## Jonathon an Example

## I Samuel 14:1-23

Read: 1 Sa. 13:1-7; 19-23;

I. He Was A Man Of Action v1-5

A. He was determined to do a job (1)

1. No doubt he still remembered the victory he had earlier.

2. All too often, when we are faced with a new and difficult task we tend to forget our past victories.

3. The fact that the odds were in favor of the Philistines did not deter him from wanting to do battle.

B. He was not discouraged by others (2)

1. A great number of the Hebrews had deserted. Cf. 13:6

2. Saul himself was sitting down under a pomegranate tree.

3. There were only 600 men left of what had been an army of 3000 soldiers.

4. If we continually look at others, we will easily become discouraged.

5. Looking at others, we can always find a reason not to do the job.(whether it be preachers, churches, or individuals)

C. His departure was quiet and simple (3)

1. He never bragged about what he was going to do.

2. He never tried to draw attention to himself or his task.

3. In fact, no one even knew he was gone.

D. He never let difficulties stop him from doing what he set out to do. (4-5)

1. He could have turned around and went back.

2. No one but he and his armor-bearer would have known that he had failed.

3. No one would have questioned his courage, Because he had tried.

4. But, instead of seeing these as stumbling blocks, he saw them as stepping-stones to victory!

II. He Was A Man Of Faith. v6-11

A. He encouraged the faith of others. (6-7)

1. Never a doubting word came out of his mouth.

2. He was ready to do the job, and maybe God would help.

3. He encouraged the armor-bearer with regard to the capabilities of the Lord.

4. He told him that the Lord can save by many or by a few.

5. God doesn't operate by the odds.

6. Note: in verse 7 we see that the armor-bearer's faith was encouraged indeed!

B. He didn't just talk about faith, he walked in it. (v8-11)

1. He said let's show ourselves to the Philistines.

2. Now that took faith!

3. He determined a method of knowing God's will in the matter.

4. When they stepped out from their cover, they stepped out by faith.

5. Anytime up to this point they could have turned back, but now they were totally committed.

6. Many Christians want to serve God without making a total commitment. Illus: hog & chicken for world hunger

7. Many want to do the work while hiding behind the rocks, but it just cannot be done that way.

III. He Was A Man Of Courage v12-16

A. He waited until he knew the will of God in the matter. (12)

1. I wonder how many blessings we miss out on, and how many battles we lose because we do not wait upon God?

2. He could easily have jumped out and let feelings rule, especially after what the Philistines had said. Cf. V11b

3. He never hesitated to step out once he knew God's will.

4. He took the lead, he told his armor-bearer to come up after him.

5. He stepped out declaring the victory before the first blow had been struck!

B. He trusted God for the victory (13-14)

1. He didn't wait for God to miraculously win the battle.

2. He jumped out with-sword in hand.

3. He would knock them to the ground and his armor-bearer would finish them off.

4. When the fighting was over, twenty Philistines were dead.

5. These twenty men made up an outpost of the Philistines.

C. God did His part. (15-16)

1. He caused an earthquake to happen.

2. This caused mass confusion and the Philistines were killing each other.

3. All of this was being watched by Saul's spies as they observed the Philistine camp.

IV. He Was A Man Of Victory v17-23

A. Discovery was made. (17-19)

1. Saul, because of the earthquake, numbered the people.

2. When he realized that Jonathon and his armor-bearer were gone he called for a priest.

3. Because of all the commotion coming from the Philistine camp, Saul made ready for battle.

B. Dividends were realized. (20-22)

1. Leadership was encouraged.

2. Deserters returned to the army.

3. Cowards became involved in the battle and victory came.

4. All of this because of one man's faith and determination.

C. The Divine Victor is acknowledged. (23)

1. There was no doubt as to the One who really brought about the victory that day.

2. But God works through men.

(John 15:5) "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

(Phil 4:13) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

3. Without him I can do nothing, but I can do all things through Him!

4. What a great promise!

We need to be like Jonathon

- A Man Of Action
- A Man Of Faith
- A Man Of Courage

Only then can we know the joy of Victory.

Too often we want the victory, but we aren't willing to pay the price. What battles are your fighting today? What victories would you like to see? Remember the example of Jonathon and let God bring you to victory for His honor and glory!