Recap Sermon Notes | 48 Laws Of Power | Law 2 | Trusting Friends

They were not your friends

Sermon Title: "The Wisdom of Discernment: Lessons from David on Relationships with Friends and Enemies"

Introduction – Parable of the Two Builders

Imagine two builders setting out to construct their homes. One builder, relying solely on his friends, quickly gathers help and lays a foundation without checking its strength. The other builder, aware of his limitations, employs a strict and critical inspection, even hiring a supervisor he once had disputes with, knowing this man’s reputation for sharp scrutiny. In time, the second builder’s home stands strong, while the first’s crumbles in a storm. Sometimes, those who challenge us bring strength and stability that our close friends might overlook. It takes wisdom to recognize when a challenge or even opposition can be a gift in disguise.

This principle resonates with the biblical figure David, who navigated relationships with both friends and enemies through discernment and reliance on God’s wisdom. David’s life teaches us how to balance trust and caution, showing us that sometimes even enemies have a purpose in God's plan.

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 24:10 (KJV)

"Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord's anointed."

Point 1: Understanding the Balance Between Trust and Caution

David’s relationship with King Saul was complex and fraught with challenges. Though Saul grew to see David as an enemy, David respected Saul as God’s anointed king. Rather than seeking revenge, he chose patience and discernment, trusting that God would fulfill His promise in due time.

• Scripture Cross-Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

  "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

David’s decision to spare Saul’s life exemplifies Proverbs 3:5-6. Instead of trusting his own understanding—his friends even encouraged him to kill Saul—David trusted in God’s timing. This approach highlights the wisdom in balancing trust and caution, knowing when to let God direct us even if it contradicts worldly advice.

Point 2: Recognizing How God Can Use Enemies for Growth

David’s experience with Saul refined his character and prepared him for kingship. Although Saul acted as an enemy, David’s encounters with him developed qualities like patience, humility, and mercy.

• Scripture Cross-Reference: Romans 8:28 (KJV)

  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things, even adversarial relationships, for the good of those who love Him. David’s patience with Saul’s persecution ultimately strengthened his character and leadership, transforming what could have been a hindrance into a tool for growth. God can use even difficult people in our lives to prepare us for His purpose.

Point 3: Strategic Wisdom with the Philistines

David found himself in a complex situation with the Philistines when fleeing Saul. Instead of letting fear or anger dictate his choices, he sought refuge with King Achish of Gath, an enemy leader, while maintaining loyalty to Israel in his heart. David's decision to live among the Philistines without adopting their ways showed his discernment and reliance on God for guidance.

• Scripture Cross-Reference: Matthew 10:16 (KJV)

  "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."

David embodied the principle of Matthew 10:16. By navigating life among the Philistines wisely and without unnecessary conflict, he stayed out of Saul’s reach while preserving his integrity. David’s actions teach us that with wisdom and discernment, we can find peace and purpose even in difficult situations, avoiding harm without compromising our values.

Point 4: Showing Mercy and Forgiveness

Despite the enmity Saul harbored, David chose to show mercy when he had the chance to harm Saul. This act of mercy reflects David’s depth of character and his understanding of God's justice, acknowledging that vengeance belongs to God.

• Scripture Cross-Reference: Romans 12:19 (KJV)

  "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

David’s refusal to harm Saul in the cave exemplifies the principle in Romans 12:19. Instead of seeking revenge, he trusted God to handle the situation, knowing that God’s judgment is perfect and just. This mercy foreshadows the forgiveness and grace that Jesus later demonstrated on the cross, forgiving even those who crucified Him.

Conclusion: Christ, the Ultimate Embodiment of Wisdom, Mercy, and Trust in God’s Plan

In David’s life, we see a foreshadowing of Christ. Like David, Jesus faced both allies and adversaries. Judas, a close disciple, betrayed Him, while others, like the Pharisees, continually opposed Him. Yet Christ, in His wisdom, discerned their roles in God’s redemptive plan. He even used Judas’ betrayal to fulfill His purpose.

• Scripture Reference: Luke 23:34 (KJV)

  "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

At the cross, Jesus embodied complete trust, mercy, and discernment, forgiving His enemies and entrusting His life to the Father’s hands. Christ’s forgiveness and wisdom surpass David’s, as He willingly gave His life for both friends and enemies, providing the ultimate example of loving beyond personal grievances.

Just as the builder in the parable learned the value of employing those who would challenge him, Jesus showed that even those who oppose us may serve a greater purpose in God’s plan. David’s life teaches us to navigate relationships with wisdom, leaning not on our understanding but on God’s guidance. And ultimately, Christ shows us that our trust should be in God alone, whose plans are greater than we can imagine.