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I SAMUEL 26:21

"I HAVE PLAYED THE FOOL"

Intro: That is Saul's autobiography, pure, simple, concise, complete. It is wrong to
       assume that a man does not know the truth about himself. Saul was caught by
       surprise.

I. A LOOK AT THE MAN WHO UTTERED THESE WORDS.
        A. "A choice young man and goodly" or handsome.
                1. He had a tremendous phusical physique.
                2. "From his shoulders and upwards, he was higher than any of the
                   people."
        B. He had a good home life.
                1. Lived a simple life ion rural surroundings.
                2. Lived at home with father Kish who was a man of power.
                3. "Let us return homw lest my father causes to worry over the
                   donkies and starts to worry about us."
        C. He was modest.
                1. When Samuel first spoke to him of the Kingdom he objected.
        D. He was courageous.
                1. When Jabesh-gilead invaded by Nahaoh the Ammonite.

II. THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT CAME TO HIM.
        A. He was called by God to be king.
                1. What a beautiful opportunity to show the people that God
                   still reigned.
        B. He was empowered by the Spirit of God.
                1. "Changed into another man."
                2. Thus annointed He spoke divine truths.
        C. He was surrounded by "men, whose hearts God had touched."

III. THE MANIFESTATIONS OF HIS FOLLY.
        A. Hiding on day he was to be presented king.
        B. Military pride.
        C. Impatience and intruding into the office of the priest at Gilgal.
        D. His rash and foolish vow on the day God had delivered the Philistines.
        E. His disobedience in regard to the Amalekites.
        F. His forsaking of his true friends.
                1. Neglect of Samuel.
                2. Jealousy of David.
        These are all just manifestations, what is real folly?

IV. THE REAL FOLLY OF SAUL.
        A. Failure to submit his life fully to God.
        B. "Because when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God..."
                professing to be wise they became fools.
        C. Your life is ruled by God or by self.

V. WHAT THE STORY TEACHES.
        A. Advantages do not insure success.
        B. Opportunities do not guarantee success.
        C. A man plays the fool when he halts when God has called him to a mission.
        D. A man plays the fool when he neglects his Godly friends.
        E. A man plays the fool when he disobeys God, even in the smallest matter.
        F. A man plays the fool when he allows some hatred to master him.
        G. A man plays the fool when he puts his own will or desires over God.