Spiritual Questions from Sermon on 1 Samuel 14

I closed Sunday's message on The day God did not answer (1 Samuel 14) with four series of spiritual questions drawn from this passage:

1. Do you have the God-centered perspective on the providential circumstances of your life that Jonathan reflects in v. 16 when he said, “it may be that the LORD will work for us”? How will this affect your view on the things that the Lord allows to happen in your life? How will it affect your prayer life? How and what you ask the Lord to do in your life?

2. Have you surrendered to the sovereignty of God in your heart of hearts? Can you affirm with Jonathan that “there is no restraint to the Lord”? Has your flesh revolted against this? Are you going to stand with clinched fists before your God saying “Let’s fight!” or will you stand with hands raised and say, “I surrender.” I am not only resigned to acknowledging your sovereignty, but I glory in it!

3. Like Saul have your actions troubled the land in which you live? Have your commands and desires brought you and others to trespass God’s commands? Have you gone through the spiritual motions and built your own altar to God, but has he met all your spiritual activity with silence? Has he done so because he is displeased with you? Have you called out in earnest to him to return to you? James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

4. Have you made a rash vow? No. Not to refrain from food till after the battle or to kill your son! But there may be other vows you have made and not fulfilled. Did you once promise to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength? Did you promise to take up your cross daily and follow Christ? Have you left your first love? Here is the wonder. Far as we know. Saul never repented. He never had a second chance. But today through his Word an outstretched nail pierced hand is being extended to you. Would you live for him who died for sinners?

JTR