I Samuel 11 - Saul's Initial Success

I Samuel 11

So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they also offered sacrifices of peace, offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. (verse 15).

Message: Saul's Initial Success

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: My summary of chapter 10: 

Samuel anoints Saul with oil as Saul is to do the will of God in humble reliance on the Spirit of God. But given the opportunity to testify of God's work, Saul hides it to his uncle. Saul has been chosen by God and presented before the people and yet at this choosing, Saul cannot be found and appears to be hiding. As mentioned previously, Saul has the looks of a king and is taller than anyone else. He is ordained to be king. 

Chapter 11 begins by presenting a problem - a possible overthrow of the people by an Ammonite - Nahash. I am not real sure why Nahash has come on the scene here, but he is someone that is on a spree of conquering. I found this map showing where Saul was residing, in Gibeah, in the land of Benjamin. In chapter 10, it was in Mizpah that Saul was anointed. But here word is received that the Ammonites are conquering land up in Jabesh-Gilead, which is in the land of Gad, on the other side (east) of the Jordan River. 

The people of Jabesh attempt to negotiate their lives with Nahash in order to live by proclaiming a covenant to Nahash to serve him (v. 1). Nahash agrees (v. 2) on the one condition that the right eye of every person is gouged out. In Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers by Charles John Elicott (1819-1905) it says:

The object of Nahash’s cruelty was to incapacitate the inhabitants of Jabesh from ever further assisting his enemies in war; they would henceforth be blinded in the right eye, while the left eye would be concealed by the shield which fighting-men were in the habit of holding before them.

On this, the people of Jabesh strike a deal to wait 7 days in order to see if anyone in the territory of Israel might deliver them (v. 3). Making a proposal like this was not uncommon and Nahash agreed because 7 days is not long for someone to hear of the problem and then come to rescue. The distance between these two places was about 45 miles, a significant journey that some remark could be done in one day by a messenger. As such in verse 4, the messengers arrive in Gibeah to speak to Saul. Saul becomes angry upon hearing (v. 6) of the people's conundrum. 

Saul does something similar to what is found in Judges 19:29 when a concubine is cut up into 12 pieces and sent throughout the land of Israel. Saul takes two oxen and cuts it into pieces in order to show people the need for an army to join Saul is supporting the people of Jabesh-Gilead and if not, their oxen will be impacted. What people see is often more impactful than what they hear. 

The place of gathering all the men of war is in Bezek (verse 8) - about 18 miles from Gibeah and then 14 more miles across the Jordan to Jabesh-Gilead, a trek that could be done during the night. The total number of men gathered is 300,000. 

So it was in verse 11 that the people are placed in 3 companies representing 3 watches of 4 hours each to strike down the Ammonites. There were men who had questioned whether Saul would be a king (10:27) and to Samuel is raised the idea of putting these men to death (v.12) but Saul says no to this (v. 13). And they go now to Gilgal, a religious site and place of many striking events of Israel's history. This where Saul is inaugurated as king. Everyone rejoiced. 

Summary: Saul experiences success in rallying a large contingent of people throughout Israel to defeat the Ammonites at Jabesh-Gilead and then is crowned king in Gilgal. 

Promise: God's kingdom advances when his people come together. 

Prayer: Lord, we are stronger when we are united. Our leadership is to be focused on You God through Jesus Christ. We are to be a strong cord. I see this throughout time in the examples of a team even in sports in which everyone comes together and is united with the same mission. We are better together. We are better united. And with this we need a leader. We are the people of God and we need to be together as one.  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Romans 6:3-4 - Baptism and Union with Christ

Romans 6:3-4 - 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Message: Baptism and Union with Christ

Time: Paul wrote Romans from Corinth as he prepared to leave for Palestine. Phoebe (16:1,2) was given the great responsibility of delivering the letter to the Romans believers. At this time, Rome had a population of 1 million, many of whom were slaves. The Romans church was doctrinally sound, but it still needed rich doctrine and practical application. Rome had massive buildings but also slums.

What the Lord is Saying: I have studied this passage before. When I studied the book of Romans in 2014 I looked at this passage. I noted that the first five chapters of Roman were about doctrine -- getting lost and that we are all sinners and only Christ can make us clean -- and then starting in chapter 6 moving to application. Similar to circumcision, baptism is an ordinance that we must do. The saved person should not have a desire for sin any longer. A change has occurred and there is a change in our thinking but there is also a change in our actions. The change in our thinking show first to others by our being baptized. This baptism shows that we are in Christ and it shows others that we are a new creation. It shows others our willingness to be obedient to Him. As the water covers our entire body we have an entire body commitment to Him. 

This passage even mentions the words that we mention when someone is baptized -- walk in newness of life. We are testifying that our lives will be lived in a different way. 

But in these verses it also expresses baptism being a unity with Christ. We baptized into his death. Christ lived and died but in baptism we join with him in the death. So something happens here that is more than simply an act of obedience. We are united with Christ. I definitely didn't recognize this when I got baptized but I did get baptized and so this did occur in my life. And then as Christ was raised, we too. We became new creatures. I immediately also think that a person cannot lose their salvation. A true Christian is raised to walk in newness of life with Christ. Our life is new. We are born again. This isn't something that can be lost. Again because we are united with Christ. 

The Westminster Confession does offer some interesting words in 28.6:

The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God’s own will, in his appointed time.

Maybe this is the reason the reformers believe that baptism is apt for those even as infants because this divine grace is conferred upon the elect. And maybe it is okay to get this out of the way as there is the recognition that grace is conferred at his appointed time. Not sure. 

In my previous study of Romans, by the time I arrive at Chapter 6 a person is already saved if the life of a Christian is seen in the light of the chronology of the book. In Chapter 4 my faith is counted as righteousness. My having faith resulted in this credit having occurred. And this faith also made me an heir to His Kingdom. And therefore I am justified before Him. So is this theory or did having faith already make this happen and now baptism in Chapter 6 speaks of how I live. I live without sin reigning in me any longer. I am dead to sin in verse 6:2 - How shall we who died to sin still live in it? And so therefore these words we are studying today speak to what has occurred or the picture of baptism that has occurred rather than the actual act of baptism. So maybe this passage really isn't a proclamation to be baptized but that now that I am a person that has had faith and grace has been conferred upon me, baptism shows me this picture of being buried and being raised in newness of life. And so from that point it does not matter then when baptism has occurred. And maybe this is the reason it can be done as infants. There is no saving power in baptism but rather it is the picture of the change that has occurred in the elect. 

I am not entirely sure. I continue to move on this journey of studying baptism and what it means. 

Summary: Baptism gives us a sign but in being baptized there also occurs a mystery - union with Christ in his death and resurrection. 

Promise: Look to the waters of baptism as proof that you have died to sin and have been raised with Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, this learning of baptism remains a learning. At times, I start to feel closer to the meaning of it and then at other times I still feel like I have a ways to go in understanding it. In it, is it only a picture of do you confer something on me when it occurs. You clearly are using baptism to show me something but it also seems to be doing something in me - uniting me to You. At the minimum, a change has occurred in me. And the life of those who are in Christ are different. My old way of living is now just that, the old way, and in Christ I am a new creation. May it be that simple. That is a simple application but the deeper theology around this act continues to make me ponder. Keep illuminating me with the words of scripture. Thank you for people in my life that help me to understand you.  

Acts 26:12-18 - Faith and Sanctification

 Acts 26:12-18

12 “While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’

Message: Faith and Sanctification

Time: Clearly written by Luke, this book follows the lives of Peter and then Paul after Jesus' ascension into heaven. The book was completed about 62 AD as Paul sat in prison. It provides an account of the growth of the Church and spread from Jerusalem, from a small group of frightened believers in Jerusalem transformed into an empire-wide movement of people who had committed their lives to Jesus Christ, and it should help us to be bold and have zeal in our walks with God.

What the Lord is Saying: 

The thing that has already amazed me about this teaching and truth about the fact that good works are separate from saving faith, though clearly testifying to others of the faith we have, is the notion that those good works are being done without an expectation of receiving something. Thus, they are truly good. They are a response of our commitment not in order to earn favor with God. And therefore the motive or reason we do them is pure. It is untainted. 

I am not sure there is really much in my life that is done where I am not hoping to get something in return for it. I work hard but a paycheck is always at the end of two weeks. Granted, I often work beyond my 40 hours and so maybe this shows my commitment to the work, but still I am getting paid. Volunteer work I think shows our true desire to serve and give of ourselves. 

Sanctification is the inward transformation we experience from the point of our conversion. It is the state or process of being set apart as holy. At the point of conversion, God accepts us not on the basis of who we are and what we have done, but on the basis of Jesus Christ and who He is and what He has done.  And this is by faith. Yet, after conversion is the process of sanctification or being made holy in the life of the believer. It is the process whereby we move the needle to actually look like Jesus. This is also by faith.  

According to Tabletalk, there are 2 ways scripture speaks of sanctification: 

1. Positional or Declarative Sanctification -- At the moment of trusting in Christ alone for salvation I am set apart as God's holy person. "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." - I Peter 2:9-10 Thus, in God's sight I am holy. I am a "new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

2. Progressive Sanctification - Until I am glorified, I am unholy in practice. Thus, I engage with the Lord in the process of sanctification. Daily I die to self and live unto Christ, seeking to obey Him in all things. Here I am becoming in my experience what I am already in God's sight. "Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." - I Peter 2:11-12. And this process is work. It is faith in God to work this out in me, but it is also work by me choosing behavior that will glorify God. Romans 8:13 - "for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live." As Paul records so clearly in Philippians 2:12-13 -- "work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

Wow, this is an amazing truth. I am declared holy by faith, but daily I choose holiness. Acts 26:18 - "receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me." Thus, I am living my entire life by faith. Faith that God has declared me accepted and faith that He continues in me to be holy. 

Promise: As Tabletalk records --- we are justified by faith, but even the sanctification and good works that follow our justification are based on faith. 

Prayer: O God, you are glorious and it is a wonder to understand You and Your words of truth. Thank you for this message that I needed to hear this day. That I am a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy person, possessed by You. You have declared me accepted and in Christ. I am a new creation. And yet each day I live, I make choices to be united with You or not united with You. I pray that daily I would dies to self and live unto Christ. I want to be united with your Spirit and live in a manner that is glorifying to You. Thank you for giving me this strength each day and working in me, giving me the will and the work so that I will glorify You. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of June is about justification; May was about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God.

Mankind's Condition - The Sins of the Gentiles - Though born with God being evident, Gentiles do not honor God or give thanks, look to their selves for truth, and God gives them over to their sin, and in the process God's wrath is sin which will culminate on the Day of the Lord. The Sins of the Jews - Jews thought their status meant only Gentiles were true sinners. Romans 2 and 3 explains that Jews are just as guilty before God. 

The Law Speaks - The Law and Accountability - the Law reminds us we are sinners and doing good will not outweigh this bad; I am condemned. Righteousness According to the Law - The Law can make one righteous if obedient to all, but we are sinners. Human Inability - man cannot make himself righteous because he is a sinner. 

Only Justified through Christ (God) - The Obedience of One - with Jesus all obedience was completed in Him which resulted in Him taking on all sin; we trust only in His words, not ours. God's Initiative In Justification - God initiates the act of justification through the work of Christ alone; he saves us out of His kindness. Faith and Justification - no one is continually righteous; only through Jesus one will be made righteous; to be made righteous one must believe in God, ask for His mercy. 

Saved by Faith - Faith and Righteousness - Faith is what God uses in us to build the bridge to being accepted by God and restored to a right relationship with Him. Justification and Sin - Nothing changes the fact that we are sinners, but our status before God changes by Christ's obedience as this declares us to be righteous. Not by any of our works - Justification is by faith alone. By adding any work, we must add all works. Why Faith - Faith is the instrument [or what we do] to usher in to our life the finished act of righteousness. 

Faith Works - What is Saving Faith - Saving faith is not simply understanding truth, it is believing the truth is true and then living by that truth. Justification and Our Good Works - Once God declares us righteous by the righteousness of Christ, we cannot help but do what is right. Keeping Grace Gracious - if being restored to God's plan is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works. Don't mix the two. Keep them separate. But keep them both extremely valuable.