Compare Saul's actions with Ephesians 4:31. How should Christians respond to similar feelings? Seeing Saul Up Close • 1 Samuel 18:6-11—Saul hears the women singing, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands,” and “Saul became very angry, and this song displeased him”. • Bitterness settles in: “From that day on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.” • Wrath erupts: twice he hurls his spear, trying to pin David to the wall. • Clamor grows: 1 Samuel 19:1, he orders Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. • Slander follows: 1 Samuel 22:7-8, Saul accuses his men of conspiring with David. • Malice peaks: 1 Samuel 22:18-19, he commands the slaughter of the priests at Nob. Saul’s life shows every word that Ephesians 4:31 warns against coming to full bloom. God’s Antidote—Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness and rage and anger and clamor and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Why the Contrast Matters • Saul let sinful emotions linger; Paul says “remove” them—literally “lift them away.” • Saul acted in the flesh; believers are indwelt by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25). • Saul’s anger produced death; God’s anger at sin was satisfied at the cross, producing life (Romans 5:8-9). Responding When Those Emotions Surface 1. Recognize the warning light – James 1:19-20: “Man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.” 2. Confess immediately – 1 John 1:9 shows sin must be named and forsaken, not excused. 3. Replace, don’t just remove – Put off bitterness; put on kindness (Ephesians 4:32). – Trade malice for mercy (Luke 6:36). 4. Lean on the Spirit’s fruit – Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). 5. Reconcile quickly – Matthew 5:23-24 urges settling matters before worship. 6. Guard the heart’s gate – Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” 7. Keep eternity in view – 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us we will give an account for every action and attitude. Living the Lesson Saul’s tragedy warns us where unchecked bitterness leads. The gospel supplies a better way: because Christ forgave us, we can, by His Spirit, lay down rage and pick up kindness, trading spears for open hands and open hearts. |
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