Sacred Threads…Part 5
Speaker: Pastor CJ Roland
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 9 - 15
Sermon Recap:
There is no doubt that words have power. Words not only can hurt us, but they linger like invisible hands that shape your world. The words that shape your world determine how you move, and how you move determines how life looks to you. The question is: whose words are you going to listen to? God says one thing about you, but people who know you from your past often speak words that contradict or belittle God’s word to you, causing you to be torn and conflicted.
If you’re going to move forward based on the Word of God, you have to know the Word of God, believe it and act upon it. It is the only way to combat what people or even yourself, say about you. When you feel lonely, despondent, or worthless, speak the Word of God over yourself. God said that He would never leave you, nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5). Or, He who has begun a good work in you, is faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6).
There can be serious consequences to not heeding God’s Word. King Saul, Israel’s first anointed King, has a powerful lesson to teach us if we’d only learn from his tragic example.
God had patiently confirmed that Saul, though “a nobody” from the least of the tribes of Israel, would be the first king over Israel. In spite of confirmation after confirmation, Saul chose to listen to naysayers, or kept silent when he should have spoken up, affirming God’s word to him. (I Samuel 10:1-16). The last straw came when God clearly commanded that Saul completely destroy the Amalekites. Instead, Saul kept the best of the livestock and then lied to Samuel, claiming that he kept the best of the livestock to offer to Samuel’s God. Go figure! The kingdom was torn from Saul, and given to one better than he, David.
At some point being torn turns into blatant disobedience. Choose to move on what God has said, whether you perceive it or not, then you will see it; because blessing follows obedience, and obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22).
Discussion Questions:
1. What was your overall response to the sermon? What stood out to you?
2. Why is it important to know the Word of God for yourself? What else is necessary besides knowing it? If you will, give examples from your own experience.
3. What can be done when what naysayers say about us is true?
4. What else can be done besides giving them an update that may cause offense?
5. What other Scriptures do you turn to to encourage yourself in the Word?
6. What are some of the lessons you learned from Saul’s tragic life?