Compare Saul's behavior in 1 Samuel 19:9 to Ephesians 4:31-32. Setting the Scene • 1 Samuel 19:9—“Then an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. As David was playing the harp,”. • Saul has already grown jealous of David (1 Samuel 18:6-9) and twice tried to pin him to the wall (18:10-11). • The spear in his hand symbolizes a heart now dominated by hostility instead of humility. What We Observe in Saul • Bitterness: jealousy turned into smoldering resentment (18:8). • Rage and anger: violent impulses erupt unchecked (19:10). • Outcry: public fits of temper, intimidating everyone nearby. • Malice: a settled intention to harm God’s anointed servant. • Spiritual vulnerability: by rejecting God’s word (15:22-23), Saul opens himself to demonic oppression. The Apostle’s Call in Ephesians 4:31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 And be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” • Put off: six destructive attitudes—bitterness, rage, anger, outcry, slander, malice. • Put on: kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness. • Motivation: God’s own forgiveness in Christ (cf. Colossians 3:13). Side-by-Side Comparison • Bitterness—Saul nurses envy; believers are told to uproot it. • Rage/anger—Saul lashes out with a spear; believers lay wrath at the cross (Romans 12:19). • Outcry—Saul’s loud threats; believers use words to build up (Ephesians 4:29). • Malice—Saul plots murder; believers choose mercy (James 2:13). • Outcome—Saul spirals into isolation and judgment; obedience to Ephesians 4 leads to unity, peace, and the Spirit’s fullness (Ephesians 4:3, 5:18). Lessons for Today • Ungoverned emotions invite spiritual bondage; the Spirit-filled life expels them (Galatians 5:19-23). • What we “hold in our hand” reveals what grips our heart—Saul’s spear vs. a believer’s ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). • Jealousy toward God-blessed brothers or sisters can morph into outright opposition to God Himself (Acts 7:9, 51). • Immediate repentance keeps bitterness from taking root (Hebrews 12:15). • Forgiveness is not optional; it is the gospel applied to relationships (Matthew 18:21-35). Curing the Saul Syndrome 1. Recognize and confess every trace of bitterness (1 John 1:9). 2. Replace harsh words with grace-seasoned speech (Colossians 4:6). 3. Actively do good to those who provoke jealousy (Romans 12:20-21). 4. Regularly rehearse God’s forgiveness toward you until it reshapes your reactions (Psalm 103:10-12). 5. Stay filled with the Spirit through Scripture, prayer, and worship, closing every door to the enemy (Ephesians 5:18; James 4:7). |
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