"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW TO LIVE OUR LIVES"
1st Samuel 12:20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
1st Samuel 12:21 “And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
1st Samuel 12:22 “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.
1st Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
1st Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
1st Samuel 12:25“But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
These are some of Samuel's closing words the Children of Israel. They had been so blessed by the Lord in so many ways, yet they had gone astray, and gone after other gods. But, now they were coming to their senses as it were. And, Samuel is giving them words of wisdom. Wisdom that would bring blessing into their lives from God.
And, He gives them a warning about how to stay out of trouble also.
1. Do not fear, and do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve Him with all your heart.
1st Samuel 12:20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
The children of Israel had done many great evils. And in this case, it was rejecting God, and wanting a man to rule over them. But, they began to see what they had done, and were seeking Samuel's counsel and help.
The above verse is his answer to them.
Essentially, he was saying, "Yes, you have done all this wickedness" Yet, he encouraged them not to fear, and not to turn aside from following the LORD, but serve Him with all your heart. In other words, seeing what you have done, is one thing, but move forward now, you have confessed your sins, and here is the path to follow and pursue.
2. Don't turn aside from the Lord, because they you will be going after empty things.
1st Samuel 12:21 “And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
Samuel continues to guide them with God's wisdom. In other words, don't go back to worshipping worthless things. These things, these idols cannot help you, nor can they rescue you. They are entirely useless. So, don't turn aside from the Lord. Don't go after empty things.
3. The LORD will not forsake you.
1st Samuel 12:22 “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.
In other words, God is not going to abandon His people. If He did, that would dishonor His name. God has made you as a special people for Himself. He will not forsake You.
4. Keep praying, and be teachable. That's what Samuel said.
1st Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
In fact, Samuel considered it a sin to not pray. He also wanted to teach the people the good and the right way.
These are two very important activities in the life of the Christian. To talk to God, and let God teach you what is good and what is right. That's what you will find in His Word.
5. Fear God, Serve God in truth with all your heart. And, remember what He has done for you.
1st Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
Here Samuel is saying a number of things.
(1) Be sure to fear the LORD.
(2) And sincerely worship Him.
(3) Think about all the wonderful things He has done for you.
6. If you do wickedly, you will be swept away.
1st Samuel 12:25“But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
This is Samuel's warning to the people. Or as the NLT puts it, " But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed.”
They had sinned, and were now acknowledging their sin, and were being taught and encouraged to move forward in God's will. But, this is a reminder, to not repeat what they had done, or the same consequences would come upon them. Don't forsake the Lord to Your own hurt is the idea. It will only bring destruction into your lives.
Some questions:
1. Do you know, that even when we sin, and do wickedly, that God still loves us and, wants us to come back to Him.
2. Can you see all of the many simple and clear steps to take that bring you into the realm where God is able to bless your life?.
3. Please take a moment to just go back over the verses and pause a little, and consider the instruction of God that leads to the blessing of God.
4. Remember, warnings are good for us. Warnings serve to help keep us out of trouble. Would You take just a moment, to see if God is warning you about anything, and if He is, would you thank Him, and then let Him know You want to obey and respond to His warnings?.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is so rich and encouraging. You have given these wonderful true OT stories for our learning.
Please help us to not take them lightly, or for granted. But, to be sober minded, and to be serious about our walk with You. You are serious about wanting to bless and lead us in Your ways. May we reciprocate by being serious believers and doers of Your Word. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
