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I SAMUEL 26:21

"PLAYING THE FOOL"

Intro: Autobiography in six words; he sums up his life story.
       The occasion - man  knows the truth about himself.

I. THE MAN WHO SPOKE.
        A. Came from good family.
                1. Kish his father a Benjamite "a mighty man of victory."
                2. Secure in love of home. "Father cease worrying."
        B. Man of splendid physique.
        C. Man of simple life on farm.
        D. Man of modest disposition.
        E. Man of courage.
                1. When Nahash invaded Jabesh Gilead.

II. THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT CAME TO HIM.
        A. He was called to be king.
                1. These were the people of Jehovah.
                2. Living in a theocratic form of Government. Clamoring
                   for mono- cratic.
                3. Opportunity to teach people that God still ruled.
        B. God promised to turn him into another man by the anointing of
           the Spirit.
        C. He was surrounded by a "band of men whose hearts God had
           touched."

III. HOW DID HE PLAY THE FOOL?
        A. Hiding on day of presentation.
        B. Pride.
                1. Jonathan smote the Philistines great slaughter and
                   Saul blew the  trumpet in Israel.
        C. Intrudes into priests office - Gilgal.
        D. Makes rash oath.
        E. Hatred of David.
        F. Sneaking out in night to seek help from witch. These are but
           symptoms  and manifestations of the true folly which lay
           deeper.

IV. THE TRUE FOLLY OF THE MAN.
        A. Failed to submit his life to the authority of God.
                1. "Thou hast done foolishly; thou hast not kept the
                    commandment of  the Lord the God."
                2. "Rebellion is as sin of witchcraft... because you have
                    rejected the  Word of the Lord..."

V. LESSONS TO LEARN.
        A. Advantages do not insure success.
        B. Opportunities do not crown a man.
        C. One thing is necessary:
                1. I must submit my life to God.
                2. The man who begins his life by submitting to the
                   authority of God  will never end his life by saying,
                   "I have played the fool."
        D. A man plays the fool when:
                1. He seeks to hide when God has called.
                2. He neglects his Christian friends.
                3. He intrudes into tasks uncalled.
                4. He disobeys God in the smallest matters.
                5. He attempts to justify the wrong he has done. "He
                   who seeks to  cover his sin..."
                6. He allows some hatred to master him.
        E. Have you been playing the fool?
        If your life is not totally submitted to God, that's folly.