Guilty, Yet Not Forsaken (1 Samuel 12:1-25) | Rise and Ruin | Eric Saunders

If you got a Bible with you, go ahead If you got a Bible with you, go ahead and turn to 1 Samuel chapter 12. 1 and turn to 1 Samuel chapter 12. 1 and turn to 1 Samuel chapter 12. 1 Samuel chapter 12, um we're going to Samuel chapter 12, um we're going to Samuel chapter 12, um we're going to cover the whole chapter, but we're we're cover the whole chapter, but we're we're cover the whole chapter, but we're we're we're actually going to jump off at we're actually going to jump off at we're actually going to jump off at verse 16. Verse 16. Uh we're in the verse 16. Verse 16. Uh we're in the verse 16. Verse 16. Uh we're in the middle of a series called Rise and Ruin. middle of a series called Rise and Ruin. middle of a series called Rise and Ruin. Uh during this series, we are covering Uh during this series, we are covering Uh during this series, we are covering the life of Saul. And since we are in the life of Saul. And since we are in the life of Saul. And since we are in the word of God, this word has something the word of God, this word has something the word of God, this word has something to teach us about God, and this word to teach us about God, and this word to teach us about God, and this word also teaches us something about also teaches us something about also teaches us something about ourselves so that we might live the ourselves so that we might live the ourselves so that we might live the Christian life faithfully. And in this Christian life faithfully. And in this Christian life faithfully. And in this text, we're going to see something text, we're going to see something text, we're going to see something absolutely incredible. absolutely incredible. absolutely incredible. What we're going to see this morning is What we're going to see this morning is What we're going to see this morning is that Israel was declared guilty before that Israel was declared guilty before that Israel was declared guilty before God, God, God, and yet their guilt is not the end of and yet their guilt is not the end of and yet their guilt is not the end of their story. their story. their story. Grace is. Grace is. Grace is. And in this chapter, what we'll see and And in this chapter, what we'll see and And in this chapter, what we'll see and what it'll teach us is that God's grace what it'll teach us is that God's grace what it'll teach us is that God's grace never leaves guilty people the same as never leaves guilty people the same as never leaves guilty people the same as they was before. they was before. they was before. I don't know if that's been your story. I don't know if that's been your story. I don't know if that's been your story. I don't know if you can declare today I don't know if you can declare today I don't know if you can declare today that grace invaded your life and you that grace invaded your life and you that grace invaded your life and you were never the same. were never the same. were never the same. Well, we actually see that in this text.

Well, we actually see that in this text. Well, we actually see that in this text. So, let me do this. Let me go ahead and So, let me do this. Let me go ahead and So, let me do this. Let me go ahead and read the text starting from verse 16. read the text starting from verse 16. read the text starting from verse 16. I'll pray and then we'll jump in. All I'll pray and then we'll jump in. All I'll pray and then we'll jump in. All right? right? right? Verse 16. Verse 16. Verse 16. It says this. It says this. It says this. It says, "Now therefore, stand still and It says, "Now therefore, stand still and It says, "Now therefore, stand still and see the great thing that the Lord will see the great thing that the Lord will see the great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes. do before your eyes. do before your eyes. Is it not the wheat harvest today? Is it not the wheat harvest today? Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord and he may I will call upon the Lord and he may I will call upon the Lord and he may send thunder send thunder send thunder and rain. and rain. and rain. And you shall know and see that your And you shall know and see that your And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great wickedness is great wickedness is great which you have done in the sight of the which you have done in the sight of the which you have done in the sight of the Lord in asking for yourselves a king." Lord in asking for yourselves a king." Lord in asking for yourselves a king." So, Samuel called upon the Lord and the So, Samuel called upon the Lord and the So, Samuel called upon the Lord and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day. Lord sent thunder and rain that day. Lord sent thunder and rain that day. And all the people greatly feared the And all the people greatly feared the And all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. Lord and Samuel. Lord and Samuel. And all the people said to Samuel, "Pray And all the people said to Samuel, "Pray And all the people said to Samuel, "Pray for your servants to the Lord your God for your servants to the Lord your God for your servants to the Lord your God that we may not die, that we may not die, that we may not die, for we have added to all of our sins for we have added to all of our sins for we have added to all of our sins this evil to ask for ourselves a king." this evil to ask for ourselves a king." this evil to ask for ourselves a king." And Samuel said to the people, "Do not And Samuel said to the people, "Do not And Samuel said to the people, "Do not be afraid. You have done all this evil. be afraid. You have done all this evil. be afraid. You have done all this evil. Yet, do not turn aside from following Yet, do not turn aside from following Yet, do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all the Lord, but serve the Lord with all the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.

your heart. your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things And do not turn aside after empty things And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they that cannot profit or deliver, for they that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. are empty. are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people For the Lord will not forsake his people For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake. for his great name's sake. for his great name's sake. For it because it has pleased the Lord For it because it has pleased the Lord For it because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. to make you a people for himself. to make you a people for himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me Moreover, as for me, far be it from me Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by that I should sin against the Lord by that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you. ceasing to pray for you. ceasing to pray for you. And I will instruct you in the good way And I will instruct you in the good way And I will instruct you in the good way and the right way. and the right way. and the right way. Only fear the Lord Only fear the Lord Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your and serve him faithfully with all your and serve him faithfully with all your heart. heart. heart. For consider what great things he has For consider what great things he has For consider what great things he has done for you. done for you. done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall But if you still do wickedly, you shall But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away both you and your king. be swept away both you and your king. be swept away both you and your king. And this is the word of God. Let us take And this is the word of God. Let us take And this is the word of God. Let us take a moment. Let's pray together. a moment. Let's pray together. a moment. Let's pray together. Lord, I pray Lord, I pray Lord, I pray that you will help us today. that you will help us today. that you will help us today. Will you help us to hear your word Will you help us to hear your word Will you help us to hear your word today? today? today? Help us respond to it in faith and Help us respond to it in faith and Help us respond to it in faith and obedience for the glory of your great obedience for the glory of your great obedience for the glory of your great name. Astound us with your grace today. name. Astound us with your grace today. name. Astound us with your grace today. I pray these things in the name of I pray these things in the name of I pray these things in the name of Jesus. If you agree, say Jesus. If you agree, say Jesus. If you agree, say Amen.

Amen. Amen. So, listen, there are certain things So, listen, there are certain things So, listen, there are certain things that I experienced as a kid that I mourn that I experienced as a kid that I mourn that I experienced as a kid that I mourn the fact that my kids will never the fact that my kids will never the fact that my kids will never experience. Uh one of those things is experience. Uh one of those things is experience. Uh one of those things is summers at grandma's house. summers at grandma's house. summers at grandma's house. You see, grandma's house was a magical You see, grandma's house was a magical You see, grandma's house was a magical place. My grandmother would cook all of place. My grandmother would cook all of place. My grandmother would cook all of our favorite foods each day and she our favorite foods each day and she our favorite foods each day and she pretty much would let us do whatever we pretty much would let us do whatever we pretty much would let us do whatever we wanted to do. wanted to do. wanted to do. My grandma would tell us to go outside, My grandma would tell us to go outside, My grandma would tell us to go outside, go wherever you wanted, just be back go wherever you wanted, just be back go wherever you wanted, just be back inside by the time it gets uh dark. inside by the time it gets uh dark. inside by the time it gets uh dark. Grandma um Grandma um Grandma um uh she she she she she is what you would uh she she she she she is what you would uh she she she she she is what you would call a free-range grandparent. Like, she call a free-range grandparent. Like, she call a free-range grandparent. Like, she would just let us go and she trusted us. would just let us go and she trusted us. would just let us go and she trusted us. And my grandmother didn't have many And my grandmother didn't have many And my grandmother didn't have many rules, but she did have one. rules, but she did have one. rules, but she did have one. And here it was. And here it was. And here it was. Do not disturb her while she's watching Do not disturb her while she's watching Do not disturb her while she's watching her favorite show. her favorite show. her favorite show. And that favorite show was a show called And that favorite show was a show called And that favorite show was a show called Matlock. Matlock. Matlock. Some of you just laughed. Some of you Some of you just laughed. Some of you Some of you just laughed. Some of you just dated yourself. just dated yourself. just dated yourself. But grandma used to say this. She used But grandma used to say this. She used But grandma used to say this. She used to say, "If you sit down and watch this to say, "If you sit down and watch this to say, "If you sit down and watch this show with me, you better not say a show with me, you better not say a show with me, you better not say a word." Yes, ma'am.

word." Yes, ma'am. word." Yes, ma'am. And the first couple of times that I And the first couple of times that I And the first couple of times that I watched this show, it had me on the edge watched this show, it had me on the edge watched this show, it had me on the edge of my seat until I realized that that of my seat until I realized that that of my seat until I realized that that show told the same story every single show told the same story every single show told the same story every single episode. Right? If you've never seen episode. Right? If you've never seen episode. Right? If you've never seen this show, if you've never heard um of this show, if you've never heard um of this show, if you've never heard um of it is it it's all right. I I'll explain it is it it's all right. I I'll explain it is it it's all right. I I'll explain it to you right now. Matlock uh was an it to you right now. Matlock uh was an it to you right now. Matlock uh was an old man who was a lawyer. The show old man who was a lawyer. The show old man who was a lawyer. The show usually began with a crime and someone usually began with a crime and someone usually began with a crime and someone who was charged for that crime, but the who was charged for that crime, but the who was charged for that crime, but the one who was charged with the crime in one who was charged with the crime in one who was charged with the crime in the beginning of the episode was never the beginning of the episode was never the beginning of the episode was never the one found guilty at the end. the one found guilty at the end. the one found guilty at the end. See, Matlock would take the case and he See, Matlock would take the case and he See, Matlock would take the case and he would be the one that sorted it all out. would be the one that sorted it all out. would be the one that sorted it all out. And usually the one who was guilty is And usually the one who was guilty is And usually the one who was guilty is right under your nose all along. right under your nose all along. right under your nose all along. So, by the time that the episode ends, So, by the time that the episode ends, So, by the time that the episode ends, the innocent one that was charged in the the innocent one that was charged in the the innocent one that was charged in the beginning, that person's vindicated. beginning, that person's vindicated. beginning, that person's vindicated. The guilty party is determined and then The guilty party is determined and then The guilty party is determined and then the credits roll and then the screen the credits roll and then the screen the credits roll and then the screen fades to black. You see, in the chapter fades to black. You see, in the chapter fades to black. You see, in the chapter today, we are going to cover an today, we are going to cover an today, we are going to cover an incredible picture of the grace of God. incredible picture of the grace of God. incredible picture of the grace of God. But before we see that grace, we see But before we see that grace, we see But before we see that grace, we see Israel tried and found guilty.

Israel tried and found guilty. Israel tried and found guilty. But that isn't how the episode begin. But that isn't how the episode begin. But that isn't how the episode begin. If you remember, the episode begins in 1 If you remember, the episode begins in 1 If you remember, the episode begins in 1 Samuel chapter 8. In that ep- in in in Samuel chapter 8. In that ep- in in in Samuel chapter 8. In that ep- in in in in that episode, Israel is not the in that episode, Israel is not the in that episode, Israel is not the defender. Israel is actually the defender. Israel is actually the defender. Israel is actually the accuser. accuser. accuser. And the one initially charged with a And the one initially charged with a And the one initially charged with a crime in this episode is God himself. crime in this episode is God himself. crime in this episode is God himself. If you remember chapter 8, the story of If you remember chapter 8, the story of If you remember chapter 8, the story of Saul begins when Israel requests a king. Saul begins when Israel requests a king. Saul begins when Israel requests a king. And And request for a king, chapter 8, And And request for a king, chapter 8, And And request for a king, chapter 8, declares was actually a rejection declares was actually a rejection declares was actually a rejection of God as their king. of God as their king. of God as their king. In other words, the declaration of In other words, the declaration of In other words, the declaration of Israel Israel Israel to have a king, they were actually to have a king, they were actually to have a king, they were actually charging God with a crime. charging God with a crime. charging God with a crime. They were charging God with breaking his They were charging God with breaking his They were charging God with breaking his covenant. You see, God had declared to covenant. You see, God had declared to covenant. You see, God had declared to Israel that they were his people, that Israel that they were his people, that Israel that they were his people, that he would lead them, that he would guide he would lead them, that he would guide he would lead them, that he would guide them, that he would protect them, that them, that he would protect them, that them, that he would protect them, that he would deliver them, that he would he would deliver them, that he would he would deliver them, that he would save them. And for Israel to declare save them. And for Israel to declare save them. And for Israel to declare after all of that that they wanted after all of that that they wanted after all of that that they wanted another king was to charge God with the another king was to charge God with the another king was to charge God with the inability to do a job that he had inability to do a job that he had inability to do a job that he had already signed up for.

already signed up for. already signed up for. And this leads us to chapter 12. And this leads us to chapter 12. And this leads us to chapter 12. In chapter 12, Samuel maintains the In chapter 12, Samuel maintains the In chapter 12, Samuel maintains the innocence of God, and he puts Israel on innocence of God, and he puts Israel on innocence of God, and he puts Israel on the stand. the stand. the stand. We see Samuel call God as a witness and We see Samuel call God as a witness and We see Samuel call God as a witness and a judge, and he brings the most a judge, and he brings the most a judge, and he brings the most compelling pieces the piece of evidence compelling pieces the piece of evidence compelling pieces the piece of evidence to establish Israel's guilt. to establish Israel's guilt. to establish Israel's guilt. I want you to imagine it. I want you to imagine it. I want you to imagine it. Samuel walking around a proverbial Samuel walking around a proverbial Samuel walking around a proverbial courtroom where God is now sitting not courtroom where God is now sitting not courtroom where God is now sitting not as the accused but as witness and judge. as the accused but as witness and judge. as the accused but as witness and judge. And Samuel stands there with Israel on And Samuel stands there with Israel on And Samuel stands there with Israel on the stand, the stand, the stand, and he presents history as his evidence. and he presents history as his evidence. and he presents history as his evidence. When you look at chapter 12 and you view When you look at chapter 12 and you view When you look at chapter 12 and you view verses 6 through 12, verses 6 through 12, verses 6 through 12, Samuel takes them on a journey back. Samuel takes them on a journey back. Samuel takes them on a journey back. He takes them all the way back to Egypt. He takes them all the way back to Egypt. He takes them all the way back to Egypt. He then takes them through the time of He then takes them through the time of He then takes them through the time of the judges, and then he takes them up the judges, and then he takes them up the judges, and then he takes them up until the present day. And when he has until the present day. And when he has until the present day. And when he has Israel on the stand, he establishes his Israel on the stand, he establishes his Israel on the stand, he establishes his case on two facts that no one in the case on two facts that no one in the case on two facts that no one in the courtroom can deny.

courtroom can deny. courtroom can deny. When you read verses 7 through 12, you When you read verses 7 through 12, you When you read verses 7 through 12, you see this refrain time and time and time see this refrain time and time and time see this refrain time and time and time and time again. Catch this. Every time and time again. Catch this. Every time and time again. Catch this. Every time Israel messes up, Israel messes up, Israel messes up, God saves. God saves. God saves. And every time saves, Israel forgets. And every time saves, Israel forgets. And every time saves, Israel forgets. Every time Israel messes up, God saves. Every time Israel messes up, God saves. Every time Israel messes up, God saves. And every time God saves, Israel And every time God saves, Israel And every time God saves, Israel forgets. forgets. forgets. And then, he makes his closing argument And then, he makes his closing argument And then, he makes his closing argument in verse 12. This is what verse 12 says. in verse 12. This is what verse 12 says. in verse 12. This is what verse 12 says. It says, "And when you saw It says, "And when you saw It says, "And when you saw that Nahash the king of the Ammonites that Nahash the king of the Ammonites that Nahash the king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, came against you, you said to me, came against you, you said to me, 'No, 'No, 'No, but a king shall raise reign over us but a king shall raise reign over us but a king shall raise reign over us when the Lord your God was your king.'" when the Lord your God was your king.'" when the Lord your God was your king.'" Listen, when you read this text, you can Listen, when you read this text, you can Listen, when you read this text, you can almost imagine Samuel standing in front almost imagine Samuel standing in front almost imagine Samuel standing in front of Israel of Israel of Israel with a question with a question with a question that clinches his case. that clinches his case. that clinches his case. He questions them, "When it came time He questions them, "When it came time He questions them, "When it came time for you to be rescued from Nahash, for you to be rescued from Nahash, for you to be rescued from Nahash, instead of you crying out to the Lord instead of you crying out to the Lord instead of you crying out to the Lord who saved you time and time and time and who saved you time and time and time and who saved you time and time and time and time and time again before, you cried time and time again before, you cried time and time again before, you cried out for a king. Is that true, Israel?"

out for a king. Is that true, Israel?" out for a king. Is that true, Israel?" And Israel admits, "Yes, it's true." And Israel admits, "Yes, it's true." And Israel admits, "Yes, it's true." And before he rests his case, And before he rests his case, And before he rests his case, establishing the fact that Israel, not establishing the fact that Israel, not establishing the fact that Israel, not God, was the faithless party, he asks God, was the faithless party, he asks God, was the faithless party, he asks God to render his judgment. Look at God to render his judgment. Look at God to render his judgment. Look at verse 16. verse 16. verse 16. Verse 16, it says, "Now therefore, stand Verse 16, it says, "Now therefore, stand Verse 16, it says, "Now therefore, stand still and see this great thing that the still and see this great thing that the still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes. Lord will do before your eyes. Lord will do before your eyes. It's not the wheat harvest today. It's not the wheat harvest today. It's not the wheat harvest today. I will call upon the Lord I will call upon the Lord I will call upon the Lord that he may send thunder and rain. that he may send thunder and rain. that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your And you shall know and see that your And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great wickedness is great wickedness is great which you have done in the sight of the which you have done in the sight of the which you have done in the sight of the Lord in asking for yourselves a king." Lord in asking for yourselves a king." Lord in asking for yourselves a king." So, Samuel called upon the Lord, and the So, Samuel called upon the Lord, and the So, Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day. Lord sent thunder and rain that day. Lord sent thunder and rain that day. And all the people greatly feared the And all the people greatly feared the And all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. Lord and Samuel. Lord and Samuel. Let me tell you what's happening here. Let me tell you what's happening here. Let me tell you what's happening here. Samuel calls on God as judge to render Samuel calls on God as judge to render Samuel calls on God as judge to render his verdict on Israel. his verdict on Israel. his verdict on Israel. And to proclaim the guilt of Israel, God And to proclaim the guilt of Israel, God And to proclaim the guilt of Israel, God actually sends thunder and rain during actually sends thunder and rain during actually sends thunder and rain during the wheat harvest. You may ask, "What's the wheat harvest. You may ask, "What's the wheat harvest. You may ask, "What's the big deal with that?" Well, the wheat the big deal with that?" Well, the wheat the big deal with that?" Well, the wheat harvest was the dry season for the harvest was the dry season for the harvest was the dry season for the people of Israel. It did not rain or people of Israel. It did not rain or people of Israel. It did not rain or thunder during that season. Matter of thunder during that season. Matter of thunder during that season. Matter of fact, rain and thunder during that fact, rain and thunder during that fact, rain and thunder during that season was not only strange, it was not season was not only strange, it was not season was not only strange, it was not only out of season, it was actually bad only out of season, it was actually bad only out of season, it was actually bad news. It wasn't good news because those news. It wasn't good news because those news. It wasn't good news because those things could harm the harvest.

things could harm the harvest. things could harm the harvest. You see, You see, You see, when Samuel calls on God to to to send when Samuel calls on God to to to send when Samuel calls on God to to to send thunder and rain and God does it, God thunder and rain and God does it, God thunder and rain and God does it, God himself in that moment declares that himself in that moment declares that himself in that moment declares that Israel is guilty. Israel is guilty. Israel is guilty. That Israel messed up. It's God himself That Israel messed up. It's God himself That Israel messed up. It's God himself rendering the verdict of guilty. rendering the verdict of guilty. rendering the verdict of guilty. Listen, I want to see how far I want you Listen, I want to see how far I want you Listen, I want to see how far I want you to see how far we've come in this to see how far we've come in this to see how far we've come in this episode. episode. episode. Israel begins the episode as the accuser Israel begins the episode as the accuser Israel begins the episode as the accuser and now they have been tried and found and now they have been tried and found and now they have been tried and found guilty. guilty. guilty. And listen, if this was an episode of And listen, if this was an episode of And listen, if this was an episode of Matlock, Matlock, Matlock, this would be the point where the this would be the point where the this would be the point where the credits roll and the screen fades to credits roll and the screen fades to credits roll and the screen fades to black. The bad guy gets what's coming to black. The bad guy gets what's coming to black. The bad guy gets what's coming to him. The innocent person gets off him. The innocent person gets off him. The innocent person gets off scot-free. scot-free. scot-free. But here's the beauty of this story. But here's the beauty of this story. But here's the beauty of this story. The people in this story have been The people in this story have been The people in this story have been declared guilty by God, but their lives declared guilty by God, but their lives declared guilty by God, but their lives don't fade to black even though they don't fade to black even though they don't fade to black even though they should. should. should. Look at verse 19. Look at verse 19. Look at verse 19. Verse 19 it says this, it says, "And all Verse 19 it says this, it says, "And all Verse 19 it says this, it says, "And all the people said to Samuel, the people said to Samuel, the people said to Samuel, pray to your servants pray for your pray to your servants pray for your pray to your servants pray for your servants to the Lord your God that we servants to the Lord your God that we servants to the Lord your God that we may not die.

may not die. may not die. For we have added to all our sins this For we have added to all our sins this For we have added to all our sins this evil to ask for ourselves a king." evil to ask for ourselves a king." evil to ask for ourselves a king." You see, God sends thunder and rain. He You see, God sends thunder and rain. He You see, God sends thunder and rain. He flashes his displeasure with the people flashes his displeasure with the people flashes his displeasure with the people of Israel. They know that they deserve of Israel. They know that they deserve of Israel. They know that they deserve death because of their treason against a death because of their treason against a death because of their treason against a holy God. Their story should be over. holy God. Their story should be over. holy God. Their story should be over. The credits should roll. It should fade The credits should roll. It should fade The credits should roll. It should fade to black. But what did they do? They to black. But what did they do? They to black. But what did they do? They asked for Samuel to mediate for them. asked for Samuel to mediate for them. asked for Samuel to mediate for them. They declare, "Samuel, listen, we we see They declare, "Samuel, listen, we we see They declare, "Samuel, listen, we we see the thunder and the rain. We know that the thunder and the rain. We know that the thunder and the rain. We know that we're guilty. We need you, Samuel, to go we're guilty. We need you, Samuel, to go we're guilty. We need you, Samuel, to go and to mediate for us into the presence and to mediate for us into the presence and to mediate for us into the presence of God and ask for mercy on our behalf. of God and ask for mercy on our behalf. of God and ask for mercy on our behalf. And the glorious thing is this, that God And the glorious thing is this, that God And the glorious thing is this, that God gives it. gives it. gives it. God gives it. God gives it. God gives it. Why? Why? Why? Well, look at verse 22. Well, look at verse 22. Well, look at verse 22. Verse 22 says it puts it this way. Verse 22 says it puts it this way. Verse 22 says it puts it this way. It's a beautiful verse. It's a beautiful verse. It's a beautiful verse. For the Lord will not forsake his people For the Lord will not forsake his people For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake. for his great name's sake. for his great name's sake. Because it has pleased the Lord to make Because it has pleased the Lord to make Because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.

you a people for himself. you a people for himself. You know what I love about this text? You know what I love about this text? You know what I love about this text? Listen. God doesn't give grace because Listen. God doesn't give grace because Listen. God doesn't give grace because they deserve it. they deserve it. they deserve it. He gives grace because he's good like He gives grace because he's good like He gives grace because he's good like that. that. that. This is why he does it. He will not This is why he does it. He will not This is why he does it. He will not forsake his people. Why? For the glory forsake his people. Why? For the glory forsake his people. Why? For the glory of his great name. You know what I love of his great name. You know what I love of his great name. You know what I love about this and I'm going to come home to about this and I'm going to come home to about this and I'm going to come home to you. you. you. That God wants to use your screw-ups and That God wants to use your screw-ups and That God wants to use your screw-ups and your mess-ups to show all of creation your mess-ups to show all of creation your mess-ups to show all of creation just how far his grace goes. just how far his grace goes. just how far his grace goes. This is our God. WE HEAR GRACE SO MUCH This is our God. WE HEAR GRACE SO MUCH This is our God. WE HEAR GRACE SO MUCH as people and we tend to get bored by as people and we tend to get bored by as people and we tend to get bored by it, but catch this, y'all. The angels in it, but catch this, y'all. The angels in it, but catch this, y'all. The angels in heaven are blown away by it. heaven are blown away by it. heaven are blown away by it. They're blown away by it. They look how They're blown away by it. They look how They're blown away by it. They look how far God has gone to save lost people and far God has gone to save lost people and far God has gone to save lost people and they say, "Wow, I can't believe how far they say, "Wow, I can't believe how far they say, "Wow, I can't believe how far God's grace goes." God's grace goes." God's grace goes." How far does it go? How far does it go? How far does it go? Well, let me tell you. Well, let me tell you. Well, let me tell you. God's grace is willing to meet you in God's grace is willing to meet you in God's grace is willing to meet you in the darkest and furthest places that sin the darkest and furthest places that sin the darkest and furthest places that sin has taken you. has taken you. has taken you. Listen. Listen. Listen. Sin Sin Sin can't get you into a spot where grace can't get you into a spot where grace can't get you into a spot where grace can't find you.

can't find you. can't find you. James 4:6 declares this short phrase. James 4:6 declares this short phrase. James 4:6 declares this short phrase. James 4:6 says, "He gives more grace." James 4:6 says, "He gives more grace." James 4:6 says, "He gives more grace." You know what that means? You know what that means? You know what that means? Here's the thing. You might look at me Here's the thing. You might look at me Here's the thing. You might look at me today and you may say, "Eric, he gives today and you may say, "Eric, he gives today and you may say, "Eric, he gives more grace. God forgives you. You don't more grace. God forgives you. You don't more grace. God forgives you. You don't know me. You don't know what I've done." know me. You don't know what I've done." know me. You don't know what I've done." You're right. You're right. You're right. But God does. But God does. But God does. And he gives more grace. You know what And he gives more grace. You know what And he gives more grace. You know what that means? that means? that means? That means take the worst sin that That means take the worst sin that That means take the worst sin that you've ever done, multiply it by the you've ever done, multiply it by the you've ever done, multiply it by the highest number that you could ever highest number that you could ever highest number that you could ever count, and you know how much grace God count, and you know how much grace God count, and you know how much grace God gives you? gives you? gives you? More than your sin. More than your sin. More than your sin. This is the great God that we serve. This is the great God that we serve. This is the great God that we serve. And you may ask, well, how does grace And you may ask, well, how does grace And you may ask, well, how does grace work? Here it is. We each of us, each of work? Here it is. We each of us, each of work? Here it is. We each of us, each of us, we're not just Israel, every single us, we're not just Israel, every single us, we're not just Israel, every single one of us, we have been found guilty one of us, we have been found guilty one of us, we have been found guilty before God. We have sinned and fallen before God. We have sinned and fallen before God. We have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God has been short of the glory of God. God has been short of the glory of God. God has been so good to you, giving you life and so good to you, giving you life and so good to you, giving you life and breath and every single good thing, and breath and every single good thing, and breath and every single good thing, and you know what we did? In return to God's you know what we did? In return to God's you know what we did? In return to God's goodness, we treated God as if he's not goodness, we treated God as if he's not goodness, we treated God as if he's not good, as if he's not trustworthy, as if good, as if he's not trustworthy, as if good, as if he's not trustworthy, as if we know better than him. We deserve his we know better than him. We deserve his we know better than him. We deserve his condemnation, and yet in grace, God the condemnation, and yet in grace, God the condemnation, and yet in grace, God the Father sent his son Jesus Christ.

Father sent his son Jesus Christ. Father sent his son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came on Earth living the Jesus Christ came on Earth living the Jesus Christ came on Earth living the perfect life that you did not live and perfect life that you did not live and perfect life that you did not live and dying a death in on the cross in your dying a death in on the cross in your dying a death in on the cross in your place as your substitute for your sin. place as your substitute for your sin. place as your substitute for your sin. He takes on himself the death that you He takes on himself the death that you He takes on himself the death that you deserve, and our Jesus did not stay deserve, and our Jesus did not stay deserve, and our Jesus did not stay dead. He rose again in power, proving dead. He rose again in power, proving dead. He rose again in power, proving that he's victorious over sin, Satan, that he's victorious over sin, Satan, that he's victorious over sin, Satan, death, and the grave, giving you the death, and the grave, giving you the death, and the grave, giving you the opportunity, if you repent of your sin opportunity, if you repent of your sin opportunity, if you repent of your sin and trust in Jesus as Lord, you can and trust in Jesus as Lord, you can and trust in Jesus as Lord, you can experience the beautiful and the experience the beautiful and the experience the beautiful and the wonderful grace of God today. wonderful grace of God today. wonderful grace of God today. This is the great God that we serve. God This is the great God that we serve. God This is the great God that we serve. God has given you the opportunity has given you the opportunity has given you the opportunity for your life to not end with the guilty for your life to not end with the guilty for your life to not end with the guilty verdict. How many of you are glad today verdict. How many of you are glad today verdict. How many of you are glad today that your guilty verdict is not the end that your guilty verdict is not the end that your guilty verdict is not the end of your story? of your story? of your story? Listen, God has been so good to you that Listen, God has been so good to you that Listen, God has been so good to you that he is willing to extend He's He's he is willing to extend He's He's he is willing to extend He's He's willing to extend you grace even after willing to extend you grace even after willing to extend you grace even after you've been found guilty. Listen, how you've been found guilty. Listen, how you've been found guilty. Listen, how many of you are glad that when the gavel many of you are glad that when the gavel many of you are glad that when the gavel dropped and you were declared guilty, dropped and you were declared guilty, dropped and you were declared guilty, that the credits didn't roll?

that the credits didn't roll? that the credits didn't roll? Listen, Listen, Listen, grace is available for the guilty. grace is available for the guilty. grace is available for the guilty. But here's my question. But here's my question. But here's my question. If grace is available, If grace is available, If grace is available, if grace is there for the taking in if grace is there for the taking in if grace is there for the taking in Christ, Christ, Christ, how do you know that you've actually had how do you know that you've actually had how do you know that you've actually had it? it? it? How do you know that you've received it? How do you know that you've received it? How do you know that you've received it? How How do you know that you've uh How How do you know that you've uh How How do you know that you've uh acquired it? acquired it? acquired it? Here's my answer for you this morning. Here's my answer for you this morning. Here's my answer for you this morning. No one can experience the beautiful No one can experience the beautiful No one can experience the beautiful grace of God grace of God grace of God and walk away unchanged by the and walk away unchanged by the and walk away unchanged by the experience. experience. experience. No one can experience the wonderful No one can experience the wonderful No one can experience the wonderful grace of God and walk away unchanged. grace of God and walk away unchanged. grace of God and walk away unchanged. You see Rosie Ruiz was declared the You see Rosie Ruiz was declared the You see Rosie Ruiz was declared the winner of the Boston Marathon in 1984. winner of the Boston Marathon in 1984. winner of the Boston Marathon in 1984. And she was declared the winner with a And she was declared the winner with a And she was declared the winner with a time that would have been the fastest time that would have been the fastest time that would have been the fastest time in Boston Marathon history, but time in Boston Marathon history, but time in Boston Marathon history, but very soon her win was called into very soon her win was called into very soon her win was called into question. question. question. One of the reasons was how she looked. One of the reasons was how she looked. One of the reasons was how she looked. At the end of the race, she was not At the end of the race, she was not At the end of the race, she was not breathing heavily at all, and she had no breathing heavily at all, and she had no breathing heavily at all, and she had no sweat. sweat. sweat. This woman supposedly ran 26.2 miles, This woman supposedly ran 26.2 miles, This woman supposedly ran 26.2 miles, and when she raised her hands when she and when she raised her hands when she and when she raised her hands when she crossed that finish line, her T-shirt crossed that finish line, her T-shirt crossed that finish line, her T-shirt was bone dry.

was bone dry. was bone dry. She raised her hands, there were no She raised her hands, there were no She raised her hands, there were no armpit stains. It was eventually armpit stains. It was eventually armpit stains. It was eventually declared, because of the way that she declared, because of the way that she declared, because of the way that she looked, looked, looked, they started an investigation, and it they started an investigation, and it they started an investigation, and it was declared that she had not run the was declared that she had not run the was declared that she had not run the race. Why? race. Why? race. Why? Because no one can experience a marathon Because no one can experience a marathon Because no one can experience a marathon and walk away like they and walk away and walk away like they and walk away and walk away like they and walk away looking like they did before the looking like they did before the looking like they did before the marathon. marathon. marathon. Right? And that's the same with grace. Right? And that's the same with grace. Right? And that's the same with grace. When you experience the grace of God, When you experience the grace of God, When you experience the grace of God, after you've been declared guilty before after you've been declared guilty before after you've been declared guilty before the God of the universe, there is no way the God of the universe, there is no way the God of the universe, there is no way that you walk away from the experience that you walk away from the experience that you walk away from the experience unchanged by it. unchanged by it. unchanged by it. And this text actually shows us how And this text actually shows us how And this text actually shows us how grace attends to change us. So, let me grace attends to change us. So, let me grace attends to change us. So, let me give you a few points. First, give you a few points. First, give you a few points. First, grace changes who we serve. grace changes who we serve. grace changes who we serve. Grace changes who we serve. Where do you Grace changes who we serve. Where do you Grace changes who we serve. Where do you see that? Look at verses 20 20 and 21. see that? Look at verses 20 20 and 21. see that? Look at verses 20 20 and 21. Verse 20. Verse 20. Verse 20. And Samuel said to the people, "Do not And Samuel said to the people, "Do not And Samuel said to the people, "Do not be afraid. be afraid. be afraid. You have done all this evil You have done all this evil You have done all this evil yet do not turn aside from following the yet do not turn aside from following the yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your Lord, but serve the Lord with all your Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. heart. heart. Do not turn aside after empty things.

Do not turn aside after empty things. Do not turn aside after empty things. They cannot profit or deliver for they They cannot profit or deliver for they They cannot profit or deliver for they are empty. Catch this, y'all. In this are empty. Catch this, y'all. In this are empty. Catch this, y'all. In this passage, Samuel says that the proper passage, Samuel says that the proper passage, Samuel says that the proper response to God's grace is to serve him response to God's grace is to serve him response to God's grace is to serve him now. now. now. It's God's grace that gives you another It's God's grace that gives you another It's God's grace that gives you another opportunity opportunity opportunity to serve him. to serve him. to serve him. And you might wonder, how was that God's And you might wonder, how was that God's And you might wonder, how was that God's grace? grace? grace? Listen to me. Listen to me. Listen to me. Because we all serve something. Because we all serve something. Because we all serve something. And if you don't serve the Lord, you And if you don't serve the Lord, you And if you don't serve the Lord, you will serve something else. will serve something else. will serve something else. And here's the thing. And here's the thing. And here's the thing. Whatever you serve outside of God Whatever you serve outside of God Whatever you serve outside of God will not lead to your happiness, it will will not lead to your happiness, it will will not lead to your happiness, it will lead to your enslavement. lead to your enslavement. lead to your enslavement. You see it in verse 21. You see it when You see it in verse 21. You see it when You see it in verse 21. You see it when Samuel says, he says, "Do not turn aside Samuel says, he says, "Do not turn aside Samuel says, he says, "Do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or after empty things that cannot profit or after empty things that cannot profit or deliver for they are empty." What is he deliver for they are empty." What is he deliver for they are empty." What is he saying there? He's saying serving saying there? He's saying serving saying there? He's saying serving anything other than serving the Lord anything other than serving the Lord anything other than serving the Lord will leave you will leave you will leave you with loss and not gain. with loss and not gain. with loss and not gain. Enslavement and not deliverance. Enslavement and not deliverance. Enslavement and not deliverance. And with emptiness and not satisfaction.

And with emptiness and not satisfaction. And with emptiness and not satisfaction. Let me bring it home to you. Guess what, Let me bring it home to you. Guess what, Let me bring it home to you. Guess what, y'all? You were not created to serve y'all? You were not created to serve y'all? You were not created to serve your career. your career. your career. Your Serving your career will leave you Your Serving your career will leave you Your Serving your career will leave you empty. You will pour your life into your empty. You will pour your life into your empty. You will pour your life into your career and when you retire, all you get career and when you retire, all you get career and when you retire, all you get is a plaque and they'll replace you the is a plaque and they'll replace you the is a plaque and they'll replace you the next day. next day. next day. Listen, you were not meant to serve Listen, you were not meant to serve Listen, you were not meant to serve approval. Why is that? You give your approval. Why is that? You give your approval. Why is that? You give your life to serve approval and then you'll life to serve approval and then you'll life to serve approval and then you'll be enslaved by the praise of other be enslaved by the praise of other be enslaved by the praise of other people. You'll never risk doing anything people. You'll never risk doing anything people. You'll never risk doing anything that would make people upset with you. that would make people upset with you. that would make people upset with you. Listen, you were never meant to serve Listen, you were never meant to serve Listen, you were never meant to serve romance. romance. romance. You give your life trying to find your You give your life trying to find your You give your life trying to find your true love and you know what will happen? true love and you know what will happen? true love and you know what will happen? You will be disappointed because you You will be disappointed because you You will be disappointed because you will crush whoever your love is under will crush whoever your love is under will crush whoever your love is under the weight of your unrealistic the weight of your unrealistic the weight of your unrealistic expectations. Listen, serving God, expectations. Listen, serving God, expectations. Listen, serving God, living your life for the glory of God living your life for the glory of God living your life for the glory of God alone is the only way to the joy and the alone is the only way to the joy and the alone is the only way to the joy and the peace and the purpose that you've been peace and the purpose that you've been peace and the purpose that you've been searching for your entire life and searching for your entire life and searching for your entire life and you've been left empty trying to find you've been left empty trying to find you've been left empty trying to find it. it. it. It's God's grace that allows us to serve It's God's grace that allows us to serve It's God's grace that allows us to serve him rather than serve other things.

him rather than serve other things. him rather than serve other things. Listen, God's grace changes who we Listen, God's grace changes who we Listen, God's grace changes who we serve, but God's grace also changes how serve, but God's grace also changes how serve, but God's grace also changes how we fear. we fear. we fear. How we fear. Where do we see that? Look How we fear. Where do we see that? Look How we fear. Where do we see that? Look at verse 24. at verse 24. at verse 24. Verse 24 it says it says this it says Verse 24 it says it says this it says Verse 24 it says it says this it says only fear the Lord only fear the Lord only fear the Lord and [snorts] serve him faithfully and [snorts] serve him faithfully and [snorts] serve him faithfully with all your heart. with all your heart. with all your heart. I want you to hang with me I want you to hang with me I want you to hang with me because you might look at the entire because you might look at the entire because you might look at the entire text and you might be a little confused. text and you might be a little confused. text and you might be a little confused. Why? Why? Why? Verse 18 the people were afraid of God, Verse 18 the people were afraid of God, Verse 18 the people were afraid of God, right? Verse 20 Samuel comes behind them right? Verse 20 Samuel comes behind them right? Verse 20 Samuel comes behind them and says, "Hey y'all, don't be afraid." and says, "Hey y'all, don't be afraid." and says, "Hey y'all, don't be afraid." And then in verse 24 he tells them fear And then in verse 24 he tells them fear And then in verse 24 he tells them fear the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. So you might question which is it? Am I So you might question which is it? Am I So you might question which is it? Am I supposed to fear the Lord or am I not supposed to fear the Lord or am I not supposed to fear the Lord or am I not supposed to fear the Lord? supposed to fear the Lord? supposed to fear the Lord? Well, in this text let me tell you Well, in this text let me tell you Well, in this text let me tell you Samuel is describing two kinds of fear. Samuel is describing two kinds of fear. Samuel is describing two kinds of fear. Two kinds of fear. And these kinds of Two kinds of fear. And these kinds of Two kinds of fear. And these kinds of fear are closely related. Hang with me. fear are closely related. Hang with me. fear are closely related. Hang with me. There's a kind of fear that we will call There's a kind of fear that we will call There's a kind of fear that we will call dread and there's a kind of fear that we dread and there's a kind of fear that we dread and there's a kind of fear that we will call awe. will call awe. will call awe. To explain the difference let me give To explain the difference let me give To explain the difference let me give you an analogy. Years back you an analogy. Years back you an analogy. Years back there was a 440 lb gorilla in a there was a 440 lb gorilla in a there was a 440 lb gorilla in a Cincinnati Zoo and you might remember Cincinnati Zoo and you might remember Cincinnati Zoo and you might remember this story. Uh this gorilla was named this story. Uh this gorilla was named this story. Uh this gorilla was named Harambe.

Harambe. Harambe. And during the story at three uh this And during the story at three uh this And during the story at three uh this story began with a three-year-old child story began with a three-year-old child story began with a three-year-old child who somehow climbed over a wall, fell who somehow climbed over a wall, fell who somehow climbed over a wall, fell into the gorilla enclosure into the gorilla enclosure into the gorilla enclosure and he was face-to-face with this and he was face-to-face with this and he was face-to-face with this gorilla. gorilla. gorilla. Some of you, you might wonder how a Some of you, you might wonder how a Some of you, you might wonder how a three-year-old could do such a thing three-year-old could do such a thing three-year-old could do such a thing and you're clearly revealing to me that and you're clearly revealing to me that and you're clearly revealing to me that you don't have kids. Listen, Listen, that kid standing face-to-face with that that kid standing face-to-face with that that kid standing face-to-face with that lb gorilla lb gorilla lb gorilla experienced a different kind of fear experienced a different kind of fear experienced a different kind of fear than everyone else at that park that than everyone else at that park that than everyone else at that park that day. day. day. You see, that kid was face-to-face with You see, that kid was face-to-face with You see, that kid was face-to-face with a gorilla. Face-to-face with a gorilla, a gorilla. Face-to-face with a gorilla, a gorilla. Face-to-face with a gorilla, he saw how massive he was, how strong he he saw how massive he was, how strong he he saw how massive he was, how strong he was, how fast that gorilla was, and that was, how fast that gorilla was, and that was, how fast that gorilla was, and that kid was filled with dread. kid was filled with dread. kid was filled with dread. And yet, the normal attendant of that And yet, the normal attendant of that And yet, the normal attendant of that exhibit exhibit exhibit saw the same exact thing. saw the same exact thing. saw the same exact thing. The normal attendant of that exhibit saw The normal attendant of that exhibit saw The normal attendant of that exhibit saw the gorilla's size, saw the gorilla's the gorilla's size, saw the gorilla's the gorilla's size, saw the gorilla's strength, saw the gorilla's speed, but strength, saw the gorilla's speed, but strength, saw the gorilla's speed, but they didn't dread Harambe.

they didn't dread Harambe. they didn't dread Harambe. They likely admired him. They likely admired him. They likely admired him. And the only difference between the two And the only difference between the two And the only difference between the two of them, the difference between dread of them, the difference between dread of them, the difference between dread and awe in the presence of Harambe, was and awe in the presence of Harambe, was and awe in the presence of Harambe, was the wall. the wall. the wall. You see, the normal attendant was You see, the normal attendant was You see, the normal attendant was protected, and the child was not. protected, and the child was not. protected, and the child was not. Listen, what I love about this text is Listen, what I love about this text is Listen, what I love about this text is that Israel is commanded to no longer that Israel is commanded to no longer that Israel is commanded to no longer have the fear of dread, but to have the have the fear of dread, but to have the have the fear of dread, but to have the fear of awe now. fear of awe now. fear of awe now. They are told now to see the by Samuel They are told now to see the by Samuel They are told now to see the by Samuel to see God's authority, his power, and to see God's authority, his power, and to see God's authority, his power, and to be amazed by it now, rather than to be amazed by it now, rather than to be amazed by it now, rather than dread it. How is that possible? Because dread it. How is that possible? Because dread it. How is that possible? Because they are now protected by grace. they are now protected by grace. they are now protected by grace. They're protected by grace. They're protected by grace. They're protected by grace. McLean Bible Church, do you know if McLean Bible Church, do you know if McLean Bible Church, do you know if you're in Christ that you are protected you're in Christ that you are protected you're in Christ that you are protected by grace today? by grace today? by grace today? And that fact alone should fill you with And that fact alone should fill you with And that fact alone should fill you with an awe of God. an awe of God. an awe of God. Look at verse 24 again. Look at verse 24 again. Look at verse 24 again. We see that the fear of the Lord and We see that the fear of the Lord and We see that the fear of the Lord and service to the Lord are closely service to the Lord are closely service to the Lord are closely connected in this text because, hang connected in this text because, hang connected in this text because, hang with me, with me, with me, you will always serve you will always serve you will always serve what you live in awe of the most.

what you live in awe of the most. what you live in awe of the most. Listen, whatever is the most weighty Listen, whatever is the most weighty Listen, whatever is the most weighty reality in your life, reality in your life, reality in your life, you'll serve that. you'll serve that. you'll serve that. So listen, if you are most in awe of So listen, if you are most in awe of So listen, if you are most in awe of what money can give you, you'll serve what money can give you, you'll serve what money can give you, you'll serve money. money. money. If you're most in awe of what a If you're most in awe of what a If you're most in awe of what a relationship you'll give will give you, relationship you'll give will give you, relationship you'll give will give you, you'll serve a man in love. you'll serve a man in love. you'll serve a man in love. If you are most in awe of what approval If you are most in awe of what approval If you are most in awe of what approval can give you, you'll serve that. But you can give you, you'll serve that. But you can give you, you'll serve that. But you know what's better than all that? know what's better than all that? know what's better than all that? The fact that you were guilty before the The fact that you were guilty before the The fact that you were guilty before the God of heaven and that he used his God of heaven and that he used his God of heaven and that he used his infinite authority, his infinite power, infinite authority, his infinite power, infinite authority, his infinite power, not to condemn you, but to give you not to condemn you, but to give you not to condemn you, but to give you grace. That's better than that. He He grace. That's better than that. He He grace. That's better than that. He He used his infinite power and authority used his infinite power and authority used his infinite power and authority not to crush you, but to give you not to crush you, but to give you not to crush you, but to give you another chance. To give you the fullness another chance. To give you the fullness another chance. To give you the fullness of life that is found in him. Listen, of life that is found in him. Listen, of life that is found in him. Listen, you no longer have to dread God's you no longer have to dread God's you no longer have to dread God's punishment if you're in Christ because punishment if you're in Christ because punishment if you're in Christ because you got a new vantage point. You are in you got a new vantage point. You are in you got a new vantage point. You are in Christ. Christ. Christ. And that means that you are protected by And that means that you are protected by And that means that you are protected by grace so that the God that you used to grace so that the God that you used to grace so that the God that you used to dread, you can now observe him with awe. dread, you can now observe him with awe. dread, you can now observe him with awe. Thanks be to God this morning, McLean Thanks be to God this morning, McLean Thanks be to God this morning, McLean Bible Church. Bible Church. Bible Church. Listen, and here's the part where we get Listen, and here's the part where we get Listen, and here's the part where we get practical.

practical. practical. How do we do this? How do we do this? How do we do this? By God's grace, how do we live in awe of By God's grace, how do we live in awe of By God's grace, how do we live in awe of God? God? God? How easily we forget how big God is. How easily we forget how big God is. How easily we forget how big God is. But I think the answer to this question But I think the answer to this question But I think the answer to this question actually lies in the in the verse 24. actually lies in the in the verse 24. actually lies in the in the verse 24. And then then And it's in this phrase. And then then And it's in this phrase. And then then And it's in this phrase. Check it out. Verse 24, it says, "Only Check it out. Verse 24, it says, "Only Check it out. Verse 24, it says, "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully fear the Lord and serve him faithfully fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart." Catch this. with all your heart." Catch this. with all your heart." Catch this. "For consider what great things he has "For consider what great things he has "For consider what great things he has done for you." done for you." done for you." "For consider what great things he has "For consider what great things he has "For consider what great things he has done for you." Here's my point. done for you." Here's my point. done for you." Here's my point. God's grace changes what we consider. God's grace changes what we consider. God's grace changes what we consider. God's grace changes what we consider. God's grace changes what we consider. God's grace changes what we consider. Listen. Listen. Listen. Israel should have been considering the Israel should have been considering the Israel should have been considering the great things that God has done for them. great things that God has done for them. great things that God has done for them. Matter of fact, throughout all of Matter of fact, throughout all of Matter of fact, throughout all of chapter 12 of Samuel, takes Israel down chapter 12 of Samuel, takes Israel down chapter 12 of Samuel, takes Israel down memory lane and describes to them every memory lane and describes to them every memory lane and describes to them every single moment that God showed up and did single moment that God showed up and did single moment that God showed up and did great things among them, right? great things among them, right? great things among them, right? He kept saying how God had rescued them He kept saying how God had rescued them He kept saying how God had rescued them time and time and time and time again.

time and time and time and time again. time and time and time and time again. God's people had so many great things God's people had so many great things God's people had so many great things about God that they could have about God that they could have about God that they could have considered. But instead of considering considered. But instead of considering considered. But instead of considering all the the things that God has done, all the the things that God has done, all the the things that God has done, The question should be, why do they The question should be, why do they The question should be, why do they accuse God and put him on trial? accuse God and put him on trial? accuse God and put him on trial? Why does this whole thing start off Why does this whole thing start off Why does this whole thing start off like a Matlock episode? like a Matlock episode? like a Matlock episode? Because Keshia, Because Keshia, Because Keshia, instead of considering the great things instead of considering the great things instead of considering the great things that God has done, they were comparing that God has done, they were comparing that God has done, they were comparing with other people. with other people. with other people. Instead of considering, they were Instead of considering, they were Instead of considering, they were comparing. Remember 1 Samuel chapter 8? comparing. Remember 1 Samuel chapter 8? comparing. Remember 1 Samuel chapter 8? Why did Israel want a king in the first Why did Israel want a king in the first Why did Israel want a king in the first place? place? place? Because the other nations had a king. Because the other nations had a king. Because the other nations had a king. Instead of considering the fact that Instead of considering the fact that Instead of considering the fact that they have been just fine with God as they have been just fine with God as they have been just fine with God as their king. Instead of considering THE their king. Instead of considering THE their king. Instead of considering THE FACT THAT GOD had never FAILED THEM FACT THAT GOD had never FAILED THEM FACT THAT GOD had never FAILED THEM ONCE. INSTEAD OF CONSIDERING of the fact ONCE. INSTEAD OF CONSIDERING of the fact ONCE. INSTEAD OF CONSIDERING of the fact that every single time they called on that every single time they called on that every single time they called on the name of the Lord to save them, he the name of the Lord to save them, he the name of the Lord to save them, he came rushing towards them. Instead of came rushing towards them. Instead of came rushing towards them. Instead of considering the great things that God considering the great things that God considering the great things that God has done, they compare their lives with has done, they compare their lives with has done, they compare their lives with other peoples. other peoples. other peoples. And I want you to hear me, McLean Bible And I want you to hear me, McLean Bible And I want you to hear me, McLean Bible Church, this morning loud and clear. If Church, this morning loud and clear. If Church, this morning loud and clear. If you're going to endure the Christian you're going to endure the Christian you're going to endure the Christian life, life, life, if you're going to walk with God by if you're going to walk with God by if you're going to walk with God by faith, you better watch out for faith, you better watch out for faith, you better watch out for comparison.

comparison. comparison. You better watch out for it. Because a You better watch out for it. Because a You better watch out for it. Because a comparison will have you using other comparison will have you using other comparison will have you using other people's lives as evidence that God people's lives as evidence that God people's lives as evidence that God forgot about you. forgot about you. forgot about you. How easy it is for it How easy it is for How easy it is for it How easy it is for How easy it is for it How easy it is for us to to to be online and look at our us to to to be online and look at our us to to to be online and look at our friends' photos, their engagement friends' photos, their engagement friends' photos, their engagement photos, or their photos, or their photos, or their their baby photos, or their vacation their baby photos, or their vacation their baby photos, or their vacation photos. And we present it to God as photos. And we present it to God as photos. And we present it to God as evidence that God forgot about us. evidence that God forgot about us. evidence that God forgot about us. For how many of us How how easy it is to For how many of us How how easy it is to For how many of us How how easy it is to look at our peers' promotions, their look at our peers' promotions, their look at our peers' promotions, their home purchases, their lives, and use it home purchases, their lives, and use it home purchases, their lives, and use it to God as evidence that he somehow to God as evidence that he somehow to God as evidence that he somehow forgot about us. And we end up allowing forgot about us. And we end up allowing forgot about us. And we end up allowing comparison to cause us to put God on comparison to cause us to put God on comparison to cause us to put God on trial. trial. trial. I want you to stay with me for a second. I want you to stay with me for a second. I want you to stay with me for a second. Listen. Listen. Listen. There's a difference between expressing There's a difference between expressing There's a difference between expressing your disappointment to God your disappointment to God your disappointment to God and bringing charges against God. and bringing charges against God. and bringing charges against God. Listen, God is so good Listen, God is so good Listen, God is so good that you are free to bring your that you are free to bring your that you are free to bring your disappointment to him.

disappointment to him. disappointment to him. The Psalm says, "Trust in the Lord at The Psalm says, "Trust in the Lord at The Psalm says, "Trust in the Lord at all times. Pour out your heart to him. all times. Pour out your heart to him. all times. Pour out your heart to him. That God is a refuge to you." You can That God is a refuge to you." You can That God is a refuge to you." You can pour out your heart to God. God already pour out your heart to God. God already pour out your heart to God. God already knows what's in your heart. God already knows what's in your heart. God already knows what's in your heart. God already knows your disappointment. You can pour knows your disappointment. You can pour knows your disappointment. You can pour out your heart to him. You are free to out your heart to him. You are free to out your heart to him. You are free to be honest. be honest. be honest. You can say, "God, I don't understand You can say, "God, I don't understand You can say, "God, I don't understand WHAT YOU'RE DOING." WHAT YOU'RE DOING." WHAT YOU'RE DOING." YOU CAN SAY, "GOD, I DON'T GET why this YOU CAN SAY, "GOD, I DON'T GET why this YOU CAN SAY, "GOD, I DON'T GET why this hurts so bad." You can say, "God, I hurts so bad." You can say, "God, I hurts so bad." You can say, "God, I don't understand why this person has don't understand why this person has don't understand why this person has what I want and I don't have it." We what I want and I don't have it." We what I want and I don't have it." We have a whole category of scripture have a whole category of scripture have a whole category of scripture called the Psalms of Lament. called the Psalms of Lament. called the Psalms of Lament. And lament is when you express your And lament is when you express your And lament is when you express your disappointment with God, but catch this, disappointment with God, but catch this, disappointment with God, but catch this, this is what's good about lament. this is what's good about lament. this is what's good about lament. Lament gives you the ability to express Lament gives you the ability to express Lament gives you the ability to express your disappointment with God while still your disappointment with God while still your disappointment with God while still trusting God. trusting God. trusting God. Right? Right? Right? You know, in lament, you can declare, You know, in lament, you can declare, You know, in lament, you can declare, "God, listen, I don't understand what "God, listen, I don't understand what "God, listen, I don't understand what you're doing, you're doing, you're doing, but just because I don't understand what but just because I don't understand what but just because I don't understand what you're doing doesn't mean that you don't you're doing doesn't mean that you don't you're doing doesn't mean that you don't have a reason have a reason have a reason for why you're doing what you're doing. for why you're doing what you're doing. for why you're doing what you're doing. You're wise and I'm not." You're wise and I'm not." You're wise and I'm not." Listen.

Listen. Listen. Israel very well could have said, "God, Israel very well could have said, "God, Israel very well could have said, "God, I don't get why we don't have a king, I don't get why we don't have a king, I don't get why we don't have a king, but we're still going to trust you as but we're still going to trust you as but we're still going to trust you as our king because you've proven yourself our king because you've proven yourself our king because you've proven yourself through your track record." through your track record." through your track record." Israel easily could have said that, but Israel easily could have said that, but Israel easily could have said that, but here's where we get it twisted. Catch here's where we get it twisted. Catch here's where we get it twisted. Catch this. Israel says, "God, I don't get why this. Israel says, "God, I don't get why this. Israel says, "God, I don't get why we don't have a king, we don't have a king, we don't have a king, so therefore, we're going to turn to a so therefore, we're going to turn to a so therefore, we're going to turn to a king that we think is better than you." king that we think is better than you." king that we think is better than you." In other words, catch this, y'all, they In other words, catch this, y'all, they In other words, catch this, y'all, they allowed comparison to cause them to allowed comparison to cause them to allowed comparison to cause them to catch amnesia and to forget about all catch amnesia and to forget about all catch amnesia and to forget about all the great things that God had done in the great things that God had done in the great things that God had done in the past. the past. the past. But you know what's better than But you know what's better than But you know what's better than comparison? comparison? comparison? Considering. Right? This verse says, Considering. Right? This verse says, Considering. Right? This verse says, "Consider the great things that God has "Consider the great things that God has "Consider the great things that God has done for you." Listen to me this done for you." Listen to me this done for you." Listen to me this morning. If you want to walk in grace, morning. If you want to walk in grace, morning. If you want to walk in grace, if you want to serve God, and you want if you want to serve God, and you want if you want to serve God, and you want to live in all of him, you need to learn to live in all of him, you need to learn to live in all of him, you need to learn how to consider each day the great how to consider each day the great how to consider each day the great things that God has done for you. things that God has done for you. things that God has done for you. Listen, you need to gain the ability Listen, you need to gain the ability Listen, you need to gain the ability that even when you are in a season of that even when you are in a season of that even when you are in a season of life where you don't want to be in it. life where you don't want to be in it. life where you don't want to be in it. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Instead of wallowing in self-pity, instead of comparing your life with instead of comparing your life with instead of comparing your life with somebody else's life, you need to somebody else's life, you need to somebody else's life, you need to declare with the psalmist in Psalm 103, declare with the psalmist in Psalm 103, declare with the psalmist in Psalm 103, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

that is within me, bless his holy name. that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits." You know what you not all his benefits." You know what you not all his benefits." You know what you need to consider the great things that need to consider the great things that need to consider the great things that God has done? You need to learn the God has done? You need to learn the God has done? You need to learn the ability to not allow your desires to ability to not allow your desires to ability to not allow your desires to cause you to forget what he's done. cause you to forget what he's done. cause you to forget what he's done. You need to surround yourself with You need to surround yourself with You need to surround yourself with brothers and sisters in Christ brothers and sisters in Christ brothers and sisters in Christ who will listen to you describe all the who will listen to you describe all the who will listen to you describe all the things that you're waiting for. things that you're waiting for. things that you're waiting for. And yet they'll help you to consider and And yet they'll help you to consider and And yet they'll help you to consider and remember all the great things that God remember all the great things that God remember all the great things that God has done. has done. has done. You need people in your life who will You need people in your life who will You need people in your life who will tell you, "Listen, I know you're tell you, "Listen, I know you're tell you, "Listen, I know you're disappointed, but don't you remember in disappointed, but don't you remember in disappointed, but don't you remember in the gospel the gospel the gospel that Christ has forgiven you? that Christ has forgiven you? that Christ has forgiven you? I know you're waiting, but don't you I know you're waiting, but don't you I know you're waiting, but don't you remember that every that you have every remember that every that you have every remember that every that you have every spiritual blessing in the heavenly spiritual blessing in the heavenly spiritual blessing in the heavenly places? places? places? I know you're hurting right now, but I know you're hurting right now, but I know you're hurting right now, but don't you remember that you got the don't you remember that you got the don't you remember that you got the spirit inside of you, and heaven ahead spirit inside of you, and heaven ahead spirit inside of you, and heaven ahead of you, and that nothing, absolutely of you, and that nothing, absolutely of you, and that nothing, absolutely nothing can separate you from the love nothing can separate you from the love nothing can separate you from the love of God? We need people in our lives to of God? We need people in our lives to of God? We need people in our lives to help us consider all the great things help us consider all the great things help us consider all the great things that God has done. that God has done. that God has done. That's what we need. That's what we need. That's what we need. He's been so good to you. Christ has He's been so good to you. Christ has He's been so good to you. Christ has come, and he's died for you.

come, and he's died for you. come, and he's died for you. And listen, it's tempting to believe that an episode of Matlock actually has that an episode of Matlock actually has more justice than 1 Samuel chapter 12. more justice than 1 Samuel chapter 12. more justice than 1 Samuel chapter 12. What do I mean? What do I mean? What do I mean? In Matlock, the guilty are punished and In Matlock, the guilty are punished and In Matlock, the guilty are punished and the credits roll. the credits roll. the credits roll. But in this story, we see the guilty get But in this story, we see the guilty get But in this story, we see the guilty get grace and the story continues. grace and the story continues. grace and the story continues. And you might wonder, where's the And you might wonder, where's the And you might wonder, where's the justice in that? justice in that? justice in that? Let me tell you. Let me tell you. Let me tell you. This is why I love the gospel. This is why I love the gospel. This is why I love the gospel. In the gospel, In the gospel, In the gospel, the judge declares us guilty, the judge declares us guilty, the judge declares us guilty, gives us the sentence, gives us the sentence, gives us the sentence, and is filled with so much love for the and is filled with so much love for the and is filled with so much love for the guilty party that he says this. He says, guilty party that he says this. He says, guilty party that he says this. He says, "I'm going to step down from my bench to "I'm going to step down from my bench to "I'm going to step down from my bench to serve the sentence that I just gave." serve the sentence that I just gave." serve the sentence that I just gave." You see, in the gospel, God meets his You see, in the gospel, God meets his You see, in the gospel, God meets his own demands for justice in Christ while own demands for justice in Christ while own demands for justice in Christ while extending us grace. And catch me in the extending us grace. And catch me in the extending us grace. And catch me in the claim by our church this morning. When claim by our church this morning. When claim by our church this morning. When you get grace like that, how can you not you get grace like that, how can you not you get grace like that, how can you not serve God? serve God? serve God? When you get grace like that, how can When you get grace like that, how can When you get grace like that, how can you not live in awe of how far God would you not live in awe of how far God would you not live in awe of how far God would go in order to save you?

go in order to save you? go in order to save you? When you get grace like that, how can When you get grace like that, how can When you get grace like that, how can you not consider the great things that you not consider the great things that you not consider the great things that God has done for you in Christ? Listen God has done for you in Christ? Listen God has done for you in Christ? Listen to me. When you experience the to me. When you experience the to me. When you experience the incredible grace of God, your life will incredible grace of God, your life will incredible grace of God, your life will never be the same. never be the same. never be the same. And so, let's do this today. And so, let's do this today. And so, let's do this today. Let's take a moment, Let's take a moment, Let's take a moment, and let's consider a few questions. and let's consider a few questions. and let's consider a few questions. Let's prayerfully consider these. Let's prayerfully consider these. Let's prayerfully consider these. And once you do this, either I or And once you do this, either I or And once you do this, either I or someone from your location someone from your location someone from your location will take you from there. Let's do that will take you from there. Let's do that will take you from there. Let's do that now. we are a people who have been declared we are a people who have been declared guilty. We have sinned against you, We have sinned against you, our God in heaven.

our God in heaven. our God in heaven. All you've done has been good to us, All you've done has been good to us, All you've done has been good to us, and yet we turned our backs on you. and yet we turned our backs on you. and yet we turned our backs on you. And Father, thank you so much that you And Father, thank you so much that you And Father, thank you so much that you are willing to reach down and save your are willing to reach down and save your are willing to reach down and save your people, people, people, as verse 22 said, for the glory of your as verse 22 said, for the glory of your as verse 22 said, for the glory of your great name. great name. great name. Oh Father, we thank you. Oh Father, we thank you. Oh Father, we thank you. God, we thank you that our guilty God, we thank you that our guilty God, we thank you that our guilty verdict is not the end of our story. verdict is not the end of our story. verdict is not the end of our story. That grace That grace That grace you by your grace forgives us. You you by your grace forgives us. You you by your grace forgives us. You cleanse us from all unrighteousness and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and you empower us to live new lives. God, you empower us to live new lives. God, you empower us to live new lives. God, thank you so much that grace does not thank you so much that grace does not thank you so much that grace does not leave us the same that we were before. leave us the same that we were before. leave us the same that we were before. Thank you so much that grace changes who Thank you so much that grace changes who Thank you so much that grace changes who we serve. It changes how we feel we serve. It changes how we feel we serve. It changes how we feel and it changes what we consider, Father. and it changes what we consider, Father. and it changes what we consider, Father. And so God, will you change us today? Will you allow us to be a people who Will you allow us to be a people who refrain from serving worthless things? refrain from serving worthless things? refrain from serving worthless things? And maybe we'll be a people that in And maybe we'll be a people that in And maybe we'll be a people that in every action, in every we whatever we every action, in every we whatever we every action, in every we whatever we eat, whatever we drink, whatever we do, eat, whatever we drink, whatever we do, eat, whatever we drink, whatever we do, that we'll do it all for the glory of that we'll do it all for the glory of that we'll do it all for the glory of God.

God. God. Father, will you help us to fear your Father, will you help us to fear your Father, will you help us to fear your great name? We no longer dread you. great name? We no longer dread you. great name? We no longer dread you. But help us to see you in all your But help us to see you in all your But help us to see you in all your glory. Help us to live in awe of you. glory. Help us to live in awe of you. glory. Help us to live in awe of you. And Father, I pray God that instead of And Father, I pray God that instead of And Father, I pray God that instead of comparing our lives with somebody else's comparing our lives with somebody else's comparing our lives with somebody else's lives lives lives Father God, I pray that you will help us Father God, I pray that you will help us Father God, I pray that you will help us each and every single day each and every single day each and every single day even when we're high, even when we're even when we're high, even when we're even when we're high, even when we're low, even when we're satisfied, even low, even when we're satisfied, even low, even when we're satisfied, even when we're wanting when we're wanting when we're wanting that we will warm our hearts by that we will warm our hearts by that we will warm our hearts by considering the great things that you considering the great things that you considering the great things that you have done for us. have done for us. have done for us. We love you, Lord. We thank you. We love you, Lord. We thank you. We love you, Lord. We thank you. I pray these things in the name of I pray these things in the name of I pray these things in the name of Jesus. If you agree, say Jesus. If you agree, say Jesus. If you agree, say Amen. Amen. Amen.