WHEN YOU’RE DODGING SPEARS…

Pastor Daniel Norris | Series: Giant Slayer

Series: Giant Slayer | Pastor Daniel Norris

Text: 1 Samuel 18:10–11

“Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:7, ESV)

“Saul was very angry… and Saul eyed David from that day on.” (1 Samuel 18:8–9, ESV)

“The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, ‘I will pin David to the wall.’ But David evaded him twice.” (1 Samuel 18:10–11, ESV)

What do you do when the spears start coming from the people closest to you?

David shows us how to protect your heart when spears come for your head…

When you’re dodging spears, remember…

  1. HURTING PEOPLE HURL SPEARS.

The person throwing the spear at you
may still be bleeding from one thrown at them.

“The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house.” (1 Samuel 18:10, ESV)

Harmful Spirit 

  • “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17, ESV)
  • “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5, ESV)
  • “God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (James 1:13, ESV)

“Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul.” (1 Samuel 16:14, ESV)

Saul – A Profile of a Hurting Leader

  • Insecurity
    “What more can he have but the kingdom?” (1 Samuel 18:8, ESV)
  • Rejection
    “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day.” (1 Samuel 15:28, ESV)
  • Fear
    “Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him.” (1 Samuel 18:12, ESV)
  • Jealousy
    “Saul eyed David from that day on.” (1 Samuel 18:9, ESV)
  • Loss of God’s Presence
    “Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul.” (1 Samuel 16:14, ESV)

    When you look at Saul through this lens, does something change a little?

Saul did not have a spear problem. Saul had a heart problem.

When You’re Dodging Spears Remember…

  1. YOUR GREATEST TEST IS NOT DODGING THE SPEAR. IT IS REFUSING TO THROW IT BACK.

“But David evaded him twice.” (1 Samuel 18:11, ESV)

David wasn’t dodging spears; he was guarding his heart.

Retaliation promises instant relief, but it leads to longterm bondage.

“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:21–22, ESV)

The God who delivered you from the Giant in the valley, is more than able to guard you from the spears in the palace.

When You’re Dodging Spears Remember…

  1. GOD RESHAPES SPEARS INTO THE TOOLS THAT SHAPE GODLY KINGS. 

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV)

  • “light momentary affliction”
  • “is preparing”

David: The Profile of a Healthy Leader

  • Secure in His Identity

“But David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him.” (1 Samuel 18:5, ESV)

  • Self-Controlled

“But David evaded him twice.” (1 Samuel 18:11, ESV)

  • Humble in Success

“And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.” (1 Samuel 18:14, ESV)

  • Honored Authority

“He said to his men, ‘The LORD forbid that I should do this thing… against the LORD’s anointed.’” (1 Samuel 24:6, ESV)

  • Rooted in God’s Presence

Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:11 (ESV)

Saul cared about the crown. David cared about the heart. And because David guarded the heart, God trusted him with both.

How Do I Protect My Heart From Spears?

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)

First, refuse to take every spear personally.

Second, refuse to pick up the spear.

Third, stay rooted in God’s presence.

SHARE ARTICLE