Theological term
Self-Deception
3 sermons · All terms
1 Samuel 23
First Samuel 23 traces David's flight from Saul through a series of dramatic reversals — the rescue of Keilah, Jonathan's covenant encouragement in the wilderness, and the treachery of the Ziphites — all held together by the governing theme that God did not deliver David into Saul's hand. The chapter exposes the stark contrast between Saul, who has no access to God's word and sinks deeper into self-deception and tyranny, and David, who inquires of Yahweh through priest and prophet and receives both divine direction and covenantal friendship. The providence of God is the chapter's spine: from the fortuitous arrival of Abiathar's ephod, to Jonathan's timely encouragement, to a Philistine invasion that halts Saul's encirclement at the last moment. Hearers are called to recognize the privilege of access to Scripture, to be Jonathans who encourage others with the promises of God, and to rest in the providence of the God who orchestrates all things for the preservation of his people.
False Repentance and the Immutable God
The final section of 1 Samuel 15 (verses 24–35) exposes the anatomy of false repentance through the self-serving confession of King Saul, who admits sin while still deflecting blame and soliciting public honour. The study contrasts Saul's hollow words with David's unqualified confession in 2 Samuel 12, showing that genuine repentance owns sin without excuse, is directed Godward rather than reputation-ward, and issues in changed conduct rather than mercenary requests. Samuel's unyielding fidelity to the divine word sets the standard for prophetic and pastoral ministry. The chapter closes with the comfort of divine immutability: the God who tears the kingdom from Saul is the God who cannot lie or relent, and that unchangeableness is the believer's firm foundation.
A Real Savior for Real Sinners
What does it mean that 'such were some of you' — fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, drunkards, revilers? Expounding 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, this sermon makes six observations: the kingdom of God is real; self-deception about one's standing before God is pervasive; God has established an objective ethical standard in his moral law; all men without exception stand guilty before that standard; sin is not genetic and therefore not beyond redemption; and Christ is a real Savior who truly washes, sanctifies, and justifies real sinners. The closing application calls believers to live a cross-centered life, letting the memory of what they once were fuel ongoing worship and praise.