I Samuel 12:21-23
Today's Challenge
Title: God Confronts
Introduction:
No one likes someone right in his or her face. If you want my blood pressure to raise quickly, and my face to turn red, and voice to get high, then get right in my face.
God is a "In the Face" God. He has never been shy at getting directly into the face of his people and telling them they have sinned.
In chapter eleven Saul, the new king, and the newly united nation of Israel meet their first conflict, king Nahash and the Ammonites. Israel's first fight was with an enemies from without. In chapter twelve we are introduced to another conflict -- a conflict from with the man of God Samuel and Holy God. This was "in the face" confrontation!
There are three major confrontations in this chapter: 1) Israel and Their New King are Confronted with the Testimony of Character, 2) They are Confronted with Their Sin - Both Past and Present - and the Need for Confession, 3)They Are Confronted with the Challenge to Live Right
I. Israel and Their New King are Confronted with the Testimony of Character
VV. 1-5
Little can be said against a man of integrity - a man of character. Most people know this but still insist on trying to impose their will on others without possessing integrity or good character.
What is so needed today are Christian people with good character that can stand firm among people who are bent on sin.
Illustration of Jesus
Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
1 Timothy 3:2
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
2 Peter 3:14
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
II. They are Confronted with Their Sin - Both Past and Present - and the Need for Confession
vv. 6-7; 12-18
A. They were reminded of their sins of the past and how they had not learned from them.
B. They were confronted with their most recent sin
C. God Confirmed Sin
Why did Samuel do this?
1. He wanted to bring true Repentance that comes with real Confession
2. He did not want them to stray AGAIN
3. He wanted to remember who was the LORD
III. They Are Confronted with the Challenge to Live Right
A. Not to Turn Aside
B. To Pray
C. Fear the Lord
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