How To Stop Lying To Yourself (1 Samuel 15) | Rise and Ruin | Eric Saunders

McLean Bible Church, how are we doing McLean Bible Church, how are we doing this morning? this morning? this morning? Man, listen, it is good to be with you Man, listen, it is good to be with you Man, listen, it is good to be with you all this morning. My name is Eric all this morning. My name is Eric all this morning. My name is Eric Saunders, one of the pastors around Saunders, one of the pastors around Saunders, one of the pastors around here. And if you got a Bible with you, here. And if you got a Bible with you, here. And if you got a Bible with you, go ahead and turn to 1 Samuel chapter go ahead and turn to 1 Samuel chapter go ahead and turn to 1 Samuel chapter 15. 15. 15. Uh 1 Samuel chapter 15. So, today we are Uh 1 Samuel chapter 15. So, today we are Uh 1 Samuel chapter 15. So, today we are actually finishing the series titled actually finishing the series titled actually finishing the series titled Rise and Ruin that we've been in uh for Rise and Ruin that we've been in uh for Rise and Ruin that we've been in uh for a while. And uh in this series, we've a while. And uh in this series, we've a while. And uh in this series, we've learned about the life of Saul. And in learned about the life of Saul. And in learned about the life of Saul. And in learning about the life of Saul, we've learning about the life of Saul, we've learning about the life of Saul, we've learned a lot of truth about God and a learned a lot of truth about God and a learned a lot of truth about God and a lot of truth about ourselves. And so, lot of truth about ourselves. And so, lot of truth about ourselves. And so, listen, while you turn, I want to take a listen, while you turn, I want to take a listen, while you turn, I want to take a moment to give a shout-out to all of our moment to give a shout-out to all of our moment to give a shout-out to all of our locations who are tuning in online. Uh locations who are tuning in online. Uh locations who are tuning in online. Uh we've got Arlington, we've got Prince we've got Arlington, we've got Prince we've got Arlington, we've got Prince William, Loudoun, and Montgomery County. William, Loudoun, and Montgomery County. William, Loudoun, and Montgomery County. And everybody who is watching uh from And everybody who is watching uh from And everybody who is watching uh from their uh laptops. And so, listen, this their uh laptops. And so, listen, this their uh laptops. And so, listen, this is what I'm going to do up top. is what I'm going to do up top. is what I'm going to do up top. I'm going to read the text. I'm going to I'm going to read the text. I'm going to I'm going to read the text. I'm going to pray. pray. pray. And then we're going to jump into the And then we're going to jump into the And then we're going to jump into the sermon. But before I read, sermon. But before I read, sermon. But before I read, let me say this. let me say this. let me say this. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> The reading of scripture is the main >> The reading of scripture is the main >> The reading of scripture is the main event of the sermon. event of the sermon. event of the sermon. It is very tempting to believe It is very tempting to believe It is very tempting to believe that reading the Bible is the prelude to that reading the Bible is the prelude to that reading the Bible is the prelude to the main event.

the main event. the main event. No, catch this, y'all. What I'm about to No, catch this, y'all. What I'm about to No, catch this, y'all. What I'm about to read is the very word of God. read is the very word of God. read is the very word of God. And it's worthy of our attention. It's And it's worthy of our attention. It's And it's worthy of our attention. It's worthy of our focus. So, I want to worthy of our focus. So, I want to worthy of our focus. So, I want to invite you this morning invite you this morning invite you this morning to lock in. to lock in. to lock in. Uh to not simply, when I hear the word Uh to not simply, when I hear the word Uh to not simply, when I hear the word of God, to just let it pass through your of God, to just let it pass through your of God, to just let it pass through your ears. ears. ears. But allow it to capture your But allow it to capture your But allow it to capture your imagination. imagination. imagination. And so, with that said, I'm going to And so, with that said, I'm going to And so, with that said, I'm going to read from verses 10 read from verses 10 read from verses 10 to verses 23. to verses 23. to verses 23. And what I want us to do is to do this. And what I want us to do is to do this. And what I want us to do is to do this. If you're able, y'all let's stand for If you're able, y'all let's stand for If you're able, y'all let's stand for the reading of God's word this morning. the reading of God's word this morning. the reading of God's word this morning. Let's stand. Hear the word of the Lord. Hear the word of the Lord. The word of the Lord came to Samuel. The word of the Lord came to Samuel. The word of the Lord came to Samuel. I regret I regret I regret that I have made Saul king, that I have made Saul king, that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me for he has turned back from following me for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments. and has not performed my commandments. and has not performed my commandments. And Samuel was angry, and he cried to And Samuel was angry, and he cried to And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the Lord all night. the Lord all night. the Lord all night. And Samuel arose early to meet Saul in And Samuel arose early to meet Saul in And Samuel arose early to meet Saul in the morning and it was told Samuel, the morning and it was told Samuel, the morning and it was told Samuel, "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and up a monument for himself and turned and up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal."

passed on and went down to Gilgal." passed on and went down to Gilgal." And Samuel said to Saul, and And Samuel said to Saul, and And Samuel said to Saul, and Samuel came to Saul and Saul said to Samuel came to Saul and Saul said to Samuel came to Saul and Saul said to him, him, him, "Blessed be you to the Lord. I have "Blessed be you to the Lord. I have "Blessed be you to the Lord. I have performed the commandment of the Lord." performed the commandment of the Lord." performed the commandment of the Lord." And Samuel said, "What then is this And Samuel said, "What then is this And Samuel said, "What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the bleating of the sheep in my ears and the bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?" lowing of the oxen that I hear?" lowing of the oxen that I hear?" And Saul said, "They have brought them And Saul said, "They have brought them And Saul said, "They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people from the Amalekites, for the people from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the spared the best of the sheep and of the spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God, oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God, oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God, and the rest we have devoted to and the rest we have devoted to and the rest we have devoted to destruction." destruction." destruction." And Samuel said to Saul, "Stop. And Samuel said to Saul, "Stop. And Samuel said to Saul, "Stop. I will tell you what the Lord said to me I will tell you what the Lord said to me I will tell you what the Lord said to me this night." this night." this night." And he said to him, "Speak." And he said to him, "Speak." And he said to him, "Speak." And [snorts] Samuel said, "Though you And [snorts] Samuel said, "Though you And [snorts] Samuel said, "Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not are little in your own eyes, are you not are little in your own eyes, are you not the head over Are are you not the head the head over Are are you not the head the head over Are are you not the head of the tribe of tribes of Israel? of the tribe of tribes of Israel? of the tribe of tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel, The Lord anointed you king over Israel, The Lord anointed you king over Israel, and the Lord sent you on a mission and and the Lord sent you on a mission and and the Lord sent you on a mission and said, 'Go, devote to destruction the said, 'Go, devote to destruction the said, 'Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight sinners, the Amalekites, and fight sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.' against them until they are consumed.' against them until they are consumed.' Why then did you not obey the voice of Why then did you not obey the voice of Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord?

the Lord? the Lord? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do Why did you pounce on the spoil and do Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?" what was evil in the sight of the Lord?" what was evil in the sight of the Lord?" And Saul said to Samuel, "I have obeyed And Saul said to Samuel, "I have obeyed And Saul said to Samuel, "I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. the voice of the Lord. the voice of the Lord. I've gone on the mission on which the I've gone on the mission on which the I've gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have bought Agag, the Lord sent me. I have bought Agag, the Lord sent me. I have bought Agag, the king of Amalek, king of Amalek, king of Amalek, and I've devoted the the the Amalekites and I've devoted the the the Amalekites and I've devoted the the the Amalekites to destruction. to destruction. to destruction. But the people took of the spoil, sheep But the people took of the spoil, sheep But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted and oxen, the best of the things devoted and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal." your God in Gilgal." your God in Gilgal." And Samuel said, And Samuel said, And Samuel said, "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying offerings and sacrifices as in obeying offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? the voice of the Lord? the voice of the Lord? Behold, Behold, Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. to obey is better than sacrifice. to obey is better than sacrifice. And to listen than the fat of rams. For And to listen than the fat of rams. For And to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, rebellion is as the sin of divination, rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and and presumption is as iniquity and and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the idolatry. Because you have rejected the idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected word of the Lord, he has also rejected word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king. you from being king. you from being king. And this is the word of the Lord. Let's And this is the word of the Lord. Let's And this is the word of the Lord. Let's take a moment. Let's pray together.

take a moment. Let's pray together. take a moment. Let's pray together. Lord, we ask for you to meet us here and Lord, we ask for you to meet us here and Lord, we ask for you to meet us here and to help us. to help us. to help us. God, we need you to use your word to God, we need you to use your word to God, we need you to use your word to move in power so that we are transformed move in power so that we are transformed move in power so that we are transformed by it. by it. by it. Help us today to humbly receive your Help us today to humbly receive your Help us today to humbly receive your word word word so that we might respond to it in faith so that we might respond to it in faith so that we might respond to it in faith and obedience for the glory of your and obedience for the glory of your and obedience for the glory of your great name. great name. great name. We pray the words of this text. We pray the words of this text. We pray the words of this text. We know We know We know that to obey is better than sacrifice. that to obey is better than sacrifice. that to obey is better than sacrifice. 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 amen. Jesus. If you agree, say amen. Jesus. If you agree, say amen. And you guys can be seated. And so listen, I don't know if you have And so listen, I don't know if you have hit this age yet, hit this age yet, hit this age yet, but I recently hit the age but I recently hit the age but I recently hit the age when I became shocked when I became shocked when I became shocked at some of the lyrics that I used to at some of the lyrics that I used to at some of the lyrics that I used to listen to when I was younger. listen to when I was younger. listen to when I was younger. You see, when I was younger, my young You see, when I was younger, my young You see, when I was younger, my young ears weren't sensitive to the literary ears weren't sensitive to the literary ears weren't sensitive to the literary devices of metaphor and simile. devices of metaphor and simile. devices of metaphor and simile. So, I thought when I was a kid, when I So, I thought when I was a kid, when I So, I thought when I was a kid, when I was singing, was singing, was singing, that I was singing about something.

that I was singing about something. that I was singing about something. But it turns out after all these years, But it turns out after all these years, But it turns out after all these years, I was actually singing about something I was actually singing about something I was actually singing about something else. else. else. I don't know if you've ever been there. I don't know if you've ever been there. I don't know if you've ever been there. There are some songs that when I was There are some songs that when I was There are some songs that when I was younger, the song hid its meaning from younger, the song hid its meaning from younger, the song hid its meaning from me. me. me. And I used to like them, and now I And I used to like them, and now I And I used to like them, and now I don't. don't. don't. Now listen, Now listen, Now listen, there are some songs that hid their there are some songs that hid their there are some songs that hid their meaning from me, meaning from me, meaning from me, but there are also some songs that as but there are also some songs that as but there are also some songs that as I've gotten older, I've actually grown I've gotten older, I've actually grown I've gotten older, I've actually grown to appreciate. to appreciate. to appreciate. Take a little-known artist by the name Take a little-known artist by the name Take a little-known artist by the name of Mario Winans. of Mario Winans. of Mario Winans. He was a '90s R&B artist and a bit of a He was a '90s R&B artist and a bit of a He was a '90s R&B artist and a bit of a one-hit wonder with the song I don't one-hit wonder with the song I don't one-hit wonder with the song I don't want to know. want to know. want to know. And the song was about a man whose And the song was about a man whose And the song was about a man whose significant other was unfaithful to him. significant other was unfaithful to him. significant other was unfaithful to him. As late 90's and early 2000's vernacular As late 90's and early 2000's vernacular As late 90's and early 2000's vernacular would put it, she was creeping. would put it, she was creeping. would put it, she was creeping. And the title of this song tells us all And the title of this song tells us all And the title of this song tells us all that we need when it comes to his that we need when it comes to his that we need when it comes to his approach to the matter. approach to the matter. approach to the matter. In the song he says and I quote, In the song he says and I quote, In the song he says and I quote, he says, "I don't want to know he says, "I don't want to know he says, "I don't want to know if you're playing me, keep it on the low if you're playing me, keep it on the low if you're playing me, keep it on the low because my heart can't take it anymore.

because my heart can't take it anymore. because my heart can't take it anymore. And if you're creeping, please don't let And if you're creeping, please don't let And if you're creeping, please don't let it show. it show. it show. Oh, baby, Oh, baby, Oh, baby, I don't want to know." I don't want to know." I don't want to know." And listen, And listen, And listen, I used to think that was the dumbest I used to think that was the dumbest I used to think that was the dumbest song ever. song ever. song ever. And let me tell you why. And let me tell you why. And let me tell you why. I wondered, who would avoid truth like I wondered, who would avoid truth like I wondered, who would avoid truth like that? that? that? Who would want to sit in deceit and Who would want to sit in deceit and Who would want to sit in deceit and simply avoid the truth of of simply avoid the truth of of simply avoid the truth of of unfaithfulness? unfaithfulness? unfaithfulness? But that was until I got older. But that was until I got older. But that was until I got older. And I realized that I realized this. And I realized that I realized this. And I realized that I realized this. We all do the same thing. We all do the same thing. We all do the same thing. Listen, there are truths that all of us Listen, there are truths that all of us Listen, there are truths that all of us have learned to avoid because accepting have learned to avoid because accepting have learned to avoid because accepting them would prove to be too painful. them would prove to be too painful. them would prove to be too painful. And here's a truth, hear me this And here's a truth, hear me this And here's a truth, hear me this morning. morning. morning. Here's a truth that everyone in the Here's a truth that everyone in the Here's a truth that everyone in the world is either actively avoiding or world is either actively avoiding or world is either actively avoiding or you're tempted to. Here's the truth. you're tempted to. Here's the truth. you're tempted to. Here's the truth. You have been unfaithful to God. You have been unfaithful to God. You have been unfaithful to God. You have been unfaithful to God. You You have been unfaithful to God. You You have been unfaithful to God. You might look at me, you might say, "Air, might look at me, you might say, "Air, might look at me, you might say, "Air, you're coming in a little hot this you're coming in a little hot this you're coming in a little hot this morning." morning." morning." And that's the point. And that's the point. And that's the point. Listen, we avoid the truth because it Listen, we avoid the truth because it Listen, we avoid the truth because it declares that we don't measure up.

declares that we don't measure up. declares that we don't measure up. We avoid the truth because it makes us We avoid the truth because it makes us We avoid the truth because it makes us helpless before the God we wronged. helpless before the God we wronged. helpless before the God we wronged. We avoid the truth because we don't like We avoid the truth because we don't like We avoid the truth because we don't like what it says about us. We don't like what it says about us. We don't like what it says about us. We don't like what it does to to the view that we have what it does to to the view that we have what it does to to the view that we have about ourselves. It's too negative. about ourselves. It's too negative. about ourselves. It's too negative. Our hearts can't take it anymore. And so Our hearts can't take it anymore. And so Our hearts can't take it anymore. And so like Mario Winans, we have developed a a like Mario Winans, we have developed a a like Mario Winans, we have developed a a to avoid the truth, and that strategy is to avoid the truth, and that strategy is to avoid the truth, and that strategy is self-deception. self-deception. self-deception. We plug our ears and we sing, "I don't We plug our ears and we sing, "I don't We plug our ears and we sing, "I don't want to know." want to know." want to know." We hide the signs of our unfaithfulness We hide the signs of our unfaithfulness We hide the signs of our unfaithfulness to God from ourselves, and the danger in to God from ourselves, and the danger in to God from ourselves, and the danger in all of this is this: When the truth of all of this is this: When the truth of all of this is this: When the truth of our condition is hiding from us, we'll our condition is hiding from us, we'll our condition is hiding from us, we'll never turn from our ways. never turn from our ways. never turn from our ways. And this brings me to the life of Saul. And this brings me to the life of Saul. And this brings me to the life of Saul. Saul Saul Saul Saul experiences a meteoric rise Saul experiences a meteoric rise Saul experiences a meteoric rise and a devastating ruin. and a devastating ruin. and a devastating ruin. But we can chalk it up to this: But we can chalk it up to this: But we can chalk it up to this: He refuses to face this the truth to He refuses to face this the truth to He refuses to face this the truth to face the truth about himself. face the truth about himself. face the truth about himself. This is passage in 1 Corinthi- 1 Samuel This is passage in 1 Corinthi- 1 Samuel This is passage in 1 Corinthi- 1 Samuel 15 shows us, listen, how self-deception 15 shows us, listen, how self-deception 15 shows us, listen, how self-deception is easy, is easy, is easy, how self-deception is deadly, how self-deception is deadly, how self-deception is deadly, and how we escape it.

and how we escape it. and how we escape it. Self-deception is easy, self-deception Self-deception is easy, self-deception Self-deception is easy, self-deception is deadly, and how we escape it. is deadly, and how we escape it. is deadly, and how we escape it. I want us to jump in at verse 18, verse I want us to jump in at verse 18, verse I want us to jump in at verse 18, verse 18. 18. 18. We're going to start here because verse We're going to start here because verse We're going to start here because verse 18 is a perfect summary of the first 18 is a perfect summary of the first 18 is a perfect summary of the first five verses of the chapter. five verses of the chapter. five verses of the chapter. You see, when Samuel comes to Saul, he You see, when Samuel comes to Saul, he You see, when Samuel comes to Saul, he says this. says this. says this. He says, "And the Lord sent you on a He says, "And the Lord sent you on a He says, "And the Lord sent you on a mission mission mission and said, 'Go devote to destruction the and said, 'Go devote to destruction the and said, 'Go devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight sinners, the Amalekites, and fight sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are against them until they are against them until they are consumed.'" consumed.'" consumed.'" So, you see the text. You see the scene. So, you see the text. You see the scene. So, you see the text. You see the scene. You see the command. You see the command. You see the command. God tells Saul God tells Saul God tells Saul to wipe out the Amalekite people. to wipe out the Amalekite people. to wipe out the Amalekite people. And before you think this is some kind And before you think this is some kind And before you think this is some kind of ethnic cleansing, it isn't. of ethnic cleansing, it isn't. of ethnic cleansing, it isn't. What it is is justice. What it is is justice. What it is is justice. You see, the Amalekites were not wiped You see, the Amalekites were not wiped You see, the Amalekites were not wiped out because they're Amalekites. out because they're Amalekites. out because they're Amalekites. They wiped out They were wiped out They wiped out They were wiped out They wiped out They were wiped out because they were sinners. because they were sinners. because they were sinners. They were unjust. They were unjust. They were unjust. They were vicious. They were murderers. They were vicious. They were murderers. They were vicious. They were murderers. They were relentless. And for over 500 They were relentless. And for over 500 They were relentless. And for over 500 years, they refused to turn from their years, they refused to turn from their years, they refused to turn from their ways. I don't know if you remember their ways. I don't know if you remember their ways. I don't know if you remember their scene in Exodus 17. Right after the scene in Exodus 17. Right after the scene in Exodus 17. Right after the people of God have been released from people of God have been released from people of God have been released from Egypt by the mighty hand of God, the Egypt by the mighty hand of God, the Egypt by the mighty hand of God, the Amalekites in an unprovoked way attacked Amalekites in an unprovoked way attacked Amalekites in an unprovoked way attacked the people of Israel.

the people of Israel. the people of Israel. And at that moment, God said, himself And at that moment, God said, himself And at that moment, God said, himself said, "Hey, said, "Hey, said, "Hey, when you got a problem with my people, when you got a problem with my people, when you got a problem with my people, you got a problem with me." you got a problem with me." you got a problem with me." See, the Amalekites refused to See, the Amalekites refused to See, the Amalekites refused to acknowledge or change their ways, and acknowledge or change their ways, and acknowledge or change their ways, and God in this text over 500 years later, God in this text over 500 years later, God in this text over 500 years later, through the first king of the people of through the first king of the people of through the first king of the people of Israel, he declares that the time for Israel, he declares that the time for Israel, he declares that the time for judgment is here. judgment is here. judgment is here. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And he determined to use the people of >> And he determined to use the people of >> And he determined to use the people of Israel as instruments for his judgment. Israel as instruments for his judgment. Israel as instruments for his judgment. He tells Saul, he says, "Wipe out the He tells Saul, he says, "Wipe out the He tells Saul, he says, "Wipe out the Amalekite people. Amalekite people. Amalekite people. Everyone and everything." Everyone and everything." Everyone and everything." And listen, there are so many things And listen, there are so many things And listen, there are so many things that I could say about this text. There that I could say about this text. There that I could say about this text. There are so many things that we could say. are so many things that we could say. are so many things that we could say. But here's what I'll say, because this But here's what I'll say, because this But here's what I'll say, because this isn't the point of the sermon. isn't the point of the sermon. isn't the point of the sermon. It is good news that God is just. It is good news that God is just. It is good news that God is just. It's good news that God is just. It's It's good news that God is just. It's It's good news that God is just. It's good news that God will not allow the good news that God will not allow the good news that God will not allow the guilty to go unpunished. It is good news guilty to go unpunished. It is good news guilty to go unpunished. It is good news that the person who harmed you, that the person who harmed you, that the person who harmed you, who hurt you, who committed the who hurt you, who committed the who hurt you, who committed the unimaginable against you, will not evade unimaginable against you, will not evade unimaginable against you, will not evade the judgment of God.

the judgment of God. the judgment of God. Listen, people may miss the evil done to Listen, people may miss the evil done to Listen, people may miss the evil done to you. you. you. People may get away scot-free in the People may get away scot-free in the People may get away scot-free in the eyes of people, but no one will get away eyes of people, but no one will get away eyes of people, but no one will get away scot-free in the eyes of God. scot-free in the eyes of God. scot-free in the eyes of God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Listen, and this is good news because >> Listen, and this is good news because >> Listen, and this is good news because this means that God sees every tear that this means that God sees every tear that this means that God sees every tear that you cry because of the injustice that you cry because of the injustice that you cry because of the injustice that was committed against you, was committed against you, was committed against you, and he will judge it. and he will judge it. and he will judge it. And now, this is not to skirt around the And now, this is not to skirt around the And now, this is not to skirt around the clear questions that we have about this clear questions that we have about this clear questions that we have about this text. Those questions are valid. But text. Those questions are valid. But text. Those questions are valid. But before But before we judge this text before But before we judge this text before But before we judge this text from our 21st century perch, we must ask from our 21st century perch, we must ask from our 21st century perch, we must ask ourselves another question. ourselves another question. ourselves another question. What does this text reveal to us about What does this text reveal to us about What does this text reveal to us about God? God? God? And this is what this text reveals. And this is what this text reveals. And this is what this text reveals. That God is holy and that God will That God is holy and that God will That God is holy and that God will judge. judge. judge. Our God is holy, Our God is holy, Our God is holy, and God will judge, and God is merciful. and God will judge, and God is merciful. and God will judge, and God is merciful. That God's judgments are always right. That God's judgments are always right. That God's judgments are always right. Catch this. He gave the Amalekites over Catch this. He gave the Amalekites over Catch this. He gave the Amalekites over 500 years to turn from their wrongdoing. 500 years to turn from their wrongdoing. 500 years to turn from their wrongdoing. And catch this. He gives us all an And catch this. He gives us all an And catch this. He gives us all an opportunity to repent of our sins, to opportunity to repent of our sins, to opportunity to repent of our sins, to turn from our wrongdoing, and trust his turn from our wrongdoing, and trust his turn from our wrongdoing, and trust his grace rather than be recipients of his grace rather than be recipients of his grace rather than be recipients of his wrath.

wrath. wrath. Y'all, we can trust the God of all Y'all, we can trust the God of all Y'all, we can trust the God of all heaven to do what is right. heaven to do what is right. heaven to do what is right. And so in this passage, catch this, And so in this passage, catch this, And so in this passage, catch this, God uses Saul as an instrument to show God uses Saul as an instrument to show God uses Saul as an instrument to show the Amalekites the great glory the Amalekites the great glory the Amalekites the great glory of God's patient judgment judgment. of God's patient judgment judgment. of God's patient judgment judgment. And guess what Saul does, y'all? And guess what Saul does, y'all? And guess what Saul does, y'all? You don't got to guess. I already read You don't got to guess. I already read You don't got to guess. I already read it. it. it. Saul blows it. Saul blows it. Saul blows it. He instead instead of instead of working He instead instead of instead of working He instead instead of instead of working for the glory of God, he instead uses for the glory of God, he instead uses for the glory of God, he instead uses this as an opportunity this as an opportunity this as an opportunity to live for his own glory. to live for his own glory. to live for his own glory. Where do you see that? Where do you see that? Where do you see that? Well, look back at verse 12. You see, Well, look back at verse 12. You see, Well, look back at verse 12. You see, right after that victory, what does Saul right after that victory, what does Saul right after that victory, what does Saul do? do? do? He builds a monument to himself. He builds a monument to himself. He builds a monument to himself. We also see in this passage even in in We also see in this passage even in in We also see in this passage even in in this passage even in this disobedience this passage even in this disobedience this passage even in this disobedience his disobedience, he spares King Agag, his disobedience, he spares King Agag, his disobedience, he spares King Agag, and he keeps all the the animals to and he keeps all the the animals to and he keeps all the the animals to himself. Why does he do that? himself. Why does he do that? himself. Why does he do that? Well, the probable explanation is for Well, the probable explanation is for Well, the probable explanation is for his own glory. his own glory. his own glory. You see, when you're a king and you've You see, when you're a king and you've You see, when you're a king and you've enslaved another king, what does that enslaved another king, what does that enslaved another king, what does that make you? It makes you look more make you? It makes you look more make you? It makes you look more powerful. powerful. powerful. When that king's stuff becomes your When that king's stuff becomes your When that king's stuff becomes your stuff, what does that do for you?

stuff, what does that do for you? stuff, what does that do for you? It makes you look richer. It makes you look richer. It makes you look richer. And so at this point, hang with me, Saul And so at this point, hang with me, Saul And so at this point, hang with me, Saul has a dilemma. has a dilemma. has a dilemma. How does he justify the fact that he's How does he justify the fact that he's How does he justify the fact that he's used this mission that is meant to be used this mission that is meant to be used this mission that is meant to be for the glory of God, that he's used for the glory of God, that he's used for the glory of God, that he's used this mission for his own glory? this mission for his own glory? this mission for his own glory? How does he square those two competing How does he square those two competing How does he square those two competing directions? directions? directions? Well, here's what he does, y'all. Well, here's what he does, y'all. Well, here's what he does, y'all. He deceives himself. He deceives himself. He deceives himself. He deceives himself. Listen, He deceives himself. Listen, He deceives himself. Listen, self-deception is the strategy that Saul self-deception is the strategy that Saul self-deception is the strategy that Saul uses to block the truth of what he's uses to block the truth of what he's uses to block the truth of what he's done to himself. done to himself. done to himself. So you might ask, how could the So you might ask, how could the So you might ask, how could the Amalekites persist in sin for 500 years Amalekites persist in sin for 500 years Amalekites persist in sin for 500 years and not repent?" and not repent?" and not repent?" And how could Saul not to see not see And how could Saul not to see not see And how could Saul not to see not see the error of his ways? the error of his ways? the error of his ways? And I believe that it's the same answer. And I believe that it's the same answer. And I believe that it's the same answer. It's hard to see that you are wrong and It's hard to see that you are wrong and It's hard to see that you are wrong and change when you spend all of your time change when you spend all of your time change when you spend all of your time hiding the truth from yourself. Y'all, it's like that athlete Y'all, it's like that athlete who pops painkillers to mask the who pops painkillers to mask the who pops painkillers to mask the evidence that something is seriously evidence that something is seriously evidence that something is seriously wrong with their body wrong with their body wrong with their body because they can't stand the thought because they can't stand the thought because they can't stand the thought that their career might be over.

that their career might be over. that their career might be over. And listen to me this morning, we pop And listen to me this morning, we pop And listen to me this morning, we pop the pills of self-deception to mask the the pills of self-deception to mask the the pills of self-deception to mask the truth that there is something seriously truth that there is something seriously truth that there is something seriously wrong with our souls because we can't wrong with our souls because we can't wrong with our souls because we can't stand the thought that we don't measure stand the thought that we don't measure stand the thought that we don't measure up. up. up. And let me tell you this morning, McLean And let me tell you this morning, McLean And let me tell you this morning, McLean Bible Church, it is time to stop taking Bible Church, it is time to stop taking Bible Church, it is time to stop taking the pill of self-deception. This text shows us that the This text shows us that the the pill of self-deception comes in many the pill of self-deception comes in many the pill of self-deception comes in many different forms. different forms. different forms. So, I want to give you a few. I don't So, I want to give you a few. I don't So, I want to give you a few. I don't think this is even exhaustive in the think this is even exhaustive in the think this is even exhaustive in the text, but I'm going to give you three. text, but I'm going to give you three. text, but I'm going to give you three. Here's one. Here's one. Here's one. The self-deception often shows up The self-deception often shows up The self-deception often shows up >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> as willful ignorance. >> as willful ignorance. >> as willful ignorance. Self-deception often shows up as willful Self-deception often shows up as willful Self-deception often shows up as willful ignorance. Let me explain. ignorance. Let me explain. ignorance. Let me explain. In the text, we see Saul disobeys. God In the text, we see Saul disobeys. God In the text, we see Saul disobeys. God comes to Samuel, that great prophet, to comes to Samuel, that great prophet, to comes to Samuel, that great prophet, to tell him, "Hey, I'm done with Saul. I've tell him, "Hey, I'm done with Saul. I've tell him, "Hey, I'm done with Saul. I've rejected him as king." Samuel is rejected him as king." Samuel is rejected him as king." Samuel is sorrowful about it, and yet being a good sorrowful about it, and yet being a good sorrowful about it, and yet being a good prophet, even though he's angry and prophet, even though he's angry and prophet, even though he's angry and upset about it, Samuel was faithful. He upset about it, Samuel was faithful. He upset about it, Samuel was faithful. He gets up early, he goes and delivers the gets up early, he goes and delivers the gets up early, he goes and delivers the mail.

mail. mail. But before he can even get a word out of But before he can even get a word out of But before he can even get a word out of his mouth, look at verse 13. his mouth, look at verse 13. his mouth, look at verse 13. It says this. It says this. It says this. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said >> And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said >> And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, "Blessed be you to the Lord. I to him, "Blessed be you to the Lord. I to him, "Blessed be you to the Lord. I have performed the commandment of the have performed the commandment of the have performed the commandment of the Lord." Lord." Lord." Listen, y'all, this is what you call Listen, y'all, this is what you call Listen, y'all, this is what you call doing the most. doing the most. doing the most. He's saying, "Hey, Samuel, He's saying, "Hey, Samuel, He's saying, "Hey, Samuel, look at all look at all THE WHAT I DID. look at all look at all THE WHAT I DID. look at all look at all THE WHAT I DID. I DID EVERYTHING that God has wanted me I DID EVERYTHING that God has wanted me I DID EVERYTHING that God has wanted me to do. He says that unprompted, he just to do. He says that unprompted, he just to do. He says that unprompted, he just puts it out there. And listen, I'm no puts it out there. And listen, I'm no puts it out there. And listen, I'm no detective, detective, detective, but I've watched enough Law & Order to but I've watched enough Law & Order to but I've watched enough Law & Order to know know know that it is typically the person who is that it is typically the person who is that it is typically the person who is loudest about their innocent that that loudest about their innocent that that loudest about their innocent that that person is the guilty party. person is the guilty party. person is the guilty party. So, catch this. So, catch this. So, catch this. Catch what Samuel says in verse 14. Catch what Samuel says in verse 14. Catch what Samuel says in verse 14. And Samuel [snorts] said, And Samuel [snorts] said, And Samuel [snorts] said, "What then is this bleating of the sheep "What then is this bleating of the sheep "What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen in my ears and the lowing of the oxen in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?" that I hear?" that I hear?" Listen, Samuel says, "Hold on, man. Listen, Samuel says, "Hold on, man. Listen, Samuel says, "Hold on, man. I know what God told you to do because I I know what God told you to do because I I know what God told you to do because I was there. I told you. was there. I told you. was there. I told you. I was the one telling you. And I know if I was the one telling you. And I know if I was the one telling you. And I know if I remember correctly, I remember correctly, I remember correctly, God told me to tell you to destroy God told me to tell you to destroy God told me to tell you to destroy everything.

everything. everything. That included ox and sheep and camel and That included ox and sheep and camel and That included ox and sheep and camel and donkey. So, why does it sound like the donkey. So, why does it sound like the donkey. So, why does it sound like the DC zoo up in here?" He says, "What is ALL THIS BLEATING? He says, "What is ALL THIS BLEATING? WHAT IS ALL this lowing?" And And the WHAT IS ALL this lowing?" And And the WHAT IS ALL this lowing?" And And the question that you should have is how, question that you should have is how, question that you should have is how, y'all? y'all? y'all? How could Saul believe and proclaim his How could Saul believe and proclaim his How could Saul believe and proclaim his obedience obedience obedience despite all the loud evidence to the despite all the loud evidence to the despite all the loud evidence to the contrary? contrary? contrary? I'll [snorts] tell you how, y'all. I'll [snorts] tell you how, y'all. I'll [snorts] tell you how, y'all. Willful ignorance. Willful ignorance. Willful ignorance. Willful ignorance. Listen, when you Willful ignorance. Listen, when you Willful ignorance. Listen, when you can't handle the truth, can't handle the truth, can't handle the truth, you will just ignore the evidence for you will just ignore the evidence for you will just ignore the evidence for it. it. it. Listen, Saul isn't alone. Listen, Saul isn't alone. Listen, Saul isn't alone. There was a man named Albert Speer. He There was a man named Albert Speer. He There was a man named Albert Speer. He was the chief architect of Adolf Hitler. was the chief architect of Adolf Hitler. was the chief architect of Adolf Hitler. He was tasked with designing and He was tasked with designing and He was tasked with designing and constructing buildings that were constructing buildings that were constructing buildings that were directly related to the enslavement and directly related to the enslavement and directly related to the enslavement and death of Jews during the Holocaust. death of Jews during the Holocaust. death of Jews during the Holocaust. And the signs were all there. And the signs were all there. And the signs were all there. And yet during the Nuremberg trials, And yet during the Nuremberg trials, And yet during the Nuremberg trials, Speer was able to um escape um severe Speer was able to um escape um severe Speer was able to um escape um severe punishment punishment punishment because he claimed ignorance.

because he claimed ignorance. because he claimed ignorance. Sure, he was intoxicated by his Sure, he was intoxicated by his Sure, he was intoxicated by his proximity to the powerful Adolf Hitler. proximity to the powerful Adolf Hitler. proximity to the powerful Adolf Hitler. Of course, he was caught up, Of course, he was caught up, Of course, he was caught up, but never did he know, so he claims, but never did he know, so he claims, but never did he know, so he claims, that his efforts came at the cost of that his efforts came at the cost of that his efforts came at the cost of human lives. human lives. human lives. And the question that many have had And the question that many have had And the question that many have had about Speer about Speer about Speer is this. is this. is this. With so much death and destruction With so much death and destruction With so much death and destruction around him, around him, around him, how could he not know? how could he not know? how could he not know? Here's the answer, at least one answer. Here's the answer, at least one answer. Here's the answer, at least one answer. Willful ignorance. Willful ignorance. Willful ignorance. One author put it this way about Speer. One author put it this way about Speer. One author put it this way about Speer. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Listen to this. >> Listen to this. >> Listen to this. About Speer, he said, About Speer, he said, About Speer, he said, "He diverted his attention so thoroughly "He diverted his attention so thoroughly "He diverted his attention so thoroughly and systematically as to render and systematically as to render and systematically as to render psychologically manageable psychologically manageable psychologically manageable what would have been morally unthinkable what would have been morally unthinkable what would have been morally unthinkable if confronted squarely." if confronted squarely." if confronted squarely." That's a lot of words. That's a lot of words. That's a lot of words. Let me put it in a different way. Let me put it in a different way. Let me put it in a different way. He couldn't stand what the truth said He couldn't stand what the truth said He couldn't stand what the truth said about him, so he simply looked the other about him, so he simply looked the other about him, so he simply looked the other way. way. way. >> Amen.

>> Amen. >> Amen. >> And listen, before you're too hard on >> And listen, before you're too hard on >> And listen, before you're too hard on Saul, before you're too hard on Speer, Saul, before you're too hard on Speer, Saul, before you're too hard on Speer, we must first look at ourselves. we must first look at ourselves. we must first look at ourselves. Y'all, it is easy Y'all, it is easy Y'all, it is easy for us to use willful ignorance as a for us to use willful ignorance as a for us to use willful ignorance as a strategy to avoid the painful truth strategy to avoid the painful truth strategy to avoid the painful truth about our sin. about our sin. about our sin. Listen, and it's dangerous Listen, and it's dangerous Listen, and it's dangerous for us to be willfully ignorant for us to be willfully ignorant for us to be willfully ignorant concerning to the truth about ourselves concerning to the truth about ourselves concerning to the truth about ourselves because it keeps you in your sin and because it keeps you in your sin and because it keeps you in your sin and prevents you from repenting and turning prevents you from repenting and turning prevents you from repenting and turning and finding the freedom that you can and finding the freedom that you can and finding the freedom that you can have in Christ. have in Christ. have in Christ. Listen, in many of our lives, there is Listen, in many of our lives, there is Listen, in many of our lives, there is so much bleeding and lowing in the so much bleeding and lowing in the so much bleeding and lowing in the background, and our strategy, instead of background, and our strategy, instead of background, and our strategy, instead of acknowledging it, is to tune it out. acknowledging it, is to tune it out. acknowledging it, is to tune it out. Listen, we proclaim that we love people, Listen, we proclaim that we love people, Listen, we proclaim that we love people, and the bleeding of all the broken and the bleeding of all the broken and the bleeding of all the broken relationships in our lives never causes relationships in our lives never causes relationships in our lives never causes us to question if we are who we proclaim us to question if we are who we proclaim us to question if we are who we proclaim to be. to be. to be. >> Preach. >> Preach. >> Preach. >> We proclaim that we want the world to >> We proclaim that we want the world to >> We proclaim that we want the world to know the gospel, but we ignore the know the gospel, but we ignore the know the gospel, but we ignore the lowing of our non-existent witness.

lowing of our non-existent witness. lowing of our non-existent witness. that nobody during the week actually that nobody during the week actually that nobody during the week actually even knows that you're a Christian. even knows that you're a Christian. even knows that you're a Christian. Listen, we proclaim, "I love you, Lord." Listen, we proclaim, "I love you, Lord." Listen, we proclaim, "I love you, Lord." And yet ignore the bleeding of our And yet ignore the bleeding of our And yet ignore the bleeding of our consistent and unrepentant disobedience. consistent and unrepentant disobedience. consistent and unrepentant disobedience. We conveniently ignore the words of We conveniently ignore the words of We conveniently ignore the words of Jesus Christ when he says, "If you love Jesus Christ when he says, "If you love Jesus Christ when he says, "If you love me, you'll obey me." me, you'll obey me." me, you'll obey me." >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And listen, there's so much I can say >> And listen, there's so much I can say >> And listen, there's so much I can say here and I'm not trying to be too hard here and I'm not trying to be too hard here and I'm not trying to be too hard on you. It's too easy to dismiss hard on you. It's too easy to dismiss hard on you. It's too easy to dismiss hard words with a with self-deception. But listen, I want you to simply to But listen, I want you to simply to acknowledge that we can be like Saul acknowledge that we can be like Saul acknowledge that we can be like Saul and we can use the strategy of willful and we can use the strategy of willful and we can use the strategy of willful obedience to deceive ourselves from the obedience to deceive ourselves from the obedience to deceive ourselves from the truth about ourselves rather than facing truth about ourselves rather than facing truth about ourselves rather than facing it and accepting it. it and accepting it. it and accepting it. So, one strategy is willful obedience. So, one strategy is willful obedience. So, one strategy is willful obedience. Here's another strategy of self-de- Here's another strategy of self-de- Here's another strategy of self-de- self-deception. Here's another form that self-deception. Here's another form that self-deception. Here's another form that the pill of self-deception comes in and the pill of self-deception comes in and the pill of self-deception comes in and it's this. it's this. it's this. Convenient comparison. Convenient comparison. Convenient comparison. Convenient comparison. Convenient comparison. Convenient comparison. Look at verse 17. Look at verse 17. Look at verse 17. Verse 17 I'll put it this way. It says, Verse 17 I'll put it this way. It says, Verse 17 I'll put it this way. It says, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> "And Samuel said, 'Though you are a >> "And Samuel said, 'Though you are a >> "And Samuel said, 'Though you are a little in your own eyes, little in your own eyes, little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of are you not the head of the tribes of are you not the head of the tribes of Israel?

Israel? Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel The Lord anointed you king over Israel The Lord anointed you king over Israel and the Lord sent you on a mission and and the Lord sent you on a mission and and the Lord sent you on a mission and said, "Go devote the to destruction the said, "Go devote the to destruction the said, "Go devote the to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight sinners, the Amalekites, and fight sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed." against them until they are consumed." against them until they are consumed." Why then did you not obey the voice of Why then did you not obey the voice of Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? the Lord? the Lord? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do Why did you pounce on the spoil and do Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord? what was evil in the sight of the Lord? what was evil in the sight of the Lord? And Samuel said And Saul said to Samuel, And Samuel said And Saul said to Samuel, And Samuel said And Saul said to Samuel, "I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. "I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. "I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the I have gone on the mission on which the I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought King Agag, Lord sent me. I have brought King Agag, Lord sent me. I have brought King Agag, the the king of Amalek, and I've devoted the the king of Amalek, and I've devoted the the king of Amalek, and I've devoted the Amalekites to destruction. the Amalekites to destruction. the Amalekites to destruction. But the people But the people But the people took the spoil, sheep and oxen, took the spoil, sheep and oxen, took the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to the best of the things devoted to the best of the things devoted to destruction to sacrifice to the Lord destruction to sacrifice to the Lord destruction to sacrifice to the Lord your God your God your God in Gilgal." in Gilgal." in Gilgal." So, catch this, y'all. In this text, So, catch this, y'all. In this text, So, catch this, y'all. In this text, Samuel confronts Saul and simply asks, Samuel confronts Saul and simply asks, Samuel confronts Saul and simply asks, "Why did you not obey the voice of the "Why did you not obey the voice of the "Why did you not obey the voice of the Lord?" And look at what Saul says, I'll Lord?" And look at what Saul says, I'll Lord?" And look at what Saul says, I'll summarize it. summarize it. summarize it. I obeyed. I obeyed. I obeyed. I went on the mission. Okay, yeah, I I went on the mission. Okay, yeah, I I went on the mission. Okay, yeah, I came back with Agag, came back with Agag, came back with Agag, but I devoted the Amalekites to but I devoted the Amalekites to but I devoted the Amalekites to destruction. Let me catch this phrase, destruction. Let me catch this phrase, destruction. Let me catch this phrase, but the people.

but the people. but the people. But the people, look at what they did. But the people, look at what they did. But the people, look at what they did. Listen, this is another strategy that we Listen, this is another strategy that we Listen, this is another strategy that we can easily use to justify ourselves and can easily use to justify ourselves and can easily use to justify ourselves and hide the truth about ourselves from hide the truth about ourselves from hide the truth about ourselves from ourselves, and that strategy is ourselves, and that strategy is ourselves, and that strategy is comparison. comparison. comparison. Comparison. Comparison. Comparison. Y'all catch this. In In In the Gospel of Y'all catch this. In In In the Gospel of Y'all catch this. In In In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus warns us against using this Luke, Jesus warns us against using this Luke, Jesus warns us against using this strategy. strategy. strategy. And it's it's it's in this parable of And it's it's it's in this parable of And it's it's it's in this parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. the Pharisee and the tax collector. the Pharisee and the tax collector. Both the Pharisee and the tax collector, Both the Pharisee and the tax collector, Both the Pharisee and the tax collector, they show up to church, and the Pharisee they show up to church, and the Pharisee they show up to church, and the Pharisee looks all prim and proper, he lifts his looks all prim and proper, he lifts his looks all prim and proper, he lifts his hands in worship, and he says, "God, hands in worship, and he says, "God, hands in worship, and he says, "God, thank you that I'm not like that tax thank you that I'm not like that tax thank you that I'm not like that tax collector." collector." collector." And what I love about the tax collector, And what I love about the tax collector, And what I love about the tax collector, the tax collector pulls up to worship, the tax collector pulls up to worship, the tax collector pulls up to worship, and he knows he's not good enough for and he knows he's not good enough for and he knows he's not good enough for anybody. anybody. anybody. So, he simply says, "God, I know I'm not So, he simply says, "God, I know I'm not So, he simply says, "God, I know I'm not good enough, so I throw myself on your good enough, so I throw myself on your good enough, so I throw myself on your mercy." mercy." mercy." And what I love about the parable and And what I love about the parable and And what I love about the parable and the situation, because it ends with the the situation, because it ends with the the situation, because it ends with the tax collector being justified and the tax collector being justified and the tax collector being justified and the Pharisee being condemned, making this Pharisee being condemned, making this Pharisee being condemned, making this point. Listen, point. Listen, point. Listen, it is dangerous to spend your life it is dangerous to spend your life it is dangerous to spend your life comparing rather than confessing.

comparing rather than confessing. comparing rather than confessing. It is dangerous to spend your life It is dangerous to spend your life It is dangerous to spend your life comparing rather than confessing. God, I comparing rather than confessing. God, I comparing rather than confessing. God, I know I love money too much, know I love money too much, know I love money too much, but I'm no billionaire with the private but I'm no billionaire with the private but I'm no billionaire with the private jet. jet. jet. God, I know what I look at when nobody God, I know what I look at when nobody God, I know what I look at when nobody else is around, but at least I'm not else is around, but at least I'm not else is around, but at least I'm not like that guy in my church group. like that guy in my church group. like that guy in my church group. God, I know I got a temper, but you God, I know I got a temper, but you God, I know I got a temper, but you should see my brother-in-law. should see my brother-in-law. should see my brother-in-law. Listen, comparison keeps gossip Listen, comparison keeps gossip Listen, comparison keeps gossip journalism alive because to hear about journalism alive because to hear about journalism alive because to hear about the downfall of somebody else helps us the downfall of somebody else helps us the downfall of somebody else helps us feel better about ourselves and keeps us feel better about ourselves and keeps us feel better about ourselves and keeps us in our delusion of self-deception. in our delusion of self-deception. in our delusion of self-deception. But catch this. But catch this. But catch this. What made David a better king than Saul What made David a better king than Saul What made David a better king than Saul wasn't that David never did wrong. We wasn't that David never did wrong. We wasn't that David never did wrong. We clearly know that's not the case. clearly know that's not the case. clearly know that's not the case. David did some things that were David did some things that were David did some things that were unimaginable. unimaginable. unimaginable. But catch this. What separated David But catch this. What separated David But catch this. What separated David from Saul was this. from Saul was this. from Saul was this. When David was confronted about the When David was confronted about the When David was confronted about the truth of what of who he was, he refused truth of what of who he was, he refused truth of what of who he was, he refused to point the finger at anybody else. to point the finger at anybody else. to point the finger at anybody else. So why I love Psalm 51 where it says So why I love Psalm 51 where it says So why I love Psalm 51 where it says where David says against you and you where David says against you and you where David says against you and you only have I sinned, O Lord.

>> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> So as the story goes, >> So as the story goes, >> So as the story goes, uh there was a new newspaper in the uh there was a new newspaper in the uh there was a new newspaper in the 1900s 1900s 1900s that put out a question. that put out a question. that put out a question. It's the same question that we've been It's the same question that we've been It's the same question that we've been asking ever since the beginning of time. asking ever since the beginning of time. asking ever since the beginning of time. Ever since Cain raised his fist against Ever since Cain raised his fist against Ever since Cain raised his fist against his brother, and this this question. his brother, and this this question. his brother, and this this question. What is wrong with the world? What is wrong with the world? What is wrong with the world? Many people wrote in with their own Many people wrote in with their own Many people wrote in with their own philosophical answers. philosophical answers. philosophical answers. And yet the great G. K. Chesterton wrote And yet the great G. K. Chesterton wrote And yet the great G. K. Chesterton wrote back. back. back. And it's interesting what he didn't say. And it's interesting what he didn't say. And it's interesting what he didn't say. He didn't hide behind the government. He He didn't hide behind the government. He He didn't hide behind the government. He didn't hide behind people to the left of didn't hide behind people to the left of didn't hide behind people to the left of him or to the right of him. He didn't him or to the right of him. He didn't him or to the right of him. He didn't hide behind people that he simply didn't hide behind people that he simply didn't hide behind people that he simply didn't like. He didn't hide behind people who like. He didn't hide behind people who like. He didn't hide behind people who he thought were morally inferior to him. he thought were morally inferior to him. he thought were morally inferior to him. He said this and I quote, "The answer to He said this and I quote, "The answer to He said this and I quote, "The answer to the question what is wrong is or should the question what is wrong is or should the question what is wrong is or should be be be I am wrong. I am wrong. I am wrong. I am wrong." I am wrong." I am wrong." Y'all, he is confessing Y'all, he is confessing Y'all, he is confessing that he is the problem with the world. that he is the problem with the world. that he is the problem with the world. And the tragedy in Saul's life is that And the tragedy in Saul's life is that And the tragedy in Saul's life is that he refuses to admit those words because he refuses to admit those words because he refuses to admit those words because he's so busy comparing his actions to he's so busy comparing his actions to he's so busy comparing his actions to everybody else's.

And that's a form that the pill of And that's a form that the pill of self-deception can come in. self-deception can come in. self-deception can come in. Convenient comparison. Convenient comparison. Convenient comparison. But here's another one. But here's another one. But here's another one. There's another way that self-deception There's another way that self-deception There's another way that self-deception shows up. shows up. shows up. Religious rebranding. Religious rebranding. Religious rebranding. Religious rebranding. Religious rebranding. Religious rebranding. Where do you see this? Look at verse 21 Where do you see this? Look at verse 21 Where do you see this? Look at verse 21 again. again. again. But the people took the spoil, sheep and But the people took the spoil, sheep and But the people took the spoil, sheep and oxen, oxen, oxen, the best of the things devoted to the best of the things devoted to the best of the things devoted to destruction, destruction, destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in to sacrifice to the Lord your God in to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal. Gilgal. Gilgal. And Samuel said, And Samuel said, And Samuel said, "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying offerings and sacrifices as in obeying offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? the voice of the Lord? the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than Behold, to obey is better than Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. sacrifice. sacrifice. And to listen than the fat of rams. For And to listen than the fat of rams. For And to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination rebellion is as the sin of divination rebellion is as the sin of divination and presumption is as iniquity and and presumption is as iniquity and and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the idolatry. Because you have rejected the idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected word of the Lord, he has also rejected word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king." So, you see what we see in this text?

So, you see what we see in this text? Let me show you. Verse 21. Let me show you. Verse 21. Let me show you. Verse 21. I'll summarize it. I'll summarize it. I'll summarize it. Saul takes his disobedience Saul takes his disobedience Saul takes his disobedience and just repackages it. and just repackages it. and just repackages it. You catch what he does in that verse? You catch what he does in that verse? You catch what he does in that verse? Saul doesn't see the presence of the Saul doesn't see the presence of the Saul doesn't see the presence of the animals as evidence of his disobedience. animals as evidence of his disobedience. animals as evidence of his disobedience. He repackages it He repackages it He repackages it not in disobedience, not in disobedience, not in disobedience, but in sacrifices. but in sacrifices. but in sacrifices. But in worship. But in worship. But in worship. Listen, he has covered his disobedience Listen, he has covered his disobedience Listen, he has covered his disobedience with religious behavior. with religious behavior. with religious behavior. In other words, In other words, In other words, Saul rebranded his disobedience. Saul rebranded his disobedience. Saul rebranded his disobedience. Y'all, it's it's kind of like when Y'all, it's it's kind of like when Y'all, it's it's kind of like when Twitter turned into X back in 2023. Twitter turned into X back in 2023. Twitter turned into X back in 2023. It rebranded. Right? It looked good, It rebranded. Right? It looked good, It rebranded. Right? It looked good, man. It was dark and sleek, and it man. It was dark and sleek, and it man. It was dark and sleek, and it wasn't Twitter anymore. You just typed wasn't Twitter anymore. You just typed wasn't Twitter anymore. You just typed in X and the whole page showed up. in X and the whole page showed up. in X and the whole page showed up. But after a while, you simply realize But after a while, you simply realize But after a while, you simply realize that this website is the same people that this website is the same people that this website is the same people arguing under a different name and a arguing under a different name and a arguing under a different name and a different color. different color. different color. That's it. That's it. That's it. You might ask, "What What rebranding?"

You might ask, "What What rebranding?" You might ask, "What What rebranding?" Rebranding is simply taking a product Rebranding is simply taking a product Rebranding is simply taking a product that nobody wants anymore and putting it that nobody wants anymore and putting it that nobody wants anymore and putting it in a different package and trying again. in a different package and trying again. in a different package and trying again. Here's another word that I have for Here's another word that I have for Here's another word that I have for re-branding. re-branding. re-branding. Manipulation. Manipulation. Manipulation. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Listen, in this text, somehow Saul >> Listen, in this text, somehow Saul >> Listen, in this text, somehow Saul manipulates himself to believe that his manipulates himself to believe that his manipulates himself to believe that his disobedience can be covered disobedience can be covered disobedience can be covered by acts of worship. by acts of worship. by acts of worship. And listen, and we do this, too. We will And listen, and we do this, too. We will And listen, and we do this, too. We will believe that our unfaithfulness to God believe that our unfaithfulness to God believe that our unfaithfulness to God can be covered by good deeds and acts of can be covered by good deeds and acts of can be covered by good deeds and acts of worship. Listen, for many of us, worship. Listen, for many of us, worship. Listen, for many of us, religion is simply a pill of religion is simply a pill of religion is simply a pill of self-deception. self-deception. self-deception. I know I cut corners on my taxes, but I know I cut corners on my taxes, but I know I cut corners on my taxes, but I'll just tithe a little more. I'll just tithe a little more. I'll just tithe a little more. I know I'm doing things that I shouldn't I know I'm doing things that I shouldn't I know I'm doing things that I shouldn't be doing with my girlfriend, be doing with my girlfriend, be doing with my girlfriend, but we'll get married soon. but we'll get married soon. but we'll get married soon. I know I'm heavy-handed with my kids, I know I'm heavy-handed with my kids, I know I'm heavy-handed with my kids, but I'll serve in Kid's Quest. I know I need to give up that sin that I I know I need to give up that sin that I keep on doing, keep on doing, keep on doing, but I'll keep going to church and I'll but I'll keep going to church and I'll but I'll keep going to church and I'll keep serving in church, and we can keep serving in church, and we can keep serving in church, and we can easily cover our unfaithfulness easily cover our unfaithfulness easily cover our unfaithfulness in a religious veneer.

in a religious veneer. in a religious veneer. And listen, God would not allow us to do And listen, God would not allow us to do And listen, God would not allow us to do this. I want you to re- I want to remind this. I want you to re- I want to remind this. I want you to re- I want to remind you in verse 22, he says, you in verse 22, he says, you in verse 22, he says, "Behold, to obey is better than "Behold, to obey is better than "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice, and to listen is better than the fat of and to listen is better than the fat of and to listen is better than the fat of rams." In other words, you cannot use rams." In other words, you cannot use rams." In other words, you cannot use religion to re-brand your disobedience. religion to re-brand your disobedience. religion to re-brand your disobedience. >> Preach. >> Preach. >> Preach. >> You can't do it. >> You can't do it. >> You can't do it. And so, my question for you this And so, my question for you this And so, my question for you this morning, McLean Bible Church, do you morning, McLean Bible Church, do you morning, McLean Bible Church, do you recognize any of these strategies in recognize any of these strategies in recognize any of these strategies in you? you? you? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Have you taken any of these forms of >> Have you taken any of these forms of >> Have you taken any of these forms of self-deception? self-deception? self-deception? Willful ignorance, convenient Willful ignorance, convenient Willful ignorance, convenient comparison, religious re-branding. I comparison, religious re-branding. I comparison, religious re-branding. I don't even think I'm exhausted from this don't even think I'm exhausted from this don't even think I'm exhausted from this text. text. text. Or I don't even think I've exhausted Or I don't even think I've exhausted Or I don't even think I've exhausted this. But if you recognize any of these in But if you recognize any of these in you, you, you, I think a question you might have is I think a question you might have is I think a question you might have is this. this. this. All right, cool. Eric, I recognize it. All right, cool. Eric, I recognize it. All right, cool. Eric, I recognize it. How do I stop deceiving myself How do I stop deceiving myself How do I stop deceiving myself and face the truth about myself? and face the truth about myself? and face the truth about myself? I'm glad you asked. I'll tell you. I'm glad you asked. I'll tell you. I'm glad you asked. I'll tell you. You will only be able to resist You will only be able to resist You will only be able to resist self-deception self-deception self-deception when you rest in the grace of God.

when you rest in the grace of God. when you rest in the grace of God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You will only be able to resist >> You will only be able to resist >> You will only be able to resist self-deception when you rest in the self-deception when you rest in the self-deception when you rest in the grace of God. I'll put it a different grace of God. I'll put it a different grace of God. I'll put it a different way, y'all. way, y'all. way, y'all. You'll stop using self-deception to You'll stop using self-deception to You'll stop using self-deception to protect your identity protect your identity protect your identity when you rest in the identity that God when you rest in the identity that God when you rest in the identity that God has already given you. has already given you. has already given you. Listen, I think this truth we can Listen, I think this truth we can Listen, I think this truth we can actually get back from verse 17. actually get back from verse 17. actually get back from verse 17. It's when Samuel says this to Saul. It's when Samuel says this to Saul. It's when Samuel says this to Saul. And Samuel said, "Though you are little And Samuel said, "Though you are little And Samuel said, "Though you are little in your own eyes, in your own eyes, in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of are you not the head of the tribes of are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? Israel? Israel? The Lord anointed you king of Israel." The Lord anointed you king of Israel." The Lord anointed you king of Israel." I want you to pay attention to this I want you to pay attention to this I want you to pay attention to this verse verse verse because here's what I believe he's because here's what I believe he's because here's what I believe he's saying. saying. saying. God made Saul big, and Saul was still God made Saul big, and Saul was still God made Saul big, and Saul was still little in his own eyes. little in his own eyes. little in his own eyes. Why? Because Saul refused to rest in the Why? Because Saul refused to rest in the Why? Because Saul refused to rest in the identity that God had given him and identity that God had given him and identity that God had given him and declared over him. I want you to declared over him. I want you to declared over him. I want you to remember Saul's past. remember Saul's past. remember Saul's past. God declared Saul king before Saul did a God declared Saul king before Saul did a God declared Saul king before Saul did a thing.

thing. thing. He didn't prove a thing. He didn't prove He didn't prove a thing. He didn't prove He didn't prove a thing. He didn't prove that he had leadership ability. He that he had leadership ability. He that he had leadership ability. He didn't do none of that. God raised up didn't do none of that. God raised up didn't do none of that. God raised up Saul himself. Catch this. Saul himself. Catch this. Saul himself. Catch this. God gave Saul an identity that didn't God gave Saul an identity that didn't God gave Saul an identity that didn't have to be achieved by Saul. have to be achieved by Saul. have to be achieved by Saul. All he had to do was simply walk in it. All he had to do was simply walk in it. All he had to do was simply walk in it. He had to receive it. And Saul refused He had to receive it. And Saul refused He had to receive it. And Saul refused that. that. that. God made Saul big, and he said, "Nah, God made Saul big, and he said, "Nah, God made Saul big, and he said, "Nah, I'll make myself big." I'll make myself big." I'll make myself big." He said, "I'll keep King Agag. I'll keep He said, "I'll keep King Agag. I'll keep He said, "I'll keep King Agag. I'll keep the spoil to make myself big." to make myself big." And then when Samuel came around And then when Samuel came around And then when Samuel came around and pointing out how small Saul actually and pointing out how small Saul actually and pointing out how small Saul actually is, is, is, Saul refused to admit the truth. Saul refused to admit the truth. Saul refused to admit the truth. And here's why. And here's why. And here's why. I want you to catch this, y'all. I want you to catch this, y'all. I want you to catch this, y'all. You'll never admit the truth You'll never admit the truth You'll never admit the truth when the truth costs you your identity. Listen, why does an athlete take Listen, why does an athlete take painkillers to continue a career that's painkillers to continue a career that's painkillers to continue a career that's clearly over? clearly over? clearly over? Why did Mario Winans kept singing I Why did Mario Winans kept singing I Why did Mario Winans kept singing I don't want to know when his girl was don't want to know when his girl was don't want to know when his girl was clearly cheating on him?

clearly cheating on him? clearly cheating on him? And why does Saul and why do we deceive And why does Saul and why do we deceive And why does Saul and why do we deceive ourselves about our sin ourselves about our sin ourselves about our sin despite evidence to the contrary? despite evidence to the contrary? despite evidence to the contrary? It's all for the same reason. It's all for the same reason. It's all for the same reason. To admit the truth To admit the truth To admit the truth would prove to be too painful would prove to be too painful would prove to be too painful to the identities that we've built for to the identities that we've built for to the identities that we've built for ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. But I want you to listen to me this But I want you to listen to me this But I want you to listen to me this morning. morning. morning. God has given you an opportunity God has given you an opportunity God has given you an opportunity to find your identity not in your to find your identity not in your to find your identity not in your performance, but in his grace. performance, but in his grace. performance, but in his grace. God has given you an opportunity to find God has given you an opportunity to find God has given you an opportunity to find your identity not in your performance, your identity not in your performance, your identity not in your performance, but in his grace. What I love about this but in his grace. What I love about this but in his grace. What I love about this text text text is what comes a thousand years after is what comes a thousand years after is what comes a thousand years after this. this. this. Because about a thousand years after Because about a thousand years after Because about a thousand years after King Saul, there came another king and King Saul, there came another king and King Saul, there came another king and this king and this king was saying King this king and this king was saying King this king and this king was saying King Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And what I appreciate about this is that And what I appreciate about this is that And what I appreciate about this is that Saul was a nobody Saul was a nobody Saul was a nobody who became king. who became king. who became king. And Jesus was a king And Jesus was a king And Jesus was a king who willingly became who willingly became who willingly became a nobody. a nobody. a nobody. Jesus, the king of the entire universe, Jesus, the king of the entire universe, Jesus, the king of the entire universe, clothed himself in human flesh, was born clothed himself in human flesh, was born clothed himself in human flesh, was born in obscurity. He lived a perfect life.

in obscurity. He lived a perfect life. in obscurity. He lived a perfect life. The life that you and I did not live, The life that you and I did not live, The life that you and I did not live, but having no sin for which to die, he but having no sin for which to die, he but having no sin for which to die, he died on the cross taking the penalty for died on the cross taking the penalty for died on the cross taking the penalty for your sin and my sin. your sin and my sin. your sin and my sin. And yet our savior didn't stay dead, he And yet our savior didn't stay dead, he And yet our savior didn't stay dead, he rose again in power rose again in power rose again in power proving he has victory over sin, Satan, proving he has victory over sin, Satan, proving he has victory over sin, Satan, death, and the grave. And he did that death, and the grave. And he did that death, and the grave. And he did that giving you an opportunity to receive the giving you an opportunity to receive the giving you an opportunity to receive the only identity that can fill your soul. only identity that can fill your soul. only identity that can fill your soul. It's the only identity that can make you It's the only identity that can make you It's the only identity that can make you big. When you trust in Jesus, the Lord big. When you trust in Jesus, the Lord big. When you trust in Jesus, the Lord of your life, here's that identity. You of your life, here's that identity. You of your life, here's that identity. You could become a child of God this could become a child of God this could become a child of God this morning. morning. morning. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You could become a child of God. And so, >> You could become a child of God. And so, >> You could become a child of God. And so, here's my question, y'all. here's my question, y'all. here's my question, y'all. Listen. Listen. Listen. Will you receive what God has declared Will you receive what God has declared Will you receive what God has declared about you? You could become a child of God this You could become a child of God this morning. Do you really get it this morning? Do you really get it this morning? Listen, proof that you have received Listen, proof that you have received Listen, proof that you have received who God has called you to be in the core who God has called you to be in the core who God has called you to be in the core of who you are of who you are of who you are is that you no longer need is that you no longer need is that you no longer need self-deception to prop up your identity.

self-deception to prop up your identity. self-deception to prop up your identity. You don't need it. You don't need it. You don't need it. You no longer need to believe that you You no longer need to believe that you You no longer need to believe that you measure up because when you became a measure up because when you became a measure up because when you became a child of God, you became that not child of God, you became that not child of God, you became that not because you measured up, but because because you measured up, but because because you measured up, but because Christ did. Christ did. Christ did. You no longer have to be put together You no longer have to be put together You no longer have to be put together all the time or be right all the time all the time or be right all the time all the time or be right all the time because your identity does not come from because your identity does not come from because your identity does not come from you protecting your rightness through you protecting your rightness through you protecting your rightness through self-deception, self-deception, self-deception, but from you being honest about yourself but from you being honest about yourself but from you being honest about yourself and receiving Christ's righteousness. and receiving Christ's righteousness. and receiving Christ's righteousness. Listen, you are free to admit that you Listen, you are free to admit that you Listen, you are free to admit that you have been unfaithful to God because your have been unfaithful to God because your have been unfaithful to God because your standing with God does not depend standing with God does not depend standing with God does not depend anymore on your faithfulness, anymore on your faithfulness, anymore on your faithfulness, but on Christ's faithfulness. but on Christ's faithfulness. but on Christ's faithfulness. Listen, if you are not a Christian Listen, if you are not a Christian Listen, if you are not a Christian today, I want to implore you with this today, I want to implore you with this today, I want to implore you with this simple simple simple or oh, this simple statement. or oh, this simple statement. or oh, this simple statement. Be reconciled to God. Be reconciled to God. Be reconciled to God. Be reconciled to God. Be reconciled to God. Be reconciled to God. The reason why you're defensive, the The reason why you're defensive, the The reason why you're defensive, the reason why you can't face the truth, reason why you can't face the truth, reason why you can't face the truth, the reason why you've been looking for the reason why you've been looking for the reason why you've been looking for identity the long uh to to to to fill identity the long uh to to to to fill identity the long uh to to to to fill your longest soul your entire life and your longest soul your entire life and your longest soul your entire life and you can't find it and you fight fiercely you can't find it and you fight fiercely you can't find it and you fight fiercely to protect it to protect it to protect it is cuz you were made for something is cuz you were made for something is cuz you were made for something bigger. You were be you were made to be bigger. You were be you were made to be bigger. You were be you were made to be called a child of God.

called a child of God. called a child of God. And you could become that this morning And you could become that this morning And you could become that this morning by repenting of your sin and trusting in by repenting of your sin and trusting in by repenting of your sin and trusting in Jesus as Lord. Jesus as Lord. Jesus as Lord. But this morning, if you are a But this morning, if you are a But this morning, if you are a Christian, I'm going to encourage you Christian, I'm going to encourage you Christian, I'm going to encourage you with this. with this. with this. I want to encourage you to grow. I want to encourage you to grow. I want to encourage you to grow. Grow. Grow. Grow. Listen, you will not Listen, taking the Listen, you will not Listen, taking the Listen, you will not Listen, taking the pills of self-deception will stunt your pills of self-deception will stunt your pills of self-deception will stunt your growth in the Christian life. growth in the Christian life. growth in the Christian life. And the only way that you'll grow in And the only way that you'll grow in And the only way that you'll grow in godliness is to stop taking them. godliness is to stop taking them. godliness is to stop taking them. And let me tell you um And let me tell you um And let me tell you um something that God has given us something that God has given us something that God has given us to help you resist the urge towards to help you resist the urge towards to help you resist the urge towards self-deception. self-deception. self-deception. God has given us each other. All right, listen, we'll go home on All right, listen, we'll go home on this. this. this. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> All right, so we going to have a go. >> All right, so we going to have a go. >> All right, so we going to have a go. I was at Kids Quest Camp for the whole I was at Kids Quest Camp for the whole I was at Kids Quest Camp for the whole week. week. week. Don't ask me how I ended up there. I Don't ask me how I ended up there. I Don't ask me how I ended up there. I don't know how I ended up in a bunk with don't know how I ended up in a bunk with don't know how I ended up in a bunk with a whole bunch of kids, a whole bunch of kids, a whole bunch of kids, but there I was. but there I was. but there I was. And during that camp, I climbed a set of And during that camp, I climbed a set of And during that camp, I climbed a set of ladders that were a couple of stories ladders that were a couple of stories ladders that were a couple of stories high, high, high, and I jumped off. and I jumped off. and I jumped off. You might ask, "Eric, why did you do You might ask, "Eric, why did you do You might ask, "Eric, why did you do that? Was camp that hard? Why did you do that? Was camp that hard? Why did you do that? Was camp that hard? Why did you do that?"

that?" that?" Here's why. Here's why. Here's why. Because I was strapped into a harness. Because I was strapped into a harness. Because I was strapped into a harness. I was strapped into a harness. I was strapped into a harness. I was strapped into a harness. That harness was the security that I had That harness was the security that I had That harness was the security that I had to do something that I never would have to do something that I never would have to do something that I never would have otherwise done. otherwise done. otherwise done. That harness was necessary for me to do That harness was necessary for me to do That harness was necessary for me to do something a little bit scary, something a little bit scary, something a little bit scary, but also experience the joy of the other but also experience the joy of the other but also experience the joy of the other side. side. side. Catch this, y'all. You know when you Catch this, y'all. You know when you Catch this, y'all. You know when you come to Christ? come to Christ? come to Christ? You are strapped and resting in a You are strapped and resting in a You are strapped and resting in a harness called grace. harness called grace. harness called grace. Listen, your identity is secure. You are Listen, your identity is secure. You are Listen, your identity is secure. You are a child of God, and that harness gives a child of God, and that harness gives a child of God, and that harness gives you the security that you need to do you the security that you need to do you the security that you need to do what you would never do without it, to what you would never do without it, to what you would never do without it, to admit the hard truth about yourself. admit the hard truth about yourself. admit the hard truth about yourself. Listen, you will NOT GROW AS A CHRISTIAN Listen, you will NOT GROW AS A CHRISTIAN Listen, you will NOT GROW AS A CHRISTIAN if you never admit your weaknesses, your if you never admit your weaknesses, your if you never admit your weaknesses, your faults, your failures, or your pains. faults, your failures, or your pains. faults, your failures, or your pains. And God has PROVIDED A CHURCH AROUND YOU And God has PROVIDED A CHURCH AROUND YOU And God has PROVIDED A CHURCH AROUND YOU to help you test that harness and to to help you test that harness and to to help you test that harness and to experience the joy of resting in his experience the joy of resting in his experience the joy of resting in his grace and not your performance. grace and not your performance. grace and not your performance. Listen, it's scary. Listen, it's scary. Listen, it's scary. I get it. I get it. I get it. It's scary to take that leap.

It's scary to take that leap. It's scary to take that leap. It's scary to ask your brother and It's scary to ask your brother and It's scary to ask your brother and sister in Christ this question. sister in Christ this question. sister in Christ this question. And I've been putting on the screen for And I've been putting on the screen for And I've been putting on the screen for you. you. you. What sin in my life do you see that I'm What sin in my life do you see that I'm What sin in my life do you see that I'm blind to? You can't work yourself out of You can't work yourself out of self-deception because you deceived self-deception because you deceived self-deception because you deceived yourself. yourself. yourself. You need brothers and sisters in life to You need brothers and sisters in life to You need brothers and sisters in life to speak honestly to you. What sin in my speak honestly to you. What sin in my speak honestly to you. What sin in my life life life do you see that I'm blind to? You know do you see that I'm blind to? You know do you see that I'm blind to? You know that's a scary question. that's a scary question. that's a scary question. But let me remind you in Christ you are But let me remind you in Christ you are But let me remind you in Christ you are secure. secure. secure. If you are strapped into the harness of If you are strapped into the harness of If you are strapped into the harness of grace, grace, grace, if you are strapped into the fact that if you are strapped into the fact that if you are strapped into the fact that you are a beloved child of God, you are a beloved child of God, you are a beloved child of God, if you are strapped into the fact that if you are strapped into the fact that if you are strapped into the fact that you have been purchased by the blood of you have been purchased by the blood of you have been purchased by the blood of Christ, you are secure. And because you Christ, you are secure. And because you Christ, you are secure. And because you are secure, you can take that junk, you are secure, you can take that junk, you are secure, you can take that junk, you can ask that question without fear can ask that question without fear can ask that question without fear because of regardless of what they say, because of regardless of what they say, because of regardless of what they say, no matter how tough it is to swallow, no matter how tough it is to swallow, no matter how tough it is to swallow, your identity is not at risk. your identity is not at risk. your identity is not at risk. See what kind of love the Father has for See what kind of love the Father has for See what kind of love the Father has for you. you. you. That he should call you a child of God That he should call you a child of God That he should call you a child of God and that you are.

and that you are. and that you are. Your identity is secure. Your identity is secure. Your identity is secure. Secure as you are in this text, Saul Secure as you are in this text, Saul Secure as you are in this text, Saul couldn't take the risk. couldn't take the risk. couldn't take the risk. Samuel came to Saul to reveal his sin Samuel came to Saul to reveal his sin Samuel came to Saul to reveal his sin and Saul plugged his ears and started and Saul plugged his ears and started and Saul plugged his ears and started singing, "I don't want to know." singing, "I don't want to know." singing, "I don't want to know." And because of that, And because of that, And because of that, Saul ruined everything. Saul ruined everything. Saul ruined everything. He ruined everything. He rejected the He ruined everything. He rejected the He ruined everything. He rejected the truth about God and therefore he was truth about God and therefore he was truth about God and therefore he was rejected by God. rejected by God. rejected by God. Christian, Christian, Christian, God has given you a local church God has given you a local church God has given you a local church to love you enough to tell you to love you enough to tell you to love you enough to tell you when something is wrong. when something is wrong. when something is wrong. So, I'm going to urge you to get into So, I'm going to urge you to get into So, I'm going to urge you to get into community, y'all. community, y'all. community, y'all. It is not enough for you to darken the It is not enough for you to darken the It is not enough for you to darken the doors of this church and to leave before doors of this church and to leave before doors of this church and to leave before communion and just do the same thing communion and just do the same thing communion and just do the same thing the next Sunday. the next Sunday. the next Sunday. Listen, don't avoid the hard Listen, don't avoid the hard Listen, don't avoid the hard conversations. conversations. conversations. Don't resist the truth. Don't ignore. Don't resist the truth. Don't ignore. Don't resist the truth. Don't ignore. Don't compare. Don't rebrand. Receive Don't compare. Don't rebrand. Receive Don't compare. Don't rebrand. Receive the hard truth. Repent. And as a result, the hard truth. Repent. And as a result, the hard truth. Repent. And as a result, hear me, you'll experience to a even hear me, you'll experience to a even hear me, you'll experience to a even deeper degree the joy that your identity deeper degree the joy that your identity deeper degree the joy that your identity is rooted in the love and grace of God is rooted in the love and grace of God is rooted in the love and grace of God rather than your performance. And it's rather than your performance. And it's rather than your performance. And it's when you begin to understand that his when you begin to understand that his when you begin to understand that his love and grace bears you up, it will love and grace bears you up, it will love and grace bears you up, it will change you from the inside out.

change you from the inside out. change you from the inside out. It will. It will. It will. And so, listen, this is what I want you And so, listen, this is what I want you And so, listen, this is what I want you to do. to do. to do. I got some questions for you this I got some questions for you this I got some questions for you this morning. morning. morning. It's just something for you to consider. It's just something for you to consider. It's just something for you to consider. I want you to take a moment and consider I want you to take a moment and consider I want you to take a moment and consider them. them. them. And then after you do, either myself or And then after you do, either myself or And then after you do, either myself or someone from your location will take it someone from your location will take it someone from your location will take it from there. Uh, let's do that now. As that song goes, either we are As that song goes, either we are or we were or we were or we were on a hell-bound race indifferent to the

on a hell-bound race indifferent to the on a hell-bound race indifferent to the cost. And at the moment we were deceived in And at the moment we were deceived in thinking thinking thinking that we're actually going in the right that we're actually going in the right that we're actually going in the right direction. direction. direction. And so Father, this morning we just And so Father, this morning we just And so Father, this morning we just praise you for your mercy. praise you for your mercy. praise you for your mercy. That you would reach down by That you would reach down by That you would reach down by through your grace and into our through your grace and into our through your grace and into our self-deception. self-deception. self-deception. And that you would pick us up. And that you would pick us up. And that you would pick us up. That you would turn us around. That you would turn us around. That you would turn us around. And that you would place our feet on And that you would place our feet on And that you would place our feet on solid ground. solid ground. solid ground. Father, we worship you because of your Father, we worship you because of your Father, we worship you because of your grace this morning. grace this morning. grace this morning. Father, we pray God that you will Father, we pray God that you will Father, we pray God that you will forgive us, God, for our willful forgive us, God, for our willful forgive us, God, for our willful ignorance. ignorance. ignorance. Pray that you'll forgive us for our Pray that you'll forgive us for our Pray that you'll forgive us for our constant comparison. Pray that you'll forgive us for our Pray that you'll forgive us for our religious rebranding and manipulation. religious rebranding and manipulation. religious rebranding and manipulation. For our unwillingness to come clean For our unwillingness to come clean For our unwillingness to come clean about the truth of ourselves. about the truth of ourselves. about the truth of ourselves. And thank you so much that your word is And thank you so much that your word is And thank you so much that your word is true that when we confess our sin, you true that when we confess our sin, you true that when we confess our sin, you are faithful and just to forgive us and are faithful and just to forgive us and are faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, Father. And so I pray for the people in Father. And so I pray for the people in Father. And so I pray for the people in the room who are yet to know you. I pray the room who are yet to know you. I pray the room who are yet to know you. I pray that they will know that there is joy on that they will know that there is joy on that they will know that there is joy on the other side of repentance.

the other side of repentance. the other side of repentance. That there's joy on the other side of That there's joy on the other side of That there's joy on the other side of confessing their sin and coming to the confessing their sin and coming to the confessing their sin and coming to the one who died for their sin. Asking for one who died for their sin. Asking for one who died for their sin. Asking for him to forgive them and to cleanse them. him to forgive them and to cleanse them. him to forgive them and to cleanse them. Father, I pray for those who know you Father, I pray for those who know you Father, I pray for those who know you and yet their life is riddled with and yet their life is riddled with and yet their life is riddled with self-deception. self-deception. self-deception. I pray that you will drive deeper into I pray that you will drive deeper into I pray that you will drive deeper into their hearts that they are dearly loved their hearts that they are dearly loved their hearts that they are dearly loved and known by you. and known by you. and known by you. And that that will be their identity. And that that will be their identity. And that that will be their identity. Rather than them being right. Rather than them being right. Rather than them being right. And so Father, help us to confess our And so Father, help us to confess our And so Father, help us to confess our sin. sin. sin. And in so doing And in so doing And in so doing receive your mercy receive your mercy receive your mercy and experience the joy of being called and experience the joy of being called and experience the joy of being called children of God. We love you. I pray children of God. We love you. I pray children of God. We love you. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. If these things in the name of Jesus. If these things in the name of Jesus. If you agree, say you agree, say you agree, say Amen. Amen. Amen.