITH WAS WORTHLESS

Judges 4:12-13 (NIV)

12 When they told Sisera that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor, 13 Sisera gathered together his nine hundred iron chariots and all the men with him, from Harosheth Haggoyim to the Kishon River.

These 900 iron chariots figure prominently in this story ? they are mentioned repeatedly. They are the Abrams Tanks of their day ? the best warfighting equipment known to man, foot soldiers were simply run down like rabbits on the highway ? ordinary mounted cavalry was not even close to a match for the iron chariot and even ordinary chariotry was no match for it ? like the outdated Russian tanks of the Iraqis facing the modern force of the Americans during the War on Iraq.

Yet in the end Sisera?s sophisticated technology not only didn?t save him, it spelled his army?s doom as the heavy Iron Chariots sunk in the mud of the flooded river valley.

Psalm 20:7 (NIV)

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Today we might say some trust in their money, their career, their education, their intellect but now as then the only trust that?s ultimately worthwhile in the mud-pit of life?s battlefield is trust in the Lord our God. Faith in anything less is worthless faith.

There?s only one cure for those who have a worthless faith ? and that?s to realize that the only one who you can trust is God. The only one whom you can place your faith is God. Everyone and everything else will let you down.

Next I believe Barak would draw our attention to some characters who don?t figure prominently in the account of the battle but who are mentioned in Deborah?s song about the battle in Chapter 5. These are the tribes of Israel who don?t make it to the battle?

The Tribes of Reuben, Gilead, and Dan had a Waiting Faith

Judges 5:14-17 (NIV)

14 Some came from Ephraim, whose roots were in Amalek; Benjamin was with the people who followed you. From Makir captains came down, from Zebulun those who bear a commander’s staff. 15 The princes of Issachar were with Deborah; yes, Issachar was with Barak, rushing after him into the valley. In the districts of Reuben there was much searching of heart. 16 Why did you stay among the campfires to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the districts of Reuben there was much searching of heart. 17 Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan. And Dan, why did he linger by the ships? Asher remained on the coast and stayed in his coves.

The text doesn?t tell us as much as we?d like to know about these folks. In fact, Deborah asks the same questions we might: Where were they? Why didn?t they come?

I don?t? know, but there?s enough information for an educated guess. We?re told at the beginning of Chapter Four, that Sisera and his chariots had been terrorizing the Israelites for 20 years. It seems likely that these folks ? thought I?m sure they waited anxiously for good news ? weren?t ready to put their lives on the line against a proven enemy with an unproven leader on the say-so of a woman. So they waited on the sidelines.

On life?s battlefields today the choice is still a tempting one ? to sit on the sidelines and hope for a positive outcome, but to never commit to wage the battle. Whether it be going out to share Christ with those who are lost, following God?s call on your life to the ministry, or simply stepping up to fill the role that God has prepared for you in this local body of believers, until you commit your faith is still a waiting faith?

Again, the issue with waiting faith is an issue of trust. Many people with a waiting faith simply have a lack of trust in God. In the case of these tribes their fear of Sisera overcame their faith in God and God?s anointed. Fear is often the crippling agent today as well.

Next, Barak might draw attention to himself and describe his faith?.

MY FAITH (BARAK?S) WAS A WAVERING FAITH

Judges 4:8-9 (NIV)

8 Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” 9 “Very well,” Deborah said, “I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh,

Interestingly enough, the woman who had the victory of Sisera was not Deborah. Sisera escaped the battle on foot and another woman, Jael, takes his life.

Now there is something to be said for wavering faith, God can work with it. Like Jesus did with the father of the demon possessed boy who said “I believe, but help my unbelief.” But as Barak found out, wavering faith doesn?t always get God?s best.

We can experience this kind of faith too ? sometimes with those first tentative baby steps of faith as we step out into ministry, or as we (in the midst of our doubt and unbelief) reach out to God in the hard times in our life saying, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief” And that?s okay but it?s not where we should stay.

It is in these times of wavering faith where it is good practice to draw those around us who have a solid faith in God like Barak did. When you?re not sure where you?re trust level is in God it is good to lean on their trust level.

I find it interesting that even though Barak had a wavering faith ? he is still listed in Hebrews 11 as a “witness” of faith. Friends, wavering faith is better than worthless and waiting faith. Wavering faith has the greatest potential to lead to the next level of faith. A level that I believe Barak reached that is found in the example of Deborah. This is the place of faith that the Lord means for all of us to get to?

DEBORAH?S FAITH WAS WILLING

Judges 4:6-7 (NIV)

6 She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. 7 I will lure Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’”

Deborah?s faith is so strong that she hears God?s voice, knows it is Him, trusts His word and tells it to others.

We don?t know anything about Deborah beyond these two chapters, but to me that sounds like practiced faith. A faith that comes from having heard and answered God?s voice before, a faith that comes from experiential knowledge that God is faithful. A faith that knows beyond a doubt that we can cast our cares on Him because He really does care for us.

What about us? Can we get there? To a place where faith isn?t just wavering but willing? I believe we can, and we get there by trusting today, trusting in the midst of our distrust or fear or anxiety, trusting and finding He is trustworthy?

CONCLUSION

There?s an important point to be made here about changing your level of faith?

Judges 4:1-3 (NIV)

1 After Ehud died, the Israelites once again did evil in the eyes of the LORD. 2 So the LORD sold them into the hands of Jabin, a king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth Haggoyim. 3 Because he had nine hundred iron chariots and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the LORD for help.

Just because you may have been trusting in worthless things or your faith may have been on hold or wavering, doesn?t mean you have to stay that way.

Some people think that its hypocritical to reach out in faith just because you?re facing a crisis, but throughout the pages of Scripture I see God using crises as a way to get his people to renew their faith in Him?

?Or to reach out to him for the very first time. So this morning if you?re facing a crisis, or if you know that you?re faith has been misplaced in the things of your life or that it hasn?t been where it should have been, NOW, this morning is the time for you to call out to the Lord with a WILLING faith.