Our study of Judges and Samuel have shown us that sin can be cyclical in life. Victory over a sin once does not guarantee victory over that sin forever. Sometimes temptation returns like a boomerang when we aren’t looking and don’t expect it. At other times, temptation veils itself in a new way and creeps in. Even more often, temptation can simply return in the exact same way over and over like waves to the shore. We must follow and trust as God leads us to persevere over sin through Christ. Saul: In 1 Samuel 23:19, the Ziphites reported David’s location to Saul who brought thousands of soldiers to kill David. After David spared Saul’s life, Saul wept and promised (again) not to chase David. In 26:1, the same Ziphites come to Saul reporting that David is in the same location as before. Saul goes back on his word and seeks to kill Saul again. David: David was encouraged by his men in 1 Samuel 24 to end Saul’s life and take the promised kingdom. Instead, David spared Saul and trusted the Lord to “judge... see... plead... and deliver.” David almost killed Nabal and all the men of his household in 1 Samuel 25, but he received “blessed advice” from a wise woman and kept a clean conscience before God. Now, in 1 Samuel 26, David has the same type of opportunity to end Saul’s life. Would the circumstance, Saul’s betrayal, and the encouragement of a trusted man convince David to do wrong to gain something that was “right”?

Scripture References: 1 Chronicles 2:16, Romans 8:32, 1 Samuel 22:6, Proverbs 16:7, 1 Samuel 24:22, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Samuel 25:32-41, Luke 4:13, 1 Samuel 23:19, James 1:13-14, Psalms 37:5-6, 1 Samuel 26:1-25, Romans 12:19, Hebrews 6:10

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From Series: "A Study of Samuel"