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I SAMUEL 26:21

"PLAYING THE FOOL"

I. A LOOK AT THE MAN.
        A. 9:2 - A choice young man and goodly.
                1. Tremendous physique.
                2. Looks aren't everything.
        B. Good family life - 9:5.
        C. Humble - 9:21.

II. OPPORTUNITIES THAT CAME TO HIM.
        A. Opportunity to reign over God's people - 10:2.
        B. Spirit of God will come upon you - 10:6.
        C. Surrounded by band of men whose hearts God had touched - 10:26.

III. MANIFESTATIONS OF FOLLY.
        A. Military pride - 13:2, conscripted army.
                1. Jonathan smote the Philistines with a great slaughter and Saul
                   blew the trumpet in Israel -13:3.
        B. Offering sacrifice at Gilgal - 13:9.
                1. Samuel said, "You have done foolishly."
        C. His foolish vow - 14:24.
        D. Disobedience in failure to totally annihilate Amalakites.
        E. Jealousy of David - 18:7-8.
        F. Endeavor to kill David.
        G. Turning to witch for counsel - 28:7.

IV. WHAT WAS TRUE FOLLY?
        A. Failure to totally submit his life to God.
                1. Any man who does not totally yield his life to God is playing the fool.

V. WHAT DOES THIS STORY TEACH US?
        A. A man can have all kinds of natural advantages and still play the fool.
        B. A man may be given special opportunities and still end up playing the fool.
        C. Any man is foolish when he tries to hide from the call of God.
                1. Lets  pride master him.
                2. Endeavors a service for God without being called.
                3. Makes foolish vows.
                4. Disobeys God's Word.
                5. Allows jealousy to master him.
                6. Turns against his godly friends.
                7. Seeks advice from spirit world.
        D. A man is a fool when he does not yield his life completely to God.
                1. You're a fool if you think you know what's better for your life
                   than God.