Warning Signs of Toxic Leadership (1 Samuel 14:24-52) | Rise and Ruin | Mike Kelsey

Good morning. Good morning. How's Good morning. Good morning. How's everybody doing? everybody doing? everybody doing? >> All right. We good? We ready to get into >> All right. We good? We ready to get into >> All right. We good? We ready to get into God's word this morning? God's word this morning? God's word this morning? >> Yeah. I want to welcome those of you who >> Yeah. I want to welcome those of you who >> Yeah. I want to welcome those of you who are new to our church. My name is Mike. are new to our church. My name is Mike. are new to our church. My name is Mike. I'm one of the pastors here and uh we I'm one of the pastors here and uh we I'm one of the pastors here and uh we are one church in five different are one church in five different are one church in five different locations around the DC metro area. So, locations around the DC metro area. So, locations around the DC metro area. So, if you're here at Tyson's, welcome. I if you're here at Tyson's, welcome. I if you're here at Tyson's, welcome. I want to welcome everybody joining us want to welcome everybody joining us want to welcome everybody joining us from McGomery County in Lowden, from McGomery County in Lowden, from McGomery County in Lowden, Arlington, and Prince William as as well Arlington, and Prince William as as well Arlington, and Prince William as as well as everybody uh joining us online. We're as everybody uh joining us online. We're as everybody uh joining us online. We're going to be in 1st Samuel uh chapter 14 going to be in 1st Samuel uh chapter 14 going to be in 1st Samuel uh chapter 14 uh this morning and we are continuing in uh this morning and we are continuing in uh this morning and we are continuing in a series uh rise and ruin looking at uh a series uh rise and ruin looking at uh a series uh rise and ruin looking at uh the leadership of King Saul. Uh so meet the leadership of King Saul. Uh so meet the leadership of King Saul. Uh so meet me in First Samuel chapter 14. If you me in First Samuel chapter 14. If you me in First Samuel chapter 14. If you didn't bring a Bible, we'll have the didn't bring a Bible, we'll have the didn't bring a Bible, we'll have the verses up on the screen. Uh but before verses up on the screen. Uh but before verses up on the screen. Uh but before we dive into that, let me just ask you a we dive into that, let me just ask you a we dive into that, let me just ask you a quick question. Who is the best leader quick question. Who is the best leader quick question. Who is the best leader you've ever worked under? you've ever worked under? you've ever worked under? If you're here on staff, you don't have If you're here on staff, you don't have If you're here on staff, you don't have to say my name out loud. It wouldn't be to say my name out loud. It wouldn't be to say my name out loud. It wouldn't be wouldn't be humble of me to receive that wouldn't be humble of me to receive that wouldn't be humble of me to receive that in this moment. Uh but just think the in this moment. Uh but just think the in this moment. Uh but just think the best coach, the best team captain, uh best coach, the best team captain, uh best coach, the best team captain, uh the best boss that you've worked under, the best boss that you've worked under, the best boss that you've worked under, the best ministry leader, and if I asked the best ministry leader, and if I asked the best ministry leader, and if I asked you what made that person so good, why you what made that person so good, why you what made that person so good, why why did that person because I'm sure why did that person because I'm sure why did that person because I'm sure somebody's face, somebody's name came to somebody's face, somebody's name came to somebody's face, somebody's name came to your mind. uh why were they so good?

your mind. uh why were they so good? your mind. uh why were they so good? Chances are although we would all give Chances are although we would all give Chances are although we would all give different like specific reasons or different like specific reasons or different like specific reasons or characteristics, chances are the thing characteristics, chances are the thing characteristics, chances are the thing that uh the one thing that all these that uh the one thing that all these that uh the one thing that all these different leaders would have in common different leaders would have in common different leaders would have in common is the effect that they had on us. is the effect that they had on us. is the effect that they had on us. That's probably why that person came uh That's probably why that person came uh That's probably why that person came uh to your mind. Uh because the best to your mind. Uh because the best to your mind. Uh because the best leaders bring out the best in the people leaders bring out the best in the people leaders bring out the best in the people they lead. Uh, and it's one of uh, it's they lead. Uh, and it's one of uh, it's they lead. Uh, and it's one of uh, it's why one of uh, my favorite descriptions why one of uh, my favorite descriptions why one of uh, my favorite descriptions of leadership uh, in the Bible is in 2 of leadership uh, in the Bible is in 2 of leadership uh, in the Bible is in 2 Samuel chapter 23. Now, we're going to Samuel chapter 23. Now, we're going to Samuel chapter 23. Now, we're going to be in 1st Samuel chapter 14, but let me be in 1st Samuel chapter 14, but let me be in 1st Samuel chapter 14, but let me just read this uh, to you briefly. It's just read this uh, to you briefly. It's just read this uh, to you briefly. It's one of my favorite descriptions of one of my favorite descriptions of one of my favorite descriptions of leadership and particularly the effect leadership and particularly the effect leadership and particularly the effect of good godly leadership in the Bible. 2 of good godly leadership in the Bible. 2 of good godly leadership in the Bible. 2 Samuel 13:3 uh, I'm sorry, uh, chapter Samuel 13:3 uh, I'm sorry, uh, chapter Samuel 13:3 uh, I'm sorry, uh, chapter 23:3 says, "The God of Israel has 23:3 says, "The God of Israel has 23:3 says, "The God of Israel has spoken. The rock of Israel has said to spoken. The rock of Israel has said to spoken. The rock of Israel has said to me, "When one rules justly over men, me, "When one rules justly over men, me, "When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God," listen to ruling in the fear of God," listen to ruling in the fear of God," listen to the effect. He dawns on them like the the effect. He dawns on them like the the effect. He dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining morning light, like the sun shining morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain forth on a cloudless morning, like rain forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the that makes grass to sprout from the that makes grass to sprout from the earth.

earth. earth. That's a picture of the effect of good That's a picture of the effect of good That's a picture of the effect of good leadership, of what good leadership leadership, of what good leadership leadership, of what good leadership feels like, and what it produces. is feels like, and what it produces. is feels like, and what it produces. is when godly leadership is present, people when godly leadership is present, people when godly leadership is present, people flourish, things grow. Life gets better flourish, things grow. Life gets better flourish, things grow. Life gets better under the influence of that leadership. under the influence of that leadership. under the influence of that leadership. Because godly leadership isn't just Because godly leadership isn't just Because godly leadership isn't just about what you accomplish. Godly about what you accomplish. Godly about what you accomplish. Godly leadership is about what happens to the leadership is about what happens to the leadership is about what happens to the people you lead. So, I want you to think people you lead. So, I want you to think people you lead. So, I want you to think about this. In the New Testament, the about this. In the New Testament, the about this. In the New Testament, the New Testament gives qualifications for New Testament gives qualifications for New Testament gives qualifications for for leaders in the church. And it's for leaders in the church. And it's for leaders in the church. And it's interesting that almost all of the interesting that almost all of the interesting that almost all of the qualifications for leadership uh for qualifications for leadership uh for qualifications for leadership uh for church leadership are about character church leadership are about character church leadership are about character and not competency. and not competency. and not competency. Not about how gifted you are, although Not about how gifted you are, although Not about how gifted you are, although that that matters. Not about how that that matters. Not about how that that matters. Not about how impressive you are or how much you impressive you are or how much you impressive you are or how much you accomplish, but about who are you. accomplish, but about who are you. accomplish, but about who are you. What's your character actually like? What's your character actually like? What's your character actually like? Why? Listen to me. Because godly Why? Listen to me. Because godly Why? Listen to me. Because godly leadership is designed to be a realtime leadership is designed to be a realtime leadership is designed to be a realtime reflection of God's own wisdom and reflection of God's own wisdom and reflection of God's own wisdom and character. Hear me.

character. Hear me. character. Hear me. Godly leadership is designed by God to Godly leadership is designed by God to Godly leadership is designed by God to be a real time reflection for other be a real time reflection for other be a real time reflection for other people of his own wisdom and character. people of his own wisdom and character. people of his own wisdom and character. >> That's certainly true in the church, but >> That's certainly true in the church, but >> That's certainly true in the church, but the principle extends beyond the church the principle extends beyond the church the principle extends beyond the church to leadership in our families, in our to leadership in our families, in our to leadership in our families, in our workplaces, in the government, in workplaces, in the government, in workplaces, in the government, in broader society. And if good leadership broader society. And if good leadership broader society. And if good leadership can cause people to flourish, then the can cause people to flourish, then the can cause people to flourish, then the opposite is also true. opposite is also true. opposite is also true. >> When leadership becomes unhealthy, the >> When leadership becomes unhealthy, the >> When leadership becomes unhealthy, the people underneath it suffer. people underneath it suffer. people underneath it suffer. >> And that's what we see here in Saul's >> And that's what we see here in Saul's >> And that's what we see here in Saul's leadership. This is what we're going to leadership. This is what we're going to leadership. This is what we're going to look at in 1 Samuel chapter 14. Now, look at in 1 Samuel chapter 14. Now, look at in 1 Samuel chapter 14. Now, we've already covered the first half of we've already covered the first half of we've already covered the first half of chapter 14. If you haven't been tracking chapter 14. If you haven't been tracking chapter 14. If you haven't been tracking with us in this series, I encourage you with us in this series, I encourage you with us in this series, I encourage you to go back and listen to some of the to go back and listen to some of the to go back and listen to some of the previous messages or you don't need us. previous messages or you don't need us. previous messages or you don't need us. Just read the Bible. Read uh 1st Samuel Just read the Bible. Read uh 1st Samuel Just read the Bible. Read uh 1st Samuel uh uh chapters uh 1 through13 and and uh uh chapters uh 1 through13 and and uh uh chapters uh 1 through13 and and for King Saul's life in particular, for King Saul's life in particular, for King Saul's life in particular, chapters 8 uh through where we are now chapters 8 uh through where we are now chapters 8 uh through where we are now in chapter 14. Today we're going to read in chapter 14. Today we're going to read in chapter 14. Today we're going to read uh from verse 24 and we're going to work uh from verse 24 and we're going to work uh from verse 24 and we're going to work our way all the way through the end of our way all the way through the end of our way all the way through the end of the chapter. Before we do that though, the chapter. Before we do that though, the chapter. Before we do that though, we're getting ready to hear from God we're getting ready to hear from God we're getting ready to hear from God through his word. And so, uh, let's do through his word. And so, uh, let's do through his word. And so, uh, let's do this. Take a minute, uh, between you and this. Take a minute, uh, between you and this. Take a minute, uh, between you and God here, wherever you're watching from.

God here, wherever you're watching from. God here, wherever you're watching from. Let's just quiet our hearts. Let's Let's just quiet our hearts. Let's Let's just quiet our hearts. Let's concentrate our minds and ask God, God, concentrate our minds and ask God, God, concentrate our minds and ask God, God, would you speak to me personally through would you speak to me personally through would you speak to me personally through your word? Take a minute between you and your word? Take a minute between you and your word? Take a minute between you and God. Father, we thank you for your word and Father, we thank you for your word and we need your word. we need your word. we need your word. We need you to speak to us, Lord. And We need you to speak to us, Lord. And We need you to speak to us, Lord. And then by the power of your Holy Spirit, then by the power of your Holy Spirit, then by the power of your Holy Spirit, we need you to change us. we need you to change us. we need you to change us. Would you do that for your glory? It's Would you do that for your glory? It's Would you do that for your glory? It's in Christ's name we pray. Amen. in Christ's name we pray. Amen. in Christ's name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. All right, y'all ready to dive in? >> Amen. All right, y'all ready to dive in? >> Amen. All right, y'all ready to dive in? Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Come on, y'all. It's the later service. >> Come on, y'all. It's the later service. >> Come on, y'all. It's the later service. Can we wake up? Are y'all ready to dive Can we wake up? Are y'all ready to dive Can we wake up? Are y'all ready to dive in? in? in? >> We good? All right, let's do it. 1st >> We good? All right, let's do it. 1st >> We good? All right, let's do it. 1st Samuel chapter 14, we're going to pick Samuel chapter 14, we're going to pick Samuel chapter 14, we're going to pick it up in verse 24. And we got to move it up in verse 24. And we got to move it up in verse 24. And we got to move because we working our way all the way because we working our way all the way because we working our way all the way to the end of the chapter. And then to the end of the chapter. And then to the end of the chapter. And then we'll come up for air. We'll ask, what we'll come up for air. We'll ask, what we'll come up for air. We'll ask, what does this have to do with us uh today?

does this have to do with us uh today? does this have to do with us uh today? Verse 24, it says, "And the men of Verse 24, it says, "And the men of Verse 24, it says, "And the men of Israel have been hardpressed that day." Israel have been hardpressed that day." Israel have been hardpressed that day." So Saul had laid an oath on the people. So Saul had laid an oath on the people. So Saul had laid an oath on the people. Now, let's pause there for uh a minute. Now, let's pause there for uh a minute. Now, let's pause there for uh a minute. One quick note here. I'm not a Hebrew One quick note here. I'm not a Hebrew One quick note here. I'm not a Hebrew scholar, but as best as I can tell, I scholar, but as best as I can tell, I scholar, but as best as I can tell, I think some of the other translations are think some of the other translations are think some of the other translations are more accurate here. I just read to you more accurate here. I just read to you more accurate here. I just read to you the English Standard Version, but let me the English Standard Version, but let me the English Standard Version, but let me give you an example. New American give you an example. New American give you an example. New American Standard Bible puts it this way. Now, Standard Bible puts it this way. Now, Standard Bible puts it this way. Now, the men of Israel were hardpressed on the men of Israel were hardpressed on the men of Israel were hardpressed on that day for Saul or because Saul had that day for Saul or because Saul had that day for Saul or because Saul had put the people under oath. So, here's put the people under oath. So, here's put the people under oath. So, here's what's happening. what's happening. what's happening. Saul put an oath on his soldiers and it Saul put an oath on his soldiers and it Saul put an oath on his soldiers and it caused them to feel hardressed. caused them to feel hardressed. caused them to feel hardressed. What was that oath? Well, it goes on What was that oath? Well, it goes on What was that oath? Well, it goes on here. Here was the oath. It said, here. Here was the oath. It said, here. Here was the oath. It said, "Cursed be the man who eats food until "Cursed be the man who eats food until "Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening, and I am avenged on my it is evening, and I am avenged on my it is evening, and I am avenged on my enemies." So, none of the people had enemies." So, none of the people had enemies." So, none of the people had tasted food. Now Saul's soldiers, the tasted food. Now Saul's soldiers, the tasted food. Now Saul's soldiers, the Israelites are pursuing uh their Israelites are pursuing uh their Israelites are pursuing uh their enemies, the Philist Phil Philistines enemies, the Philist Phil Philistines enemies, the Philist Phil Philistines now into the woods. And then verse 25, now into the woods. And then verse 25, now into the woods. And then verse 25, it says, "Now when all the people came it says, "Now when all the people came it says, "Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey to the forest, behold, there was honey to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground." It's not a good look in on the ground." It's not a good look in on the ground." It's not a good look in this moment. Now, some of y'all already this moment. Now, some of y'all already this moment. Now, some of y'all already know what they probably would have been know what they probably would have been know what they probably would have been feeling like because some of y'all fast.

feeling like because some of y'all fast. feeling like because some of y'all fast. Okay? And if you don't, some of y'all Okay? And if you don't, some of y'all Okay? And if you don't, some of y'all follow Jesus need to start practicing follow Jesus need to start practicing follow Jesus need to start practicing fasting. But you know what it's like. fasting. But you know what it's like. fasting. But you know what it's like. Why is it on the one day you decide to Why is it on the one day you decide to Why is it on the one day you decide to fast, that's when your coworker decides fast, that's when your coworker decides fast, that's when your coworker decides they gonna bring in some crumble cookies they gonna bring in some crumble cookies they gonna bring in some crumble cookies or or some duck donuts or something like or or some duck donuts or something like or or some duck donuts or something like that? They're not generous. No other day that? They're not generous. No other day that? They're not generous. No other day of the year. But today, the spirit has of the year. But today, the spirit has of the year. But today, the spirit has taken hold of their hearts on the day taken hold of their hearts on the day taken hold of their hearts on the day that you chose to fast. This is what that you chose to fast. This is what that you chose to fast. This is what they're feeling like. They are starving. they're feeling like. They are starving. they're feeling like. They are starving. They pursue their enemies into the They pursue their enemies into the They pursue their enemies into the forest and there's honey on the ground. forest and there's honey on the ground. forest and there's honey on the ground. Now, remember, they're in the promised Now, remember, they're in the promised Now, remember, they're in the promised land. And do you remember how the land. And do you remember how the land. And do you remember how the promised land was described? It was promised land was described? It was promised land was described? It was described as a land flowing with milk described as a land flowing with milk described as a land flowing with milk and and and >> with milk and honey. That's because back >> with milk and honey. That's because back >> with milk and honey. That's because back during this time, parts of Israel had during this time, parts of Israel had during this time, parts of Israel had large colonies of wild bees that large colonies of wild bees that large colonies of wild bees that produced a lot of honey. And one of the produced a lot of honey. And one of the produced a lot of honey. And one of the great things about honeycomb is that it great things about honeycomb is that it great things about honeycomb is that it provides instant energy. But it wasn't provides instant energy. But it wasn't provides instant energy. But it wasn't just that from a practical standpoint. just that from a practical standpoint. just that from a practical standpoint. In scripture, honey is seen as a In scripture, honey is seen as a In scripture, honey is seen as a delicacy that symbolizes blessing and delicacy that symbolizes blessing and delicacy that symbolizes blessing and abundance. [snorts] And so the picture abundance. [snorts] And so the picture abundance. [snorts] And so the picture here is of God's lavish care and here is of God's lavish care and here is of God's lavish care and provision for these weary soldiers. But provision for these weary soldiers. But provision for these weary soldiers. But verse 26, when the people entered the verse 26, when the people entered the verse 26, when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, forest, behold, the honey was dropping, forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth.

but no one put his hand to his mouth. but no one put his hand to his mouth. Why? For the people feared the oath. And Why? For the people feared the oath. And Why? For the people feared the oath. And here's the tension in the story. Verse here's the tension in the story. Verse here's the tension in the story. Verse 27. 27. 27. But Jonathan, we've been introduced to But Jonathan, we've been introduced to But Jonathan, we've been introduced to Jonathan already. saw a son had not Jonathan already. saw a son had not Jonathan already. saw a son had not heard his father charge the people with heard his father charge the people with heard his father charge the people with the oath. So he put out the tip of the the oath. So he put out the tip of the the oath. So he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it staff that was in his hand and dipped it staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his in the honeycomb and put his hand to his in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth and his eyes became bright. His mouth and his eyes became bright. His mouth and his eyes became bright. His eyes became bright. That's a Hebrew eyes became bright. That's a Hebrew eyes became bright. That's a Hebrew expression. It means he was expression. It means he was expression. It means he was re-energized. re-energized. re-energized. And we all know that feeling when you've And we all know that feeling when you've And we all know that feeling when you've been starving and you finally get that been starving and you finally get that been starving and you finally get that first bite to eat. Because some of y'all first bite to eat. Because some of y'all first bite to eat. Because some of y'all be hangry. you hungry and it produces be hangry. you hungry and it produces be hangry. you hungry and it produces anger and everybody around you feels anger and everybody around you feels anger and everybody around you feels that wrath. You know what it's like? It that wrath. You know what it's like? It that wrath. You know what it's like? It doesn't when you take that first bite, doesn't when you take that first bite, doesn't when you take that first bite, it doesn't just affect you physically. it doesn't just affect you physically. it doesn't just affect you physically. It also affects you emotionally. And It also affects you emotionally. And It also affects you emotionally. And there's a reason for that. Because when there's a reason for that. Because when there's a reason for that. Because when you're really hungry, you're low you had you're really hungry, you're low you had you're really hungry, you're low you had low blood sugar. It trigger triggers low blood sugar. It trigger triggers low blood sugar. It trigger triggers stress hormones like adrenaline and stress hormones like adrenaline and stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. It's why you feel super cortisol. It's why you feel super cortisol. It's why you feel super irritable and you're super on edge. And irritable and you're super on edge. And irritable and you're super on edge. And when you finally eat something, it when you finally eat something, it when you finally eat something, it brings your blood sugar back down and brings your blood sugar back down and brings your blood sugar back down and lowers those hormones. You go from lowers those hormones. You go from lowers those hormones. You go from Incredible Hulk back to Bruce Banner.

Incredible Hulk back to Bruce Banner. Incredible Hulk back to Bruce Banner. Everybody around you can breathe. Everybody around you can breathe. Everybody around you can breathe. Then on top of that, when you taste Then on top of that, when you taste Then on top of that, when you taste food, it it releases a rush of dopamine food, it it releases a rush of dopamine food, it it releases a rush of dopamine in your brain. It creates an immediate in your brain. It creates an immediate in your brain. It creates an immediate sensation of pleasure and satisfaction. sensation of pleasure and satisfaction. sensation of pleasure and satisfaction. So imagine Jonathan, So imagine Jonathan, So imagine Jonathan, his eyes have become bright. He's like a his eyes have become bright. He's like a his eyes have become bright. He's like a kid with honey all over his hands and kid with honey all over his hands and kid with honey all over his hands and all over his mouth. He's feeling all over his mouth. He's feeling all over his mouth. He's feeling amazing. amazing. amazing. Verse 28. Then one of the people said, Verse 28. Then one of the people said, Verse 28. Then one of the people said, Jonathan, your father strictly charged Jonathan, your father strictly charged Jonathan, your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, "Cursed the people with an oath, saying, "Cursed the people with an oath, saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food this day." And be the man who eats food this day." And be the man who eats food this day." And the people were faint. the people were faint. the people were faint. Then Jonathan said, "My father has Then Jonathan said, "My father has Then Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land." troubled the land." troubled the land." Now, just don't don't just blow by that. Now, just don't don't just blow by that. Now, just don't don't just blow by that. That's a heavy statement. That's a heavy That's a heavy statement. That's a heavy That's a heavy statement. That's a heavy statement. And although these words are statement. And although these words are statement. And although these words are spoken by Jonathan, they're designed to spoken by Jonathan, they're designed to spoken by Jonathan, they're designed to be a kind of divine judgment be a kind of divine judgment be a kind of divine judgment because instead of being a blessing to because instead of being a blessing to because instead of being a blessing to the land, a blessing to the people of the land, a blessing to the people of the land, a blessing to the people of the land, Saul's leadership have become the land, Saul's leadership have become the land, Saul's leadership have become a burden.

a burden. a burden. Jonathan says, "My father has troubled Jonathan says, "My father has troubled Jonathan says, "My father has troubled the land." And he goes on to explain the land." And he goes on to explain the land." And he goes on to explain what he means. He says, "See how my eyes what he means. He says, "See how my eyes what he means. He says, "See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a have become bright because I tasted a have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. How much better if little of this honey. How much better if little of this honey. How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the the people had eaten freely today of the the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. spoil of their enemies that they found. spoil of their enemies that they found. For now, the defeat among the For now, the defeat among the For now, the defeat among the Philistines has not been great." In Philistines has not been great." In Philistines has not been great." In other words, they would have defeated other words, they would have defeated other words, they would have defeated even more Philistines had they been able even more Philistines had they been able even more Philistines had they been able to eat and refuel. And yet, they were to eat and refuel. And yet, they were to eat and refuel. And yet, they were able to make some progress. Verse 31, it able to make some progress. Verse 31, it able to make some progress. Verse 31, it says, "They struck down the Philistines says, "They struck down the Philistines says, "They struck down the Philistines that day from Mcmash about 16 miles that day from Mcmash about 16 miles that day from Mcmash about 16 miles westward uh to um uh Aelon, and the westward uh to um uh Aelon, and the westward uh to um uh Aelon, and the people were very faint." people were very faint." people were very faint." Now, at this point, they're allowed to Now, at this point, they're allowed to Now, at this point, they're allowed to eat since they've driven out the eat since they've driven out the eat since they've driven out the Philistines. And so, in verse 32 to 34, Philistines. And so, in verse 32 to 34, Philistines. And so, in verse 32 to 34, uh the people are so hungry that they uh the people are so hungry that they uh the people are so hungry that they violate God's law by eating meat without violate God's law by eating meat without violate God's law by eating meat without properly draining the blood first. And properly draining the blood first. And properly draining the blood first. And so Saul stopped them and made them go so Saul stopped them and made them go so Saul stopped them and made them go through the proper ceremonial process.

through the proper ceremonial process. through the proper ceremonial process. And then in verse 35, it says, "Saul And then in verse 35, it says, "Saul And then in verse 35, it says, "Saul built an altar to the Lord." It was the built an altar to the Lord." It was the built an altar to the Lord." It was the first altar that he had built to the first altar that he had built to the first altar that he had built to the Lord. Which is interesting. A leader of Lord. Which is interesting. A leader of Lord. Which is interesting. A leader of his stature leading the people of God. his stature leading the people of God. his stature leading the people of God. This is his first time building an altar This is his first time building an altar This is his first time building an altar to the Lord. And then Saul said, "Let us to the Lord. And then Saul said, "Let us to the Lord. And then Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night. go down after the Philistines by night. go down after the Philistines by night. We got them on their heels. So let's We got them on their heels. So let's We got them on their heels. So let's keep chasing them and plunder them until keep chasing them and plunder them until keep chasing them and plunder them until the morning light. Let us not leave a the morning light. Let us not leave a the morning light. Let us not leave a man of them. man of them. man of them. And the soldier said, "Do whatever seems And the soldier said, "Do whatever seems And the soldier said, "Do whatever seems good to you." good to you." good to you." It's not exactly an enthusiastic It's not exactly an enthusiastic It's not exactly an enthusiastic endorsement. endorsement. endorsement. And husbands, let me just give you a And husbands, let me just give you a And husbands, let me just give you a quick marriage tip. If your wife says quick marriage tip. If your wife says quick marriage tip. If your wife says whatever, whatever, whatever, whatever you want to do, whatever you want to do, whatever you want to do, it's a trap, dog. It's a trap. I'm just it's a trap, dog. It's a trap. I'm just it's a trap, dog. It's a trap. I'm just trying to tell you it's not real. Don't trying to tell you it's not real. Don't trying to tell you it's not real. Don't trust it. Saul's soldiers are like, trust it. Saul's soldiers are like, trust it. Saul's soldiers are like, "Whatever. "Whatever. "Whatever. Whatever you want to do." But the priest Whatever you want to do." But the priest Whatever you want to do." But the priest said, "So Saul's ready, but the priest said, "So Saul's ready, but the priest said, "So Saul's ready, but the priest said, hold on. Let us draw near to God said, hold on. Let us draw near to God said, hold on. Let us draw near to God here."

here." here." So verse 37, Saul inquired of God, So verse 37, Saul inquired of God, So verse 37, Saul inquired of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines, "Shall I go down after the Philistines, "Shall I go down after the Philistines, Lord, will you give them into the hand Lord, will you give them into the hand Lord, will you give them into the hand of Israel?" But God did not answer them of Israel?" But God did not answer them of Israel?" But God did not answer them that day. that day. that day. Now, we've all experienced unanswered Now, we've all experienced unanswered Now, we've all experienced unanswered prayer, but you got to interpret this in prayer, but you got to interpret this in prayer, but you got to interpret this in the context of what's been happening up the context of what's been happening up the context of what's been happening up to this point. You remember because of to this point. You remember because of to this point. You remember because of Saul's sin, we studied this together in Saul's sin, we studied this together in Saul's sin, we studied this together in the last chapter, chapter 13. Because of the last chapter, chapter 13. Because of the last chapter, chapter 13. Because of Saul's sin, God had removed his blessing Saul's sin, God had removed his blessing Saul's sin, God had removed his blessing and divine endorsement from Saul. So and divine endorsement from Saul. So and divine endorsement from Saul. So when it says, "But God did not answer when it says, "But God did not answer when it says, "But God did not answer him," we're supposed to hear that as a him," we're supposed to hear that as a him," we're supposed to hear that as a divine judgment against Saul. divine judgment against Saul. divine judgment against Saul. But here's the thing. Saul is so But here's the thing. Saul is so But here's the thing. Saul is so spiritually disconnected. spiritually disconnected. spiritually disconnected. He's so spiritually insensitive, so He's so spiritually insensitive, so He's so spiritually insensitive, so spiritually dull that he does not spiritually dull that he does not spiritually dull that he does not understand what's happening. So he understand what's happening. So he understand what's happening. So he freaks out just like he did before. He freaks out just like he did before. He freaks out just like he did before. He assumes there must be sin in the camp. assumes there must be sin in the camp. assumes there must be sin in the camp. And so he goes on a witch hunt. Verse And so he goes on a witch hunt. Verse And so he goes on a witch hunt. Verse 38. And Saul said, "Come here all you 38. And Saul said, "Come here all you 38. And Saul said, "Come here all you leaders of the people and know and see leaders of the people and know and see leaders of the people and know and see how this sin has arisen today. We're how this sin has arisen today. We're how this sin has arisen today. We're going to find out whose sin has caused going to find out whose sin has caused going to find out whose sin has caused God to go silent. For as the Lord lives God to go silent. For as the Lord lives God to go silent. For as the Lord lives who saves Israel, though it be or even who saves Israel, though it be or even who saves Israel, though it be or even if it be Jonath Jonathan my son, he if it be Jonath Jonathan my son, he if it be Jonath Jonathan my son, he shall surely die." But there was not a shall surely die." But there was not a shall surely die." But there was not a man among all the people who answered man among all the people who answered man among all the people who answered him. Nobody's willing to speak up. And

him. Nobody's willing to speak up. And him. Nobody's willing to speak up. And so Saul has them cast lots to identify so Saul has them cast lots to identify so Saul has them cast lots to identify the person who sinned. And in verse 40 the person who sinned. And in verse 40 the person who sinned. And in verse 40 to 43, they go through the process. The to 43, they go through the process. The to 43, they go through the process. The lot falls to Jonathan. Jonathan lot falls to Jonathan. Jonathan lot falls to Jonathan. Jonathan confesses that he did in fact eat a confesses that he did in fact eat a confesses that he did in fact eat a little bit of honey. And so verse 44, little bit of honey. And so verse 44, little bit of honey. And so verse 44, Saul said, "God, do so to me and more Saul said, "God, do so to me and more Saul said, "God, do so to me and more also, you shall surely die, Jonathan." also, you shall surely die, Jonathan." also, you shall surely die, Jonathan." This is crazy. This is crazy. This is crazy. Saul soldiers can't even believe what Saul soldiers can't even believe what Saul soldiers can't even believe what they're hearing. You're about to kill they're hearing. You're about to kill they're hearing. You're about to kill your son because he ages a little bit of your son because he ages a little bit of your son because he ages a little bit of h honey. And so verse 45, then the h honey. And so verse 45, then the h honey. And so verse 45, then the people said to Saul, "Shall Jonathan people said to Saul, "Shall Jonathan people said to Saul, "Shall Jonathan die? Who has worked this great salvation die? Who has worked this great salvation die? Who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it. As the Lord in Israel? Far from it. As the Lord in Israel? Far from it. As the Lord lives, there shall not be one hair of lives, there shall not be one hair of lives, there shall not be one hair of his head that will fall to the ground. his head that will fall to the ground. his head that will fall to the ground. For he has worked with God this day." For he has worked with God this day." For he has worked with God this day." >> They said, "Enough is enough. We're >> They said, "Enough is enough. We're >> They said, "Enough is enough. We're drawing a line in the sand." So the drawing a line in the sand." So the drawing a line in the sand." So the people ransom. They rescued Jonathan. so people ransom. They rescued Jonathan. so people ransom. They rescued Jonathan. so that he did not die. And then Saul went that he did not die. And then Saul went that he did not die. And then Saul went up from he gave up on pursuing the up from he gave up on pursuing the up from he gave up on pursuing the Philistines.

Philistines. Philistines. And the Philistines went to their own And the Philistines went to their own And the Philistines went to their own place. place. place. And then in verses 47 to 52, the writer And then in verses 47 to 52, the writer And then in verses 47 to 52, the writer wraps it up with a summary of Saul's wraps it up with a summary of Saul's wraps it up with a summary of Saul's reign. And in many ways, this is what reign. And in many ways, this is what reign. And in many ways, this is what the writer is basically pointing out. the writer is basically pointing out. the writer is basically pointing out. Saul had been outwardly successful Saul had been outwardly successful Saul had been outwardly successful from a human perspective, from a human perspective, from a human perspective, but he was a spiritual failure from but he was a spiritual failure from but he was a spiritual failure from God's perspective. God's perspective. God's perspective. Let me say that again. Let me say that again. Let me say that again. He was outwardly successful. He was He was outwardly successful. He was He was outwardly successful. He was impressive impressive impressive from a human perspective. from a human perspective. from a human perspective. He was a failure He was a failure He was a failure from God's perspective. And so the question for us, we'll stop And so the question for us, we'll stop there. That ends chapter 14. And Lord there. That ends chapter 14. And Lord there. That ends chapter 14. And Lord willing, we'll pick up in chapter 15 uh willing, we'll pick up in chapter 15 uh willing, we'll pick up in chapter 15 uh next week and we'll wrap up this study next week and we'll wrap up this study next week and we'll wrap up this study of King Saul's leadership. of King Saul's leadership. of King Saul's leadership. But the question we have to ask But the question we have to ask But the question we have to ask ourselves, let's come up for air and ask ourselves, let's come up for air and ask ourselves, let's come up for air and ask ourselves, all right, what does this ourselves, all right, what does this ourselves, all right, what does this have to do with me? What what does this have to do with me? What what does this have to do with me? What what does this have to do with us today in 2026?

Well, let me ask you a couple of of Well, let me ask you a couple of of questions. Just by show of hands here, questions. Just by show of hands here, questions. Just by show of hands here, wherever you watching from, by show of wherever you watching from, by show of wherever you watching from, by show of hands, how many of y'all use Apple hands, how many of y'all use Apple hands, how many of y'all use Apple products? products? products? Okay, you put your hand down. Next Okay, you put your hand down. Next Okay, you put your hand down. Next question. How many of y'all have chosen question. How many of y'all have chosen question. How many of y'all have chosen an inferior way of life? an inferior way of life? an inferior way of life? Cuz that that's what you've chosen. If Cuz that that's what you've chosen. If Cuz that that's what you've chosen. If that's what you've chosen. Listen, it that's what you've chosen. Listen, it that's what you've chosen. Listen, it what whatever brand of tech you use, if what whatever brand of tech you use, if what whatever brand of tech you use, if if you use Android, if you use Microsoft if you use Android, if you use Microsoft if you use Android, if you use Microsoft or whatever it is that you've chosen to or whatever it is that you've chosen to or whatever it is that you've chosen to use, no matter what brand of tech you use, no matter what brand of tech you use, no matter what brand of tech you use, everybody would agree Steve Jobs use, everybody would agree Steve Jobs use, everybody would agree Steve Jobs was a genius. was a genius. was a genius. He just was. He just was. He just was. He He not even he he didn't just He He not even he he didn't just He He not even he he didn't just revolutionize one industry. He revolutionize one industry. He revolutionize one industry. He revolutionized multiple industries from revolutionized multiple industries from revolutionized multiple industries from abs to Pixar. abs to Pixar. abs to Pixar. Steve Jobs was a genius, but if you've Steve Jobs was a genius, but if you've Steve Jobs was a genius, but if you've read his biography or any of the read his biography or any of the read his biography or any of the articles about him online, articles about him online, articles about him online, you already know that Steve Jobs did not you already know that Steve Jobs did not you already know that Steve Jobs did not have the best reputation.

have the best reputation. have the best reputation. In fact, one writer put it this way. Let In fact, one writer put it this way. Let In fact, one writer put it this way. Let me just read to you this description of me just read to you this description of me just read to you this description of of Steve Jobs uh leadership. He says, of Steve Jobs uh leadership. He says, of Steve Jobs uh leadership. He says, "When people talk about Steve Jobs, they "When people talk about Steve Jobs, they "When people talk about Steve Jobs, they usually think about the legend, the usually think about the legend, the usually think about the legend, the co-founder of Apple, the man who co-founder of Apple, the man who co-founder of Apple, the man who reinvented computers, music, and phones, reinvented computers, music, and phones, reinvented computers, music, and phones, the products that felt less like gadgets the products that felt less like gadgets the products that felt less like gadgets and more like magic tricks and art. He's and more like magic tricks and art. He's and more like magic tricks and art. He's become a symbol of creativity, become a symbol of creativity, become a symbol of creativity, perfection, and almost supernatural perfection, and almost supernatural perfection, and almost supernatural taste. Many fans saw him as a kind of taste. Many fans saw him as a kind of taste. Many fans saw him as a kind of genius, someone whose eye for detail genius, someone whose eye for detail genius, someone whose eye for detail felt almost obsessive. His name still felt almost obsessive. His name still felt almost obsessive. His name still inspires loyalty. more than a decade inspires loyalty. more than a decade inspires loyalty. more than a decade after his death. For a lot of people, after his death. For a lot of people, after his death. For a lot of people, Steve Jobs represents what genius looks Steve Jobs represents what genius looks Steve Jobs represents what genius looks like. But there's another version of him like. But there's another version of him like. But there's another version of him that appears only when you ask the that appears only when you ask the that appears only when you ask the people who actually spent time in the people who actually spent time in the people who actually spent time in the room with him, who worked under him, who room with him, who worked under him, who room with him, who worked under him, who built Apple's products with him. And built Apple's products with him. And built Apple's products with him. And when you talk to those people, a when you talk to those people, a when you talk to those people, a different story shows up. Because different story shows up. Because different story shows up. Because alongside the genius, there is someone alongside the genius, there is someone alongside the genius, there is someone who could be cruel, manipulative, who could be cruel, manipulative, who could be cruel, manipulative, punishing, and emotionally volatile. He punishing, and emotionally volatile. He punishing, and emotionally volatile. He says, "Someone who broke people down as says, "Someone who broke people down as says, "Someone who broke people down as easily as he built products up."

easily as he built products up." easily as he built products up." Another writer wrote this in Psychology Another writer wrote this in Psychology Another writer wrote this in Psychology Today. In some, while Steve Jobs was a Today. In some, while Steve Jobs was a Today. In some, while Steve Jobs was a successful leader, entrepreneur, and successful leader, entrepreneur, and successful leader, entrepreneur, and visionary, he fell considerably short of visionary, he fell considerably short of visionary, he fell considerably short of the qualities possessed by the very best the qualities possessed by the very best the qualities possessed by the very best leaders. This is a case where Jobs's leaders. This is a case where Jobs's leaders. This is a case where Jobs's success and his charisma overshadows all success and his charisma overshadows all success and his charisma overshadows all of his bad qualities and behaviors. The fact of the matter is the The fact of the matter is the unfortunate reality is that this can unfortunate reality is that this can unfortunate reality is that this can also be true in churches also be true in churches also be true in churches >> and of Christian leaders and Christian >> and of Christian leaders and Christian >> and of Christian leaders and Christian organizations. And I just need to say organizations. And I just need to say organizations. And I just need to say just for a minute, just for a minute. just for a minute, just for a minute. just for a minute, just for a minute. And I and I have a pretty pretty wide And I and I have a pretty pretty wide And I and I have a pretty pretty wide exposure, not just because I'm a pastor, exposure, not just because I'm a pastor, exposure, not just because I'm a pastor, not just because I grew up as a pastor, not just because I grew up as a pastor, not just because I grew up as a pastor, because my full-time job when I first because my full-time job when I first because my full-time job when I first graduated from college was working with graduated from college was working with graduated from college was working with pastors across the country. I can pastors across the country. I can pastors across the country. I can genuinely say most pastors are just genuinely say most pastors are just genuinely say most pastors are just humbly and faithfully doing the work, humbly and faithfully doing the work, humbly and faithfully doing the work, trying to serve God's people. That's trying to serve God's people. That's trying to serve God's people. That's true of most pastors.

But listen, we've all seen the But listen, we've all seen the headlines. headlines. headlines. We've all heard of or experienced We've all heard of or experienced We've all heard of or experienced leaders, even leaders who bear the name leaders, even leaders who bear the name leaders, even leaders who bear the name of Jesus or who serve uh among God's of Jesus or who serve uh among God's of Jesus or who serve uh among God's people in the church who are people in the church who are people in the church who are manipulative or who are even abusive. manipulative or who are even abusive. manipulative or who are even abusive. And so, we got to talk about it. And so, we got to talk about it. And so, we got to talk about it. And that's what I I think we see and I And that's what I I think we see and I And that's what I I think we see and I think why God put this passage, this think why God put this passage, this think why God put this passage, this snapshot of Saul's leadership in the snapshot of Saul's leadership in the snapshot of Saul's leadership in the Bible. What can we learn as we look at Bible. What can we learn as we look at Bible. What can we learn as we look at Saul's leadership? Well, I want to point Saul's leadership? Well, I want to point Saul's leadership? Well, I want to point out four warning signs of toxic out four warning signs of toxic out four warning signs of toxic leadership. Four warning signs of toxic leadership. Four warning signs of toxic leadership. Four warning signs of toxic leadership. Now, I know before we even leadership. Now, I know before we even leadership. Now, I know before we even dive into that, as soon as I say toxic, dive into that, as soon as I say toxic, dive into that, as soon as I say toxic, I know some of y'all, especially maybe I know some of y'all, especially maybe I know some of y'all, especially maybe some of our older brothers and sisters, some of our older brothers and sisters, some of our older brothers and sisters, y'all already rolling your eyes, right? y'all already rolling your eyes, right? y'all already rolling your eyes, right? Because because toxic is just a buzz Because because toxic is just a buzz Because because toxic is just a buzz word and we throw it around. so much uh word and we throw it around. so much uh word and we throw it around. so much uh we overuse it so much that it can lose we overuse it so much that it can lose we overuse it so much that it can lose its meaning. So, let me just be clear its meaning. So, let me just be clear its meaning. So, let me just be clear for a minute. Your boss is not toxic for a minute. Your boss is not toxic for a minute. Your boss is not toxic because they require you to be at work because they require you to be at work because they require you to be at work on time.

>> Amen. >> Amen. >> Your boss is not toxic because your >> Your boss is not toxic because your >> Your boss is not toxic because your performance review included a review of performance review included a review of performance review included a review of your performance. Your teacher is not toxic because they Your teacher is not toxic because they gave you a zero on the exam that you gave you a zero on the exam that you gave you a zero on the exam that you didn't turn in. didn't turn in. didn't turn in. >> Your teacher is not toxic because they >> Your teacher is not toxic because they >> Your teacher is not toxic because they scheduled the exam on your birthday. scheduled the exam on your birthday. scheduled the exam on your birthday. That is not a national holiday. Let me be clear. I'm not talking about a Let me be clear. I'm not talking about a leader you disagree with or a leader who leader you disagree with or a leader who leader you disagree with or a leader who disappoints you or a leader who even disappoints you or a leader who even disappoints you or a leader who even makes a bad decision. When I say toxic, makes a bad decision. When I say toxic, makes a bad decision. When I say toxic, I'm talking about patterns of leadership I'm talking about patterns of leadership I'm talking about patterns of leadership that consistently damage the people that consistently damage the people that consistently damage the people they're supposed to serve. they're supposed to serve. they're supposed to serve. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> That's what we see in Saul's leadership. >> That's what we see in Saul's leadership. >> That's what we see in Saul's leadership. So, what are the warning signs of this So, what are the warning signs of this So, what are the warning signs of this toxic leadership? Well, warning sign toxic leadership? Well, warning sign toxic leadership? Well, warning sign number one, beware of leaders who number one, beware of leaders who number one, beware of leaders who leverage religion, but they don't really leverage religion, but they don't really leverage religion, but they don't really live it. >> This is a pattern all throughout Saul's >> This is a pattern all throughout Saul's story from the very beginning. And you story from the very beginning. And you story from the very beginning. And you might remember this. Go back to the very might remember this. Go back to the very might remember this. Go back to the very beginning of our study of King Saul.

beginning of our study of King Saul. beginning of our study of King Saul. 1st Samuel chapter 8. When Saul and his 1st Samuel chapter 8. When Saul and his 1st Samuel chapter 8. When Saul and his servant, Saul is a young boy at this servant, Saul is a young boy at this servant, Saul is a young boy at this point. Saul and his servant go looking point. Saul and his servant go looking point. Saul and his servant go looking for his father's donkeys. I know if you for his father's donkeys. I know if you for his father's donkeys. I know if you if you haven't been tracking with us, if you haven't been tracking with us, if you haven't been tracking with us, that's probably super confusing. Just go that's probably super confusing. Just go that's probably super confusing. Just go back and read 1st Samuel chapter 8. back and read 1st Samuel chapter 8. back and read 1st Samuel chapter 8. They're looking for his father's They're looking for his father's They're looking for his father's donkeys. His servant is the one who has donkeys. His servant is the one who has donkeys. His servant is the one who has to suggest to Saul that they go find a to suggest to Saul that they go find a to suggest to Saul that they go find a man of God, a prophet named Samuel. It man of God, a prophet named Samuel. It man of God, a prophet named Samuel. It does not come to Saul's mind. the most does not come to Saul's mind. the most does not come to Saul's mind. the most famous prophet in all of Israel doesn't famous prophet in all of Israel doesn't famous prophet in all of Israel doesn't cross his mind to consult godly counsel. cross his mind to consult godly counsel. cross his mind to consult godly counsel. You see the same thing here in chapter You see the same thing here in chapter You see the same thing here in chapter 14. It's the priest who has to stop Saul 14. It's the priest who has to stop Saul 14. It's the priest who has to stop Saul and remind him to draw near to God and remind him to draw near to God and remind him to draw near to God before he goes into battle. You see that before he goes into battle. You see that before he goes into battle. You see that in chapter 4 36. When you look at all in chapter 4 36. When you look at all in chapter 4 36. When you look at all the different times Saul, any of the the different times Saul, any of the the different times Saul, any of the times that Saul initiates any kind of times that Saul initiates any kind of times that Saul initiates any kind of spiritual activity, it's almost always spiritual activity, it's almost always spiritual activity, it's almost always in an attempt to get God's endorsement. in an attempt to get God's endorsement. in an attempt to get God's endorsement. It is to use God to advance his own It is to use God to advance his own It is to use God to advance his own agenda. There's no proof or pattern of agenda. There's no proof or pattern of agenda. There's no proof or pattern of true intimate communion with God. Now, true intimate communion with God. Now, true intimate communion with God. Now, let me just say this. In a country full let me just say this. In a country full let me just say this. In a country full of Christian symbols and Christian of Christian symbols and Christian of Christian symbols and Christian language and Christian institutions, it language and Christian institutions, it language and Christian institutions, it is very easy to project a Christian is very easy to project a Christian is very easy to project a Christian image.

And you see this in leaders who pray And you see this in leaders who pray before a public meal or to start a before a public meal or to start a before a public meal or to start a ministry meeting, but it seems more like ministry meeting, but it seems more like ministry meeting, but it seems more like a quick formality than the overflow of a a quick formality than the overflow of a a quick formality than the overflow of a personal connection with God. personal connection with God. personal connection with God. You see it in leaders who reference the You see it in leaders who reference the You see it in leaders who reference the Bible, but it doesn't seem to really Bible, but it doesn't seem to really Bible, but it doesn't seem to really flow out of them. and you don't see flow out of them. and you don't see flow out of them. and you don't see biblical priorities shaping and driving biblical priorities shaping and driving biblical priorities shaping and driving their actual lifestyle and their their actual lifestyle and their their actual lifestyle and their character. character. character. It is very easy to use the name of God, It is very easy to use the name of God, It is very easy to use the name of God, to use the name of Jesus, to identify to use the name of Jesus, to identify to use the name of Jesus, to identify yourself with a Christian heritage yourself with a Christian heritage yourself with a Christian heritage and yet it not be an authentic and yet it not be an authentic and yet it not be an authentic conviction that shapes the way you conviction that shapes the way you conviction that shapes the way you actually live and show up in the world. actually live and show up in the world. actually live and show up in the world. And Jesus relentlessly, constantly And Jesus relentlessly, constantly And Jesus relentlessly, constantly confronts religious leaders about the confronts religious leaders about the confronts religious leaders about the gap between the image they project and gap between the image they project and gap between the image they project and the character, the reality of the life the character, the reality of the life the character, the reality of the life that they actually live. It's why one of that they actually live. It's why one of that they actually live. It's why one of our leadership values here as a church our leadership values here as a church our leadership values here as a church is lead from overflow.

is lead from overflow. is lead from overflow. From overflow. From overflow. From overflow. Here's warning sign number two. Beware Here's warning sign number two. Beware Here's warning sign number two. Beware of leaders who are more committed to of leaders who are more committed to of leaders who are more committed to their agenda than God's agenda. So you compare Jonathan and Saul for for So you compare Jonathan and Saul for for a minute. Remember what we studied a minute. Remember what we studied a minute. Remember what we studied together last week. Jonathan was a together last week. Jonathan was a together last week. Jonathan was a successful leader too. He successfully successful leader too. He successfully successful leader too. He successfully attacked a Philistine garrison in uh attacked a Philistine garrison in uh attacked a Philistine garrison in uh chapter 13. He successfully attacked chapter 13. He successfully attacked chapter 13. He successfully attacked another garrison in chapter 14. Just him another garrison in chapter 14. Just him another garrison in chapter 14. Just him and his armor bearer. And do you and his armor bearer. And do you and his armor bearer. And do you remember what Jonathan said before he remember what Jonathan said before he remember what Jonathan said before he went to attack that garrison? Chapter went to attack that garrison? Chapter went to attack that garrison? Chapter 14:6. Jonathan said to the young man who 14:6. Jonathan said to the young man who 14:6. Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over carried his armor, "Come, let us go over carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised." to the garrison of these uncircumcised." to the garrison of these uncircumcised." It again, you just got to go back and It again, you just got to go back and It again, you just got to go back and study it if you weren't here last week. study it if you weren't here last week. study it if you weren't here last week. It's weird, I know. It may be, listen to It's weird, I know. It may be, listen to It's weird, I know. It may be, listen to what he says. It may be that the Lord what he says. It may be that the Lord what he says. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder will work for us, for nothing can hinder will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few. the Lord from saving by many or by few. the Lord from saving by many or by few. Jonathan took a bold step of faith. Why? Jonathan took a bold step of faith. Why? Jonathan took a bold step of faith. Why? Because he trusted in God's uh power and Because he trusted in God's uh power and Because he trusted in God's uh power and he cared about God's glory.

Why? What is his ambition? Why does he Why? What is his ambition? Why does he want to swing for the fences? Why does want to swing for the fences? Why does want to swing for the fences? Why does he want to take this step of faith? he want to take this step of faith? he want to take this step of faith? Because he knows how powerful God is. Because he knows how powerful God is. Because he knows how powerful God is. And he says, "I'm willing to take a And he says, "I'm willing to take a And he says, "I'm willing to take a risk. I'm willing to put myself at risk. risk. I'm willing to put myself at risk. risk. I'm willing to put myself at risk. I'm willing to take this step of faith I'm willing to take this step of faith I'm willing to take this step of faith because I want to see the name and power because I want to see the name and power because I want to see the name and power of God glorified and lifted up." of God glorified and lifted up." of God glorified and lifted up." >> But compare that to what King Saul said >> But compare that to what King Saul said >> But compare that to what King Saul said in our passage. in our passage. in our passage. There were two little words that stood There were two little words that stood There were two little words that stood out to me. Two little words that reveal out to me. Two little words that reveal out to me. Two little words that reveal Saul's heart and the heart of his Saul's heart and the heart of his Saul's heart and the heart of his leadership. Why did Saul impose an oath leadership. Why did Saul impose an oath leadership. Why did Saul impose an oath on his entire army? The whole army. Why? on his entire army? The whole army. Why? on his entire army? The whole army. Why? Chapter 14 verse 24. The second half of Chapter 14 verse 24. The second half of Chapter 14 verse 24. The second half of verse 24 it says Saul had laid an oath verse 24 it says Saul had laid an oath verse 24 it says Saul had laid an oath on the people saying cursed be the man on the people saying cursed be the man on the people saying cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I who eats food until it is evening and I who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies. am avenged on my enemies. am avenged on my enemies. You catch that. It's a self-centered motivation. He is It's a self-centered motivation. He is obsessed with himself focused on obsessed with himself focused on obsessed with himself focused on himself. He is more committed to and himself. He is more committed to and himself. He is more committed to and passionate about protecting his own passionate about protecting his own passionate about protecting his own reputation, advancing his own agenda, reputation, advancing his own agenda, reputation, advancing his own agenda, spreading his own glory than he is the spreading his own glory than he is the spreading his own glory than he is the agenda and glory of God. And this is the agenda and glory of God. And this is the agenda and glory of God. And this is the opposite of godly leadership. Even the opposite of godly leadership. Even the opposite of godly leadership. Even the eternal son of God eternal son of God eternal son of God who had all authority and all power and who had all authority and all power and who had all authority and all power and all dominion and all glory. He left all all dominion and all glory. He left all all dominion and all glory. He left all of that, wrapped himself in human flesh,

of that, wrapped himself in human flesh, of that, wrapped himself in human flesh, entered into the human predicament. entered into the human predicament. entered into the human predicament. And in his earthly ministry, the eternal And in his earthly ministry, the eternal And in his earthly ministry, the eternal son of God in his humanity, you know son of God in his humanity, you know son of God in his humanity, you know what he continued to say? I came to do what he continued to say? I came to do what he continued to say? I came to do my father's will. my father's will. my father's will. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> I came to do my father's will. as a >> I came to do my father's will. as a >> I came to do my father's will. as a model for us of the kind of humility model for us of the kind of humility model for us of the kind of humility even when he's in the garden of even when he's in the garden of even when he's in the garden of Gethsemane he says not my will but your Gethsemane he says not my will but your Gethsemane he says not my will but your will be done lifting up the will of his will be done lifting up the will of his will be done lifting up the will of his father as a pattern for the life of father as a pattern for the life of father as a pattern for the life of those who follow him those who follow him those who follow him >> beware of leaders who are more committed >> beware of leaders who are more committed >> beware of leaders who are more committed to their agenda more passionate about to their agenda more passionate about to their agenda more passionate about their way of doing things than God's their way of doing things than God's their way of doing things than God's agenda agenda agenda warning sign number three beware aware warning sign number three beware aware warning sign number three beware aware of leaders who are known for using of leaders who are known for using of leaders who are known for using people more than caring for people. Saul's soldiers are struggling. Saul's soldiers are struggling. They're struggling.

They're struggling. They're struggling. You look at how the passage describes You look at how the passage describes You look at how the passage describes them. Verse 26, the people are afraid them. Verse 26, the people are afraid them. Verse 26, the people are afraid because they feared the consequences of because they feared the consequences of because they feared the consequences of the oath. Verse 28 and verse 31, the the oath. Verse 28 and verse 31, the the oath. Verse 28 and verse 31, the people were famished and exhausted to people were famished and exhausted to people were famished and exhausted to the point of fainting. All the people in Saul's office under All the people in Saul's office under Saul's leadership, there are signs of Saul's leadership, there are signs of Saul's leadership, there are signs of their health breaking down. their health breaking down. their health breaking down. Saul doesn't care. Saul doesn't care. Saul doesn't care. And the most telling description is And the most telling description is And the most telling description is right at the beginning of the story, right at the beginning of the story, right at the beginning of the story, verse 24. It says, "And the men of verse 24. It says, "And the men of verse 24. It says, "And the men of Israel have been hardpressed that day." Israel have been hardpressed that day." Israel have been hardpressed that day." Now, if you've been tracking with us or Now, if you've been tracking with us or Now, if you've been tracking with us or reading in 1 Samuel, that that should reading in 1 Samuel, that that should reading in 1 Samuel, that that should ring a bell because you've already heard ring a bell because you've already heard ring a bell because you've already heard that phrase before. It's the same word that phrase before. It's the same word that phrase before. It's the same word used earlier in chapter 13 when Saul's used earlier in chapter 13 when Saul's used earlier in chapter 13 when Saul's army was being attacked by the army was being attacked by the army was being attacked by the Philistines. Hardpressed was the word Philistines. Hardpressed was the word Philistines. Hardpressed was the word used to describe the way they felt when used to describe the way they felt when used to describe the way they felt when they were being attacked by their they were being attacked by their they were being attacked by their enemies. enemies. enemies. That word hardpressed. It means to be That word hardpressed. It means to be That word hardpressed. It means to be oppressed. That's how it's translated in oppressed. That's how it's translated in oppressed. That's how it's translated in other places in the Old Testament. It's other places in the Old Testament. It's other places in the Old Testament. It's a very vivid word in Hebrew. It's the a very vivid word in Hebrew. It's the a very vivid word in Hebrew. It's the sense of being squeezed, feeling sense of being squeezed, feeling sense of being squeezed, feeling squeezed or trapped by circumstances squeezed or trapped by circumstances squeezed or trapped by circumstances beyond your control.

And here's the irony. One writer put it And here's the irony. One writer put it this way. Earlier, Israel is hardpressed this way. Earlier, Israel is hardpressed this way. Earlier, Israel is hardpressed because of massive Philistine pressure. because of massive Philistine pressure. because of massive Philistine pressure. Here, [snorts] the Philistines are Here, [snorts] the Philistines are Here, [snorts] the Philistines are defeated. But Israel is still defeated. But Israel is still defeated. But Israel is still hardpressed because of Saul. Here's what hardpressed because of Saul. Here's what hardpressed because of Saul. Here's what he says. Saul shows a strange ability to he says. Saul shows a strange ability to he says. Saul shows a strange ability to turn deliverance into distress. turn deliverance into distress. turn deliverance into distress. What should have been an honor to serve What should have been an honor to serve What should have been an honor to serve has now become an overwhelming, has now become an overwhelming, has now become an overwhelming, stressful burden. stressful burden. stressful burden. Because here's the thing, God did not Because here's the thing, God did not Because here's the thing, God did not require the Israelite army to fast require the Israelite army to fast require the Israelite army to fast during their battles. This is something during their battles. This is something during their battles. This is something Saul was imposing on them. And we don't Saul was imposing on them. And we don't Saul was imposing on them. And we don't know exactly why. Maybe it's because he know exactly why. Maybe it's because he know exactly why. Maybe it's because he thought it would give them some thought it would give them some thought it would give them some spiritual or psychological edge. Maybe spiritual or psychological edge. Maybe spiritual or psychological edge. Maybe it was because of some motivational it was because of some motivational it was because of some motivational strategy to deprive them until they got strategy to deprive them until they got strategy to deprive them until they got the job done. But in reality, all it did the job done. But in reality, all it did the job done. But in reality, all it did was destroy morale and make them was destroy morale and make them was destroy morale and make them ineffective. ineffective. ineffective. Saul's decision was foolish. It was Saul's decision was foolish. It was Saul's decision was foolish. It was selfish. It was counterproductive and selfish. It was counterproductive and selfish. It was counterproductive and unnecessarily harmful. And here's the unnecessarily harmful. And here's the unnecessarily harmful. And here's the thing, and I think this is the point of thing, and I think this is the point of thing, and I think this is the point of the story here. Saul can't see it.

He can't see it. Why? because all he He can't see it. Why? because all he seems to care about is getting the job seems to care about is getting the job seems to care about is getting the job done. And this is precisely why the prophet And this is precisely why the prophet Samuel had warned God's people about Samuel had warned God's people about Samuel had warned God's people about choosing an ungodly king. Go back to the choosing an ungodly king. Go back to the choosing an ungodly king. Go back to the beginning of our study in 1st Samuel beginning of our study in 1st Samuel beginning of our study in 1st Samuel chapter 8. When the people were like, chapter 8. When the people were like, chapter 8. When the people were like, "God, we are discontent with you as our "God, we are discontent with you as our "God, we are discontent with you as our king. We want a king like all the other king. We want a king like all the other king. We want a king like all the other nations that is impressive according to nations that is impressive according to nations that is impressive according to worldly standards." And you remember the worldly standards." And you remember the worldly standards." And you remember the warning the prophet Samuel gave chapter warning the prophet Samuel gave chapter warning the prophet Samuel gave chapter 8 11 Samuel said these will be the ways 8 11 Samuel said these will be the ways 8 11 Samuel said these will be the ways of the king who will reign over you. He of the king who will reign over you. He of the king who will reign over you. He will take your sons and appoint them to will take your sons and appoint them to will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen and his chariots and to be his horsemen and his chariots and to be his horsemen and to be run before his chariots. to be run before his chariots. to be run before his chariots. And he will appoint for himself And he will appoint for himself And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders commanders of thousands and commanders commanders of thousands and commanders of 50s and some to plow his ground and of 50s and some to plow his ground and of 50s and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest and to make his to reap his harvest and to make his to reap his harvest and to make his implements of war and the equipment of implements of war and the equipment of implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your his chariots. He will take your his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumemers and cooks daughters to be perfumemers and cooks daughters to be perfumemers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of and bakers. He will take the best of and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive your fields and vineyards and olive your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his servants.

orchards and give them to his servants. orchards and give them to his servants. He will take the tenth of your grain and He will take the tenth of your grain and He will take the tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his of your vineyards and give it to his of your vineyards and give it to his officers and to his servants. He will officers and to his servants. He will officers and to his servants. He will take your male servants and female take your male servants and female take your male servants and female servants and the best of your young men servants and the best of your young men servants and the best of your young men and your donkeys and put them to his and your donkeys and put them to his and your donkeys and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your work. He will take the tenth of your work. He will take the tenth of your flocks and you shall be his slaves. He flocks and you shall be his slaves. He flocks and you shall be his slaves. He will take. He will take. He will take. You will not be imagebearers of God, You will not be imagebearers of God, dignified and beloved, who deserve care. dignified and beloved, who deserve care. dignified and beloved, who deserve care. You will just be cogs in his will. You will just be cogs in his will. You will just be cogs in his will. He will use you to accomplish his agenda He will use you to accomplish his agenda He will use you to accomplish his agenda no matter what it takes. That's Saul's no matter what it takes. That's Saul's no matter what it takes. That's Saul's leadership. And it's gotten to the point leadership. And it's gotten to the point leadership. And it's gotten to the point where the morale is so low and his where the morale is so low and his where the morale is so low and his soldiers are just going through the soldiers are just going through the soldiers are just going through the motions. Listen to me, leaders. Listen motions. Listen to me, leaders. Listen motions. Listen to me, leaders. Listen to me. And I'm not just talking about to me. And I'm not just talking about to me. And I'm not just talking about church leaders. Anybody who has the church leaders. Anybody who has the church leaders. Anybody who has the sacred privilege and responsibility of sacred privilege and responsibility of sacred privilege and responsibility of leadership. Listen to me. Do do not leadership. Listen to me. Do do not leadership. Listen to me. Do do not underestimate this. A lack of care will underestimate this. A lack of care will underestimate this. A lack of care will undermine your credibility just as undermine your credibility just as undermine your credibility just as quickly as a lack of competence.

I remember in my own leadership I remember in my own leadership here in this church, >> one of my our graphic designers here on >> one of my our graphic designers here on staff just pulled me to the side and staff just pulled me to the side and staff just pulled me to the side and said, "Hey man, like man, thanks so much said, "Hey man, like man, thanks so much said, "Hey man, like man, thanks so much for the feedback you give. It would be for the feedback you give. It would be for the feedback you give. It would be really helpful if sometimes you like let really helpful if sometimes you like let really helpful if sometimes you like let us know what you like. So, I fired him. I'm joking. I'm joking. So, I fired him. I'm joking. I'm joking. He's a joke. He's a good friend. He's He's a joke. He's a good friend. He's He's a joke. He's a good friend. He's still on staff. Appreciate you, dog. still on staff. Appreciate you, dog. still on staff. Appreciate you, dog. I didn't even realize it. I'm moving so I didn't even realize it. I'm moving so I didn't even realize it. I'm moving so fast fast fast that I'm just like, "Hey, we need to that I'm just like, "Hey, we need to that I'm just like, "Hey, we need to change this." It wasn't I was trying to change this." It wasn't I was trying to change this." It wasn't I was trying to be mean. I'm just like, "Hey, we need to be mean. I'm just like, "Hey, we need to be mean. I'm just like, "Hey, we need to change this. We need to change this." change this. We need to change this." change this. We need to change this." But that compounded over time But that compounded over time But that compounded over time deprivives people under your leadership deprivives people under your leadership deprivives people under your leadership of one of the things they need, not just of one of the things they need, not just of one of the things they need, not just food, but like encouragement. >> It's why one of our leadership values >> It's why one of our leadership values here as a church is outdo with honor. We here as a church is outdo with honor. We here as a church is outdo with honor. We go out of our way, out of our way to go out of our way, out of our way to go out of our way, out of our way to celebrate and value and serve others.

celebrate and value and serve others. celebrate and value and serve others. And one of my favorite descriptions of And one of my favorite descriptions of And one of my favorite descriptions of Jesus is when the disciples Jesus is when the disciples Jesus is when the disciples and Jesus, this is a kind of random and Jesus, this is a kind of random and Jesus, this is a kind of random story. It's kind of funny to me story. It's kind of funny to me story. It's kind of funny to me actually. Jesus has the most significant actually. Jesus has the most significant actually. Jesus has the most significant and consequential mission that anybody and consequential mission that anybody and consequential mission that anybody has ever had in the history of the has ever had in the history of the has ever had in the history of the world. He has three years to accomplish world. He has three years to accomplish world. He has three years to accomplish accomplish it. And there's this scene accomplish it. And there's this scene accomplish it. And there's this scene where Jesus and his disciples where Jesus and his disciples where Jesus and his disciples are just frolicking through a field. are just frolicking through a field. are just frolicking through a field. They just walking through a field just They just walking through a field just They just walking through a field just plucking pieces of grain, just eating plucking pieces of grain, just eating plucking pieces of grain, just eating it. it. it. I know it's so random. I know it's so random. I know it's so random. Why is it there? Because we have a savior. We have a Because we have a savior. We have a leader who is He doesn't just see leader who is He doesn't just see leader who is He doesn't just see through you or see beyond you to through you or see beyond you to through you or see beyond you to accomplish what he wants to accomplish. accomplish what he wants to accomplish. accomplish what he wants to accomplish. He sees you. He sees you. He sees you. >> He sees you and he's willing to slow >> He sees you and he's willing to slow >> He sees you and he's willing to slow down long enough to to to see what you down long enough to to to see what you down long enough to to to see what you need and to care for what you need. is need and to care for what you need. is need and to care for what you need. is why this is how Jesus describes his why this is how Jesus describes his why this is how Jesus describes his leadership. Matthew 11 verse 28. Come to leadership. Matthew 11 verse 28. Come to leadership. Matthew 11 verse 28. Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, me all who labor and are heavy laden, me all who labor and are heavy laden, heavily burdened and I will give you heavily burdened and I will give you heavily burdened and I will give you rest.

rest. rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me Take my yoke upon you and learn from me Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and lowly in heart and for I am gentle and lowly in heart and for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For you will find rest for your souls. For you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. And I love that because Jesus is not And I love that because Jesus is not saying, "Don't worry about your work." Come on y'all. Don't show up to the Come on y'all. Don't show up to the office tomorrow and give your boss office tomorrow and give your boss office tomorrow and give your boss Matthew 11 Matthew 11 Matthew 11 and be like, "This is supposed to be and be like, "This is supposed to be and be like, "This is supposed to be easy and light, dog. We got to change my easy and light, dog. We got to change my easy and light, dog. We got to change my job description." job description." job description." No. Jesus is not saying, "Don't worry No. Jesus is not saying, "Don't worry No. Jesus is not saying, "Don't worry about your work." He's saying, "Oh, about your work." He's saying, "Oh, about your work." He's saying, "Oh, there's work to do. there's work to do. there's work to do. >> The harvest is plentiful and the >> The harvest is plentiful and the >> The harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. There is work to do. laborers are few. There is work to do. laborers are few. There is work to do. the most significant consequential work. the most significant consequential work. the most significant consequential work. But there's a way of working with me But there's a way of working with me But there's a way of working with me >> in my power at my pace that can actually >> in my power at my pace that can actually >> in my power at my pace that can actually be lifegiving. be lifegiving. be lifegiving. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> A few weeks ago, I was struck by this >> A few weeks ago, I was struck by this >> A few weeks ago, I was struck by this line by poet and author Joshua Luke line by poet and author Joshua Luke line by poet and author Joshua Luke Smith.

Smith. Smith. And some of y'all need to hear this. And some of y'all need to hear this. And some of y'all need to hear this. It just it just sat with me. I texted it It just it just sat with me. I texted it It just it just sat with me. I texted it to my church group. I I I put it in on to my church group. I I I put it in on to my church group. I I I put it in on note of my phone. Listen to what what he note of my phone. Listen to what what he note of my phone. Listen to what what he says in this poem. He says, "You're not says in this poem. He says, "You're not says in this poem. He says, "You're not a tool in the belt of a workman. You're a tool in the belt of a workman. You're a tool in the belt of a workman. You're the wallpaper in God's own phone." the wallpaper in God's own phone." the wallpaper in God's own phone." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You're the picture in his wallet. >> You're the picture in his wallet. >> You're the picture in his wallet. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You're his first thought in his sonnet. >> You're his first thought in his sonnet. >> You're his first thought in his sonnet. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You weren't made to be used, but to be >> You weren't made to be used, but to be >> You weren't made to be used, but to be known. known. known. >> Amen. >> God sees you. >> God sees you. He delights in you and he invites you to He delights in you and he invites you to He delights in you and he invites you to participate in his work and all the ways participate in his work and all the ways participate in his work and all the ways that work expresses itself as a teacher, that work expresses itself as a teacher, that work expresses itself as a teacher, as a evangelist, as a missionary, as as a evangelist, as a missionary, as as a evangelist, as a missionary, as somebody that leads in the military, somebody that leads in the military, somebody that leads in the military, whatever it is, he invites you to whatever it is, he invites you to whatever it is, he invites you to participate in his work, but he sees you participate in his work, but he sees you participate in his work, but he sees you and he cares for you. And as leaders who and he cares for you. And as leaders who and he cares for you. And as leaders who bear his name, this is what our leadership should look this is what our leadership should look like. Beware of leaders who just use like. Beware of leaders who just use like. Beware of leaders who just use people but don't care for them. Here's people but don't care for them. Here's people but don't care for them. Here's warning sign number four. We'll wrap up warning sign number four. We'll wrap up warning sign number four. We'll wrap up here. Beware of leaders who see everyone here. Beware of leaders who see everyone here. Beware of leaders who see everyone else's failures but are blind to their else's failures but are blind to their else's failures but are blind to their own.

own. own. >> Amen. >> Think about what happens when King David >> Think about what happens when King David is confronted about his sin later on and is confronted about his sin later on and is confronted about his sin later on and when King Saul is confronted about his when King Saul is confronted about his when King Saul is confronted about his sin in our passage. Some of y'all sin in our passage. Some of y'all sin in our passage. Some of y'all remember King David was a wild boy. remember King David was a wild boy. remember King David was a wild boy. For real. I mean, he had an affair with For real. I mean, he had an affair with For real. I mean, he had an affair with one of his soldiers wives while his one of his soldiers wives while his one of his soldiers wives while his soldier was deployed, soldier was deployed, soldier was deployed, got her pregnant, tries to cover it up, got her pregnant, tries to cover it up, got her pregnant, tries to cover it up, orders a hit on his own soldier. You remember when the prophet Nathan You remember when the prophet Nathan comes to King David and confronts him comes to King David and confronts him comes to King David and confronts him about it? You remember how the Nathan about it? You remember how the Nathan about it? You remember how the Nathan did it? Nathan tells this like fable, did it? Nathan tells this like fable, did it? Nathan tells this like fable, right? this this fictional uh story right? this this fictional uh story right? this this fictional uh story about this leader who was super abusive about this leader who was super abusive about this leader who was super abusive to the people under his leadership. to the people under his leadership. to the people under his leadership. And you remember how King David And you remember how King David And you remember how King David responded? He says, "Who is that? Point responded? He says, "Who is that? Point responded? He says, "Who is that? Point him out. Who is that leader?" him out. Who is that leader?" him out. Who is that leader?" You remember what Nathan said to him?

You remember what Nathan said to him? You remember what Nathan said to him? "You are that man. King David humbles himself. King David humbles himself. He was not self-aware. Now he's aware He was not self-aware. Now he's aware He was not self-aware. Now he's aware not just of the effect on other people. not just of the effect on other people. not just of the effect on other people. He already knew that. He already knew that. He already knew that. But he's aware of how seriously he has But he's aware of how seriously he has But he's aware of how seriously he has offended God. offended God. offended God. And this is where we get Psalm 32 and And this is where we get Psalm 32 and And this is where we get Psalm 32 and where we get Psalm 51. because King where we get Psalm 51. because King where we get Psalm 51. because King David humbled himself before God and David humbled himself before God and David humbled himself before God and others and genuinely repented of his others and genuinely repented of his others and genuinely repented of his sin. sin. sin. Now, contrast that with King Saul. Now, contrast that with King Saul. Now, contrast that with King Saul. Saul prays. God doesn't answer. He's Saul prays. God doesn't answer. He's Saul prays. God doesn't answer. He's like, "This must be because of like, "This must be because of like, "This must be because of somebody's sin." He goes on a witch hunt somebody's sin." He goes on a witch hunt somebody's sin." He goes on a witch hunt to try to pin the problem on somebody to try to pin the problem on somebody to try to pin the problem on somebody else. My man is literally about to kill else. My man is literally about to kill else. My man is literally about to kill his own son for eating some honey. And his own son for eating some honey. And his own son for eating some honey. And it never dawns on him that he might be it never dawns on him that he might be it never dawns on him that he might be the problem.

the problem. the problem. It never dawns on him that he might be It never dawns on him that he might be It never dawns on him that he might be the one who has offended God and the one who has offended God and the one who has offended God and troubled the land. And this is a chronic troubled the land. And this is a chronic troubled the land. And this is a chronic pattern in Saul's leadership. We never pattern in Saul's leadership. We never pattern in Saul's leadership. We never see him take full responsibility for his see him take full responsibility for his see him take full responsibility for his own sin. And we'll see this, Lord own sin. And we'll see this, Lord own sin. And we'll see this, Lord willing, next week in chapter 15. Even willing, next week in chapter 15. Even willing, next week in chapter 15. Even when he gets close, he still immediately when he gets close, he still immediately when he gets close, he still immediately follows it up by just trying to manage follows it up by just trying to manage follows it up by just trying to manage his reputation. his reputation. his reputation. And even when somebody confronts him And even when somebody confronts him And even when somebody confronts him about it directly, chapter 13, you about it directly, chapter 13, you about it directly, chapter 13, you remember he offers the burnt sacrifice remember he offers the burnt sacrifice remember he offers the burnt sacrifice instead of waiting for Samuel, he instead of waiting for Samuel, he instead of waiting for Samuel, he intentionally disobey God's word. And intentionally disobey God's word. And intentionally disobey God's word. And when he's confronted by the prophet when he's confronted by the prophet when he's confronted by the prophet Samuel, what does he do? He downplays Samuel, what does he do? He downplays Samuel, what does he do? He downplays his sin and his sin and he shifts the his sin and his sin and he shifts the his sin and his sin and he shifts the blame. You remember this? Let me just blame. You remember this? Let me just blame. You remember this? Let me just read it for you. 1st Samuel 13:1, Samuel read it for you. 1st Samuel 13:1, Samuel read it for you. 1st Samuel 13:1, Samuel said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "I mean, what had happened was uh said, "I mean, what had happened was uh said, "I mean, what had happened was uh when I saw that the people were when I saw that the people were when I saw that the people were scattering from me and that you did not scattering from me and that you did not scattering from me and that you did not come within the days appointed and that come within the days appointed and that come within the days appointed and that the Philistines had mustered that the Philistines had mustered that the Philistines had mustered that mcmash, I said, "Now the Philistines mcmash, I said, "Now the Philistines mcmash, I said, "Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal and will come down against me at Gilgal and will come down against me at Gilgal and I've not sought the favor of the Lord.

I've not sought the favor of the Lord. I've not sought the favor of the Lord. So I forced myself. I didn't really want So I forced myself. I didn't really want So I forced myself. I didn't really want to do it. It wasn't my fault. I forced to do it. It wasn't my fault. I forced to do it. It wasn't my fault. I forced myself and offered the burnt offering." Piscero says, "One of the marks of an Piscero says, "One of the marks of an emotionally unhealthy leader is a lack emotionally unhealthy leader is a lack emotionally unhealthy leader is a lack of self-awareness." of self-awareness." of self-awareness." Specifically, and here's the key, an Specifically, and here's the key, an Specifically, and here's the key, an inability to recognize how other people inability to recognize how other people inability to recognize how other people experience them. experience them. experience them. And Saul seems completely unaware of And Saul seems completely unaware of And Saul seems completely unaware of what it's like to be led by Saul. His soldiers are exhausted because of His soldiers are exhausted because of his oath. Jonathan says, "My father has his oath. Jonathan says, "My father has his oath. Jonathan says, "My father has troubled the land." The people troubled the land." The people troubled the land." The people eventually have to intervene to keep eventually have to intervene to keep eventually have to intervene to keep Saul from killing his own son. Everybody Saul from killing his own son. Everybody Saul from killing his own son. Everybody can see the problem with Saul except can see the problem with Saul except can see the problem with Saul except Saul. Saul was guilty but refused to take Saul was guilty but refused to take responsibility for his sin. Jesus was responsibility for his sin. Jesus was responsibility for his sin. Jesus was innocent yet willing to take respons innocent yet willing to take respons innocent yet willing to take respons responsibility for our sin.

That's Jesus. God in his word is just That's Jesus. God in his word is just trying to get us to see and take trying to get us to see and take trying to get us to see and take responsibility for our sin. Jesus had no responsibility for our sin. Jesus had no responsibility for our sin. Jesus had no sin. sin. sin. He had no sin. And yet he who had no sin He had no sin. And yet he who had no sin He had no sin. And yet he who had no sin became sin for us so that through him we became sin for us so that through him we became sin for us so that through him we might become the righteousness of God. might become the righteousness of God. might become the righteousness of God. Jesus had no sin. But because of our Jesus had no sin. But because of our Jesus had no sin. But because of our sin, he came to earth. He died on the sin, he came to earth. He died on the sin, he came to earth. He died on the cross. He bore our sins in his body on cross. He bore our sins in his body on cross. He bore our sins in his body on the tree so that you and I could be the tree so that you and I could be the tree so that you and I could be brought back to God. So that you and I brought back to God. So that you and I brought back to God. So that you and I could be set free from our sin. And when could be set free from our sin. And when could be set free from our sin. And when we finally see that and we take we finally see that and we take we finally see that and we take responsibility for it and we realize responsibility for it and we realize responsibility for it and we realize that we cannot earn our way back into that we cannot earn our way back into that we cannot earn our way back into God's favor, we put our trust in Jesus God's favor, we put our trust in Jesus God's favor, we put our trust in Jesus and we are forgiven and we are set free. and we are forgiven and we are set free. and we are forgiven and we are set free. Jesus sacrifices himself. That's what Jesus sacrifices himself. That's what Jesus sacrifices himself. That's what his leadership looks like. >> He gets the job done. It's how he gets >> He gets the job done. It's how he gets the job done. the job done. the job done. It's the overflow of his sacrificial It's the overflow of his sacrificial It's the overflow of his sacrificial love and his care. And he is driven by love and his care. And he is driven by love and his care. And he is driven by the joy set before him.

And so Jesus says to us, And so Jesus says to us, take the log out of your own eye before take the log out of your own eye before take the log out of your own eye before you point out the speck in somebody you point out the speck in somebody you point out the speck in somebody else's. else's. else's. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> So let's summarize. Four warning signs >> So let's summarize. Four warning signs >> So let's summarize. Four warning signs of toxic leadership. leveraging religion of toxic leadership. leveraging religion of toxic leadership. leveraging religion but not really living it. More committed but not really living it. More committed but not really living it. More committed to your own agenda than God's agenda. to your own agenda than God's agenda. to your own agenda than God's agenda. No, known for using people more than No, known for using people more than No, known for using people more than caring for them. Able to see everyone caring for them. Able to see everyone caring for them. Able to see everyone else's failures, but unable to see or else's failures, but unable to see or else's failures, but unable to see or unwilling to own yours. Now, Now, we're going to wrap up here. And I'm we're going to wrap up here. And I'm we're going to wrap up here. And I'm sure this message lands differently on sure this message lands differently on sure this message lands differently on different people. different people. different people. There are some of you here, some of you There are some of you here, some of you There are some of you here, some of you watching, and you're guilty of toxic watching, and you're guilty of toxic watching, and you're guilty of toxic leadership. leadership. leadership. And there are others of you who have And there are others of you who have And there are others of you who have suffered under toxic leadership. And so, suffered under toxic leadership. And so, suffered under toxic leadership. And so, let me just end with a few pastoral let me just end with a few pastoral let me just end with a few pastoral words. words. words. Some of you have been harsh or Some of you have been harsh or Some of you have been harsh or unreasonably demanding, maybe even unreasonably demanding, maybe even unreasonably demanding, maybe even abusive in your leadership.

And let me say this in love, but I want And let me say this in love, but I want to say it very clearly on the authority to say it very clearly on the authority to say it very clearly on the authority of God's word. of God's word. of God's word. That cannot be your reputation if you That cannot be your reputation if you That cannot be your reputation if you are a follower of Jesus. And I get it. My dad when he was And I get it. My dad when he was teaching me to drive, teaching me to drive, teaching me to drive, I I learned how to drive in the city in I I learned how to drive in the city in I I learned how to drive in the city in DC. And I remember the moment. I DC. And I remember the moment. I DC. And I remember the moment. I remember we were on this little remember we were on this little remember we were on this little roundabout trying trying to uh coming roundabout trying trying to uh coming roundabout trying trying to uh coming down New York Avenue trying to get on down New York Avenue trying to get on down New York Avenue trying to get on West Virginia Avenue. It's a left turn. West Virginia Avenue. It's a left turn. West Virginia Avenue. It's a left turn. Traffic is coming. I had some Traffic is coming. I had some Traffic is coming. I had some opportunities to go, but I'm super opportunities to go, but I'm super opportunities to go, but I'm super nervous. I'm just sitting there and I nervous. I'm just sitting there and I nervous. I'm just sitting there and I never forget my dad said to me, "If you never forget my dad said to me, "If you never forget my dad said to me, "If you don't learn how to drive aggressively, don't learn how to drive aggressively, don't learn how to drive aggressively, son, you ain't going to get nowhere in son, you ain't going to get nowhere in son, you ain't going to get nowhere in this city." this city." this city." And he was right about driving. And he was right about driving. And he was right about driving. The problem is there's so many of us The problem is there's so many of us The problem is there's so many of us that feel that way about leadership, that feel that way about leadership, that feel that way about leadership, >> especially in a town like DC and the >> especially in a town like DC and the >> especially in a town like DC and the DMV. DMV. DMV. Let me say this to you. Being harsh and Let me say this to you. Being harsh and Let me say this to you. Being harsh and uncaring is not strong leadership. It is uncaring is not strong leadership. It is uncaring is not strong leadership. It is ungodly leadership.

And so if that's you, And so if that's you, you need to own it and repent. you need to own it and repent. you need to own it and repent. You need to own it and repent. You need You need to own it and repent. You need You need to own it and repent. You need to confess that to God and to the people to confess that to God and to the people to confess that to God and to the people you lead. And you need to commit to you lead. And you need to commit to you lead. And you need to commit to making concrete changes. Pastor Annie making concrete changes. Pastor Annie making concrete changes. Pastor Annie Stanny had a line. I don't even remember Stanny had a line. I don't even remember Stanny had a line. I don't even remember what pastor he was preaching from. I what pastor he was preaching from. I what pastor he was preaching from. I just remember this one line. It was the just remember this one line. It was the just remember this one line. It was the point of the sermon. He said, "What's it point of the sermon. He said, "What's it point of the sermon. He said, "What's it like to be on the other side of me?" like to be on the other side of me?" like to be on the other side of me?" Question you can ask the people around Question you can ask the people around Question you can ask the people around you. What's it like to be on the other you. What's it like to be on the other you. What's it like to be on the other side of me? side of me? side of me? And so some of you, let me help you out. And so some of you, let me help you out. And so some of you, let me help you out. Some of you need to go to work this Some of you need to go to work this Some of you need to go to work this week, schedule a meeting with your week, schedule a meeting with your week, schedule a meeting with your direct reports, and say something like direct reports, and say something like direct reports, and say something like this. I'm about to help you out. You this. I'm about to help you out. You this. I'm about to help you out. You feel free to take notes because I'm just feel free to take notes because I'm just feel free to take notes because I'm just about to just help you out. This is what about to just help you out. This is what about to just help you out. This is what you need to say. I need to apologize to you need to say. I need to apologize to you need to say. I need to apologize to you. you. you. I'm a Christian, and my pastor preached I'm a Christian, and my pastor preached I'm a Christian, and my pastor preached a sermon this Sunday that really a sermon this Sunday that really a sermon this Sunday that really convicted me. I realized I haven't been convicted me. I realized I haven't been convicted me. I realized I haven't been the kind of leader God wants me to be. the kind of leader God wants me to be. the kind of leader God wants me to be. Here are some, this is important, here Here are some, this is important, here Here are some, this is important, here are some specific examples where I think are some specific examples where I think are some specific examples where I think I've been harsh or unfair or I've been harsh or unfair or I've been harsh or unfair or unreasonably demanding.

How else have you seen that in my How else have you seen that in my leadership? [clears throat] And how has leadership? [clears throat] And how has leadership? [clears throat] And how has that affected you? And then you stop and that affected you? And then you stop and that affected you? And then you stop and you listen. Just trying to help you. you listen. Just trying to help you. you listen. Just trying to help you. After you listen, here's what you say. After you listen, here's what you say. After you listen, here's what you say. I'm sorry for mistreating you and here I'm sorry for mistreating you and here I'm sorry for mistreating you and here are some of the specific changes I'm are some of the specific changes I'm are some of the specific changes I'm gonna make moving forward. gonna make moving forward. gonna make moving forward. That's what repentance sounds like. And That's what repentance sounds like. And That's what repentance sounds like. And this is very difficult to do. But hear this is very difficult to do. But hear this is very difficult to do. But hear me, me, me, it's much more difficult to have God it's much more difficult to have God it's much more difficult to have God oppose you. And God opposes the proud, but he gives And God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble. So, it's not too late to make a change. So, it's not too late to make a change. I haven't been able to verify this, but I haven't been able to verify this, but I haven't been able to verify this, but from what I've read, Steve Jobs showed from what I've read, Steve Jobs showed from what I've read, Steve Jobs showed up as a slightly different person his up as a slightly different person his up as a slightly different person his second tour in leadership at Apple. I second tour in leadership at Apple. I second tour in leadership at Apple. I don't know if that's true, but it can be don't know if that's true, but it can be don't know if that's true, but it can be true for you. true for you. true for you. But it starts with you humbling yourself But it starts with you humbling yourself But it starts with you humbling yourself before God and others.

Now, some of you have suffered under Now, some of you have suffered under toxic leadership. I want to talk specifically to those of I want to talk specifically to those of you who have suffered under toxic you who have suffered under toxic you who have suffered under toxic Christian leadership and it has rattled Christian leadership and it has rattled Christian leadership and it has rattled your faith. So much I can say here. You might need So much I can say here. You might need to process that with somebody. But let to process that with somebody. But let to process that with somebody. But let me just say this. Please do not allow a me just say this. Please do not allow a me just say this. Please do not allow a poor representative of Jesus to distort poor representative of Jesus to distort poor representative of Jesus to distort your view of the real Jesus. your view of the real Jesus. your view of the real Jesus. Because listen to me, sometimes we get Because listen to me, sometimes we get Because listen to me, sometimes we get it wrong. it wrong. it wrong. Sometimes we're not aware. Sometimes we Sometimes we're not aware. Sometimes we Sometimes we're not aware. Sometimes we are aware, but we're so entrenched that are aware, but we're so entrenched that are aware, but we're so entrenched that we continue in our sin. Listen to me. we continue in our sin. Listen to me. we continue in our sin. Listen to me. While it might take us a while to see it While it might take us a while to see it While it might take us a while to see it or or a while to repent of what we now or or a while to repent of what we now or or a while to repent of what we now see, you don't allow our failures as see, you don't allow our failures as see, you don't allow our failures as leaders to keep you from experiencing leaders to keep you from experiencing leaders to keep you from experiencing and enjoying the leadership of the best and enjoying the leadership of the best and enjoying the leadership of the best leader who ever was. Jesus who said, "I leader who ever was. Jesus who said, "I leader who ever was. Jesus who said, "I came not to be served, but to serve and came not to be served, but to serve and came not to be served, but to serve and give my life as a ransom for many. I give my life as a ransom for many. I give my life as a ransom for many. I came that you might have life and came that you might have life and came that you might have life and experience it to the full." That is the experience it to the full." That is the experience it to the full." That is the ultimate leader.

ultimate leader. ultimate leader. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> That desires you to flourish under his >> That desires you to flourish under his >> That desires you to flourish under his leadership. leadership. leadership. >> Amen. And so maybe today you need to make a And so maybe today you need to make a decision because honestly if we're decision because honestly if we're decision because honestly if we're honest the story of all of us is that honest the story of all of us is that honest the story of all of us is that all of us have been guilty of toxic all of us have been guilty of toxic all of us have been guilty of toxic leadership and it may not be leading leadership and it may not be leading leadership and it may not be leading somebody else. It's been leading oursel somebody else. It's been leading oursel somebody else. It's been leading oursel the way we've been living our own life the way we've been living our own life the way we've been living our own life and leading our own life and the choices and leading our own life and the choices and leading our own life and the choices we have been making. It has been toxic we have been making. It has been toxic we have been making. It has been toxic for us. It Bible calls it sin. And it's for us. It Bible calls it sin. And it's for us. It Bible calls it sin. And it's not just harmful to you. It's offensive not just harmful to you. It's offensive not just harmful to you. It's offensive to God. to God. to God. And God loved you and me so much that And God loved you and me so much that And God loved you and me so much that with all of our failures and with all of with all of our failures and with all of with all of our failures and with all of our flaws, while we were yet sinners, our flaws, while we were yet sinners, our flaws, while we were yet sinners, Christ gave his life for us and to us. And so I want to give you a minute here, And so I want to give you a minute here, wherever you're watching from. We're wherever you're watching from. We're wherever you're watching from. We're going to put some questions up on the going to put some questions up on the going to put some questions up on the screen. screen. screen. And I just want to invite you to take a And I just want to invite you to take a And I just want to invite you to take a minute. Let one of these questions, minute. Let one of these questions, minute. Let one of these questions, don't try to go through all three of don't try to go through all three of don't try to go through all three of them. Just let one of these questions them. Just let one of these questions them. Just let one of these questions just prompt you to reflect, to pray, and just prompt you to reflect, to pray, and just prompt you to reflect, to pray, and then I or one of the leaders at your then I or one of the leaders at your then I or one of the leaders at your location is going to take it from there.

location is going to take it from there. location is going to take it from there. Just take a minute between you and God.