Sermon Central
-
"When Everything Is Said And Done"
Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 17, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Here we see a sad picture of a man’s last day of life that has been tarnished and humiliated by the death blow of sin. He was once known according to 1 Samuel 9:2 as a “choice young man.” But in the end all of the potential luster of his life has vanish
“WHEN EVERYTHING IS SAID AND DONE”
(The Leader’s Opportunity)
I SAMUEL 10:7; 31:1-13
Here we see a sad picture of a man’s last day of life that has been tarnished and humiliated by the death blow of sin. He was once known according to 1 Samuel 9:2 as a “choice young man.” But in the end all of the potential luster of his life has vanished in the ruble of the aftermath of sinful choices.
The nation he is leading is defeated (v:1), three of his sons are killed (v:2), he receives a serious physical wound (v:3), he commits suicide (v:4), his head is cut off his dead body (v:9), his dead body is fastened to a wall.
What do think would have been the epitaph on the tombstone of King Saul?
“Here lies a man who turned his back on God”
“Here lies a man who was controlled by jealousy and anger”
“Here lies a man who had much material wealth but lost his spiritual wealth”
“Here lies a man who wasted most of his life chasing flees and dead dogs (1 Samuel 24:14)”
Our part in life is a passing opportunity that will never come our way again. What we do with the opportunities God gives us is up to us. We can make the most of them or we can squander them away.
What are you doing with the opportunities that God has given to you in your strategic position as a leader?
What would be an appropriate epitaph on your tombstone when all is said and done in your personally life?
How can we make the most of our God given opportunities and our lives end with the luster of the afterglow of God’s glory?
What is the leader’s opportunity in life? We have the opportunity to fulfill our God given opportunities. Every one of us who are in positions of responsibility are strategically set to launch out for God and to truly make the most of our lives and make the most of life. I believe we are already on God’s course of direction; however, we must get busy about by doing three things.
I. DISCOVER YOUR GOD GIVEN PURPOSE Compare 9:15-17; 27 & 31:1 & 7 “thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people, Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines” “This same shall reign over my people.”
He knew the purpose of God but in the end he failed that purpose.
A. Assurance of existence (His purpose exist for me)
B. Anticipation of its evolution (I believe today I will discover God’s purpose)
C. Application of its essence (today I will obey & fulfill God’s purpose as much as I know)
II. DEVELOP YOUR GOD GIVEN POTENTIAL 1 Samuel 10:1, 6, 9-11 “and thou shalt be turned into another man” “God gave him another heart”
How do you get started?
A. Personally evaluate your weaknesses (getting the log out of your own eye)
B. Formulate a plan for growth (God is far more concerned about us than what we do)
C. Maintain the disciplined habit of implementing your plan
D. Let love for the Lord be you motivation & guide
III. DETERMINE YOUR GOD GIVEN PRIORITIES 1 Samuel 11:11-15 13*
While Saul began as was described in the above verses, he did not end that way because he did not determine his God given priorities. This is essential!
A. Seek the will of God (1 Samuel 9:10)
B. Listen to the Word of God (1 Samuel 9:27)
C. Give all Glory to God (1 Samuel 11:11-15)
D. Maintain an abiding reverence for God (1 Samuel 12:14)
E. Serve the Lord with all your heart (1 Samuel 12:14b; 12:20*)
F. Obey the voice of God (1 Samuel 12:14c) See 13:13; 15:11, 22-23*
G. Follow God wherever He leads you (12:20)
