1 Samuel 28 Bible Study - Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Nothing is more powerful than singing Doctrine truth and I

just praise God. That this is a church that loves

to sing the Bible. And not just to sing the Bible,

but to read the Bible and study the Bible, and that's where

you're going to do right now. And so meet me in first Samuel

28. You and I are coming to the

closing chapters of this wonderful, wonderful book and

only continue and the second. second book of Samuel, but we

still have much to learn. In this chapter is specially

because it is a very unique chapter, very unique for many

reasons. But before we get into these

verses, let us consider and be reminded of the previous chapter

our last study together. Explored the decision of a

discouraged. David Who made the foolish

decision to move with his family and his followers into the land

of the Philistines, and it's in for a same as 27, where we

learned that David was warmly greeted and welcomed by the

Philistines. And he was even given a town

called ziklag, and this town became somewhat of a

headquarters for him. And his band of men because they

would make secret raids against Israel's enemies and come back

with plunder and And possessions, and it seemed like

things were going very well, because he was prospering, and

he was at peace. And there seemed to be a

wonderful adaptation for David, but it would quickly turn sour

for this man. It would quickly go south

because one day, he is the king of the Philistines would

approach David and call him and his band of men to join him in a

battle against his own people. You will fight with me against

Israel. And look at the first two verses

of chapter 28, to see the response of David and those days

the Philistines gathered their forces for war to fight against

Israel. Now, he said to David,

understand that you and your men are to go out with me in the

Army. David said that he's very well.

You shall know what your servant can do and I he said to David

very well. I will make you my bodyguard for

life. When you read that, you should

be concerned. Because it seems like David is

entertaining the possibility of doing what he said.

He would never do. And that is touch the Lord's

anointed. And now, for a sudden, when the

invitation presents itself, David seems to give an answer

that he's willing to participate in this.

Now there's debate about David's response because it seems

ambiguous, right? It seems like it is open for

different interpretations. But here's the main point,

David's, David's lodging in Phyllis and the Philistine land.

Cause them to be placed in this very uncomfortable situation, to

even be tempted in this way is an uneasy thing in itself.

And the point is this, that no matter what kind of gained, he

thought, he might have acquired in Disobedience, whatever

profit, he thinks that he has made.

All of that was suddenly interrupted by a hefty bill.

Because sin has wages. and no matter how much we think we

might enjoy or Prosper, or feel replenish or whatever, the case

may be concerning our engagement with sin, there will be a bill

to pay and David was experiencing that here even

though he thought that he escaped the pestering Pursuits

of Saul and even though he found he was getting away getting away

with so much while living Behind Enemy Lines He was now forced to

compromise in a way that he never thought he would and

masterfully the author. The Holy Spirit.

Yes, leaves us with a cliffhanger because For the Rest

of chapter 28, we don't deal with David, we don't see him

until the next chapter. We're actually now returning to

solve the scene, shifts to the king of Israel.

And what we see is that this portion of scripture is very

important concerning Saul, because it is the last in-depth,

look that you and I will have of this man before he dies in

chapter 31. And what we see here are really

his final moments. Yes, there are his final final

moments but this is really, this is really the lowest point.

That's all is going to arrive at before.

He ultimately experiences, God's chastisement.

So, what do we have to learn in this chapter very much.

So, let us pay, careful attention, verse 3, Now, Samuel

had died. And all Israel had mourn for him

and buried him in Rama. His own City and saw had put the

mediums and the necromancers out of the land.

The Philistines assembled and came and a camp that shun them.

And saw gathered all Israel, they encamped out gilboa When

Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid and

his heart trembled greatly. And when Saul inquired of the

Lord, the Lord did not answer him either by dreams or by ear

Amor by prophets. Then Saul said to his servant

seek out for me, a woman who is a medium that I may go to her

and inquire of her. And his servants said to him

behold, there is a medium at Endor.

Let's examine these verses carefully.

Verse 3, we read that Samuel had died.

And that all Israel had mourned for him.

Is this the first time that we were told that Samuel had died?

No, this is the second time and there's a reason why we are told

the second time of something that we already know the first

time that we were told that Samuel had died.

Is because it, it was meant to connect to David.

In other words, Samuel was a great pillar of support to

David. And the first time we are told

that he was gathered to his people were supposed to feel

what David must have felt a sense of loss.

A sense of perhaps even despair. Maybe at least the temptation of

it, we don't know. But the whole point is that

David is David that he felt, as though this whole trial is going

to be much more Difficult with the loss of a voice in his life,

like Samuel. And when it is brought up again,

the second time, as we see here, it is not meant to connect the

David. It's meant to link to Saul.

It's meant to bring about a reaction from Saul and not just

a reaction but how it would play out for his predicament.

How Saul or rather Samuels death influence saws life at this

particular and pivotal time. Why.

Because for this Prophet, to have died means that there is no

voice for divine Council. There is no sense of guidance.

That Saul could have received, additionally.

What, it's all do, with all the priests of Israel.

He slaughtered them, he slaughtered them, except for

one, I'd be out there who ran away and escaped and went to

David. But essentially what he did by

doing that is he cut off another source of communication of of

being mediators between the people and God, only adding to

the Silence from heaven. For Saul.

And the people of Israel bring into a very, very vulnerable

Point as we are reading. Now, Saul is getting desperate

and that's the reason why we're told of Samuels death, and we're

going to see just how desperate he becomes.

But interestingly what do we read here?

And the same verse of verse 3. Look at the second part.

For some reason we're told that he had put the mediums and the

necromancers out of the land. This may surprise us, but this

is a favorable thing. This is a favorable light

concerning sauce character. Why because Saul doing this

meant that Saul was obeying God, that's what he was doing.

Because throughout the, the pentateuch throughout the law

God over and over, especially in The Vedic is had instructed that

there would be no necromancer's. No communicators with the dead.

No Sorcerers, no witches. No warlocks.

In fact, it was a sin. Punishable by Death.

And saw we are told here, drove them out.

He dealt with these Outlaws. Now, I believe and I'm sure you

would agree that this commentary of Saul's obedience was early on

in his Reign. It's very difficult to reconcile

this as a present Act of obedience, because Saul was just

losing it. So, I was under demonic

oppression, so, I was in total sin and he's approaching

apostasy Why is this verse important to consider?

Because you heard it. When we read, he's actually

going to call for a medium. He's going to call for a witch.

For guidance. And the point of this is that

whatever honor was left in Saul's, testimony is going to be

very much eclipsed. By form of Disobedience that he

is never entertained before. And it is in the arena of

Witchcraft, remember his Rebellion against God when he

didn't kill the amalekites. What were we told about that?

That his rebellion was as what Witchcraft, and now he's

actually going into witchcraft. And the idea here is that his

strong stance in this area, the strong conviction would be a

banded later on in life. Giving us a sobering lesson of

what of how lost someone can be. When they are disconnected from

a consistent walk with the Lord and his word.

What we once held as a non-negotiable conviction can

quickly become something that we are so willing to compromise at

another point in life. You do, you know how that

happens? It's a very simple formula.

It's a very simple formula. Choose to remove yourself from

the anchoring power of a discipline of being in God's

word, and in his presence. And time.

That's all you need. And there is no telling how the

Strong Winds of strange doctrines will toss somebody

into a direction that they never thought.

They would even Explore even doctrines that they once stood.

Against at one point in their lives, it is very scary.

It is very scary. How we are easily influence.

When we remove ourselves from the protection of being under

God's Authority, and his word, and his people, and his presence

on a daily basis. This is the fruit of Long-term

disconnection from God from a daily fellowship with him daily,

obedience to him. You end up doing things that you

once said you would never do once preached against and told

others not to do now, you're willing to embrace so closely to

your bosom. So what happens here?

first four were told that the Philistines assembled and he

realized here, That he's in trouble.

They have so infiltrated in the land, that he knows that he is,

he is outnumbered, he's out strengthened, he is going to be

killed. He feels that fear and the

separation between Saul's conviction.

And his current compromise is indeed a tragic site but we're

about to be told something that's much more horrific, even

more horrific than the fact that the army of the Philistines are

right at his front door. something is told here, his low

point is so low that as she calls out to God, There's no

answer. At first glance.

Look what it says here. It says here in verse 6 that

when he inquired of the Lord, that's a good sign.

Isn't it prayers? Good seeking.

God is good. That first impression that might

seem so. Because we are so familiar with

the wonderful mercies and Promises of God.

That when we call upon Him, He will hear us.

And when we seek him, we will find him.

And when we humble ourselves, he is willing to manifest himself.

So this is good for Saul until we realize that he received no

answer. Not only that look how strong

this languages. The Lord did not answer him

either by dreams or by our mm or by profits.

That's another way of saying that God, slammed every door in

Saul's face. When he heard his voice, Saul

refused rather God, refused to answer them by any Avenue

possible. And all he received was

deafening Silence from heaven. How?

What about those wonderful promises and prayer?

What about other kings throughout first?

And second Kings, who are very Wicked?

Very, very evil. But in a moment of humility

pause and sought the Lord and God got answered them and he

provided a measure of Grace when they learn about their fate

because of their evil, seems like that is totally unavailable

to Saul. And we have to understand why.

Sauce case is unique but it is very possible for it to be

repeated today and it has been replicated throughout history.

You want to see something even more?

Perhaps, confusing, go to 1st Chronicles in your Bibles.

And look at chapter 10, look at the commentary of Saul.

And that book and to the skeptic into the unbelieving, this would

be a text to prove a contradiction in the Bible, but

to the believing, they would realize that this is a text

that's going to provide great grade revelation You going

there, right? First Chronicles, chapter 10,

1 Chronicles 10:13

verse 13. I would love for you to see it

in your own Bibles. Look what it says here as the

author. Reminds us.

Of this man's death. So Saul died for his breach of

Faith. He broke Faith with the Lord and

that he did not keep the command of the Lord and also consulted,

a medium seeking guidance. We know that.

But look at the next part. He did not seek guidance from

the Lord, hold on. Are you sure?

Is anybody's translation say something else verse 14 says

very plain and clear. He did not seek guidance from

the Lord therefore the Lord put him to death and turn the

kingdom over to David. The son of Jesse.

Well you just read it, verse 6 of first name is 28 and when

salt inquired of the lord? Well, which one is it?

Did he inquired? Did he not contradiction?

No, a setup for great insight. Why didn't the Lord answer song?

That's the first question. Here it is because God doesn't

answer all prayer. He doesn't.

In fact, God doesn't even hear all prayer.

Nevermind answer. The scripture tells us that in

Proverbs 28:9, if one turns away his ear from hearing the law,

Proverbs 28:9

pay attention. If one turns away, his ear from

hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

Even his prayer that sacred act, that that posture of humility is

regarded. As you know, what an Abomination

is that is a very serious word. God uses that word for specific

gross, vile sins. And yet the Holy Spirit ascribes

Abomination, to prayer when it is done in a certain way.

Why didn't god listen to saw? Because Saul didn't listen to

God. It's as simple as that

throughout all of Saul's life main, his mainly, his lack of

the latter part of his ministry. Actually.

Most of his ministry, God had extended Mercy, rebuke

chastisement sparing of his life and all Saul did every single

time. Was SWAT away, God's hand.

And want nothing to do with him and only continue in his

stubbornness. And so there is a deliberate

turning away from God's word. He knew what God's will was and

over and over he despised it rejected, it try to manipulate

it and when it came to the time for him to ask God, God said,

why should I Why should I now? We hang on there because Because

that might seem like God doesn't respond to Brokenness and

Desperation but that's not Sol's.

Attitude. Is it, is there any sign of a

penitent heart here? Is there any sign of repentance

here? Absolutely, not.

Absolutely, not always seesaw. Here is asking God for some

Supernatural favor for the sake of self-preservation.

Saul is seeking the Lord with no intention of changing.

No intention of being conformed. No intention of being reproved.

No intention of becoming a different man saw.

Just wanted some Transcendent assistance so that he can be

spared and that he can continue to live on the way he was

living. So then when you connect that

understanding to First Chronicles, 10:13, where we are

told that saw did not seek guidance, from the Lord, you

know, what, the spirit of God is saying through that.

Saul's prayer was such an Abomination to God that it's as

though he didn't. Pray at all.

Saul seeking of God was, was such a hopeless cause it's as

though he didn't even do it, that's how deaf God's ear was to

Saul's prayer. And I want to tell you

something, I don't know about you.

That's more frightening to me than standing before an army

who's against me. But that's unfortunately, where

he's at. The fact that he goes and seeks

a, which afterwards shows that he is not a man who's concerned

about God's righteous will, he wants God to perform his will.

And when he didn't get it from God, I'm going to get it from

someone else. And that proves that he was a

man that did not concern himself with God's ways.

And you. And I Can be assured that if we

deliberately disobeyed something, and God convicts us

and he shows us and he reveals it to us.

We cancel any privilege and prayer.

We forfeited. I can we can spend the next half

an hour going verse of the reefs throughout the whole Bible of

how this principle is true is true but we don't want to be

that kind of person. We can be assured that we have

an open Heaven throughout our lives, if we, but simply do one

thing and that is tremble at God's word, tremble, at his word

and obey, everything that he has to say, in to submit ourselves,

in every aspect of life. We will then inherit something

glorious and that is God's ear towards our cry.

Let me prove that to you. There is a king who cried out to

God. And God heard him because he

cried out to him in a specific way that King is one of my

favorite Kings, King Josiah. Israel was so bad.

At that time, that when Josiah had the priest come into the

house of God to clean it. They found a book.

It was the book of the law, but they were so far from from

walking, and God's ways, I didn't even recognize it.

And so they come up to the king, they said we found a book.

Can you imagine that? Can you imagine a Bible being so

ignored that apparently a church sees a Bible?

Like, what is this? That's how bad it was for

Israel. And as they read out the law joe

side, rips his robes and great humility.

He just breaks before God and before God's people and look how

the Lord answers Josiah, I want you to just hear this, it's in

Second Kings 22:19 Look. What the Lord says about Josiah

2 Kings 22:19

and second Kings. 22, 19 and compare it to Saul.

Because your heart was penitent and you humbled yourself before

the Lord. When you heard how I spoke

against this place and against its inhabitants, that they

should become a desolation and a curse.

And you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have

heard you You see, I also have heard you declares the Lord.

The way you responded to my word.

Determines how I will respond to your word.

That is the order. It was true.

Then it is true today, your attitude, and your reverence

towards the word of God will affect your prayer life.

It will, it will it will reflect and affect how you experience

the goodness of God through prayer.

It's when you say people say I love to pray but I don't love

the Bible. That's a dangerous thing to

entertain because God has conditions and there are certain

things in his word that he requires before prayer, can even

be a possibility. Saw was a man who proved

otherwise when we can spend the rest of this Bible study,

exploring that but let's continue this.

Continue on. Verse 7 and first saying at 28,

he said to his servant seek out for me, a woman who is a medium

that I may go to her and inquire over?

What a sad place to be, man. This is extremely disappointing.

But what's more disappointing is the Insight in The Following

part of the verse and his servants set to and behold,

there is a medium at Endor. What does that reveal?

There's anybody there may have an idea what that shows.

Yeah, the servants themselves showed no hesitation and Saul's

request to actually inquire of a medium.

That's that's a very concerning thing.

Anything else? Ah, so we're told earlier that

he put the mediums in the necromancers, out of the land.

How did the servants know where witches and the land?

That's all do. What he was supposed to do and

cleansing the land. You can argue.

Yes, you can argue. No, but what I see here and

those are great answers. is that these men by revealing where

the, which is Prove their own spiritual condition, and it's

actually an indictment against Al's leadership.

Why? Because these men are only

imitating what they have seen over the years.

These men are only the product really of observing partial

obedience in their leader. And so, what do you expect from

them? It's no surprise that they don't

fully obey themselves. That shows me that even though

salt, enforce, this law throughout the land, the

servants knew Find a which, which tells me.

You're either entertaining that sin.

Or you tolerated that sin. And I believe these servants saw

a man who didn't truly follow God.

Then it truly fear God in every aspect and so they themselves

thought it was okay, it was okay to entertain just just just a

sliver of it and Saul's inconsistency is so severe here

that there is no reaction to him based on the fact that these men

know where to find a medium. He is unmoved.

He's like whatever. Here's the point that I want to

make. The greatest power.

For discipleship. Is not.

Preaching, it's not enforcing its not pointing its modeling

the thing that you say others should obey.

It's as simple as just being a consistent follower of Christ by

the grace of God and letting others watch you.

And then imitate what they see being lived out before them.

And there is nothing more destructive to whatever laws you

might impose on others or in yourself.

If that is not fully kept or it has not kept in another area.

And Saul is seeing that and I would say these servants are not

completely off the hook, they're not just victims of poor

leadership. They themselves should have

proven their loyalty to God by standing up against the king and

saying, what are you thinking? This is not what God asked us.

This is goes directly flies in the face of what God demands

from us, but no such thing. No such thing.

So saws even suffering from the product of his own leadership

because now, these servants are telling him and encourage him to

sin. Be careful who you get counsel

from. What happens?

Look at verse 8. So, solve disguised himself and

put on other garments and went, he and two men with him and they

came to the woman by night, they came to the woman by night.

And he said, Divine for me by his spirit and bring up for me.

Whomever I shall name to you. So saw here changes his clothes,

he disrobes himself from his Royal garments.

And although that may seem like a shady strategy actually says

more. It speaks of the shift in his

identity saw now has crossed the line that he's never crossed

before. Yes he was disobedient

rebellious inconsistent but now he is becoming an apostate.

He is denying the truth and one of the most abominable ways

possible He is seeking guidance from a supernatural Force, who

is not God. And that is a violation to God's

character and his prerogative. So he disguises himself and what

he's about to find out his, no matter how much he thought that

he can hide himself from this which because it wouldn't help

if he came in as the king. She knows that he put everyone

to death for doing such a thing. So he wants to hide himself, he

wants to disclose his identity, but what's so funny, is that in

this very same scene, he's going to be discovered, You Can't

Hide, You Can't Hide no matter what you do, no matter where you

do it. No matter what time of the

night, it is No matter what layers, you put on, no matter

what kind of screen you're behind you and I cannot hide.

God, is a master at hide and seek and no matter how clever

you and I think we may be he will always find us out.

Always, And he goes by Night. How telling right?

Evil loves Darkness, evil loves Darkness.

There's no wonder why I crime intensifies during the night

hours. It's not just because you are

more able to hide your identity, it's because it also parallels.

The spiritual darkness. That people love.

They hate the light, not just physical light, but spiritual

light because it exposes their deeds of Darkness.

It's a salt clothes himself and he comes at night and he comes

to this unnamed woman. And he makes a request.

Bring up a spirit for me. And look what she says.

Verse 9, the woman said to him, surely you know what Saul has

done? How he has cut off the mediums

and the necromancers from the land?

Why then are you laying a trap for my life to bring about my

death? I have a question for you.

Is this woman righteous? Good.

Why? While she's not sinning, she

doesn't want to send. She showing hesitation not to

sin, so why isn't she righteous? Haha.

Very good. The motivation.

What is her fear? What is her fear that her life

would be cut off? That's all would discover her,

and that she would be put to death.

Punishment, judicial punishment has been instituted by God.

Because in his wisdom, he knows that in order for life to be

livable and to put a restraint on wickedness, being rampant in

society, Sinners need to fear. Sinners need to be afraid.

And so God even from Genesis has established her in-laws?

And he established capital punishment, that might conflict

with some people's political views.

But what's the idea there? The idea there is that he must

enforce drastic consequences. Less our culture becomes.

So overwhelmed by the sins of people that you wouldn't even be

able to step out of your front door at night or even during the

day. But fear of punishment is not

God's ultimate desire. For us to uphold righteousness.

That's not God's ultimate goal. That's not.

There is a great term. There is a greater motivation

and it is inspired by the work of the Holy Spirit.

One of the differences between a Christian and an unbelieving

person. In their dealing with sin is

that when the Holy Spirit comes in to a Blood Washed Born Again,

child of God that individual will be motivated not to sin

even though there is no threat to their reputation.

To their resources. Or to the relationships.

You understand what I'm saying? The Holy Spirit, provoke

something, so great within the child of God, that even though

that person could sin and seem to get away with every

consequence and be untainted by any punishment, they would still

not do it. If there's Spirit-filled, at

least, why? Because that's the miraculous

consequence of the new birth. The Holy Spirit, Soul transforms

a heart, making a Believer slow to sin for the sole reason that

they do not want to make their savior sad.

That's the sole reason believer. If you're only reason not to sin

is because you don't want to pay a consequence in this life,

whether again, it's with your reputation, your resources or

your relationships. You and I are no different than

the witch from Endor. That makes sense.

There are sinners, who don't sin, their unbelieving, people

who don't do certain things to have a form of goodness, but

what's the motive for it? The distinction is not just

whether somebody's sins or not is why?

Why? And Joseph pre 10 commandments

pre indwelling of the Holy Spirit could say in the secrecy

of a room with a beautiful woman, how can I do this evil

against, who God? now that man could come to that

conclusion before the New Covenant, how much more you and

I I really believe when Jesus said that the road is narrow.

I really believe he meant it. this woman here is not choosing

to do wrong, but for the wrong reason, if you and I do not have

that Supreme desire, if there is no hesitation to our Temptation,

that points, to how can I do this against my Lord, we have to

ask yourself some serious questions of the work of the

holy spirit in our lives. Something interesting is about

to happen though. Saul falsely assures her in

verse 10. He swore to her, by the Lord, as

the Lord lives. No punishment shall come upon

you for this thing. Then the woman said, whom shall

I bring up to you? You can just feel the suspense

of this moment. I'm curious to know.

Has anybody never read this chapter?

Just lift your hand? There's no shame.

I just want to know. It's fine.

Everybody else here has read this chapter.

Okay, so you know what's coming. When the woman verse 12 saw

Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice.

And the woman said to Saul, why have you deceived me?

I love that. Like the first thing that she

says, is your soul. We don't know how that came

about. I don't know if Samuel said

something to her and we didn't have it recorded, but she

discovered it, your saw, he doesn't care.

The king said to her, do not be afraid.

What do you see in the woman said to Saul?

I see a god coming out of the earth.

He said to her, what is his appearance?

And she said an old man is coming up and he is wrapped in a

robe and saw knew that it was Samuel.

And look at this. He bowed with his face to the

ground. At paid homage kind of laid.

You think? Why don't you do that while he

was alive? He was alive, you ripped his

robe, and now that he's dead. You want to Bow before him and

show respect. It's really a picture of how

people will bow before Christ when it's too late.

They will not bow. Out of adoration, they will bow

because they have to And that bowing at that time, that has

been prophesied in Isaiah and Philippians will mean nothing

concerning their spiritual condition and their Eternal

destination just like Saul. It's too late.

There's gonna be a little debate here because this text is highly

controversial. It seems to suggest some

theological ideas that are difficult to grasp.

And the main debate is around the idea of whether or not the

spirit that this woman summoned was in fact saw or someone else

or something else. I'm curious to know where you

stand who would say here that this is not solved.

This is an impersonation, this is a hallucination. this is,

something or someone other than the real person who would say,

yeah, okay. This is not a Salvation issue so

you don't have to be scared. Nor is it a membership

qualification? Who believes that?

This is actually Samuel. Okay.

Some of you have attended a previous Bible study, where we

talked about this briefly Great minds.

Great. Men of God have argued about

this and they still do. I want to give you three reasons

why I believe it is actually Samuel.

First, look at the reaction of The Woman verse 12, when the

woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice.

Notice only later on, do you realize it wasn't because she

saw Samuel because she couldn't identify Samuel, she didn't even

know. It was Samuel saw had to ask for

the description. The sketch of the man and then

only after she described it, that's all affirm that, it was

in fact, Samuel, she was startled by the fact that

someone showed up strange reaction to someone who claims

to be in contact with the dead. Don't you think?

On a regular basis, if that's your business and you react like

that, I'm questioning if you're the real thing.

She's a fraud. She's a fraud, this is a hoax

and it could be that like many people.

She just placed tricks and she's a great actress.

It could be I'm not nullifying the fact that people can tap

into demonic spirits and communicate with them.

But this is very, very revealing the fact that she cries out in

this way in total shock. Why are you so shocked?

Aren't you supposed to expect this?

If I make a request, that's why I came here.

And so why are you so startled? This eliminates the argument

that this is a hallucination, like, some would claim.

This eliminates that she is pretending to see somebody and

she's just playing a game with Saul.

That is not the fact of the matter.

Secondly, this is not the strongest point, but it's a

point to consider notice here the appearance of Samuel

described and acknowledged by Saul.

So, once he asked for what she sees, she gives a description

and he receives the affirmation that he needs.

That this is, in fact, the man, that he knew throughout his life

specifically that robe, that rolled that unique robe that our

profit will wear and maybe it was the same rope that.

He even had a hand on and rip the piece off.

Again, I don't think that's the strongest argument because I

want to make a point here. Demons can impersonate.

They can replicate, they can pair it.

And I believe that's what's going on with much of what we

see with these spiritist and these TV shows and all these

things where people try to get into contact with dead family

members. It's demonic.

Satan himself. Masquerades as an angel of

Light, he can he can look like something else.

And I believe demons can can do that.

They study Humanity, they observed, they listen, And so

what makes us think that it's so difficult for a demon to appear

to somebody who's obviously tapped into the wrong spiritual

realm, and to appear in a certain way for what purpose

will to do, what demons do lie and deceive.

But what advantage is that? What what advantage is that if I

seek a spirit has to say, I've missed my grandpa so much can

you ask and see if he's okay? Now that sounds silly but I want

to tell you how damning it can be. and so here's a spirit of

who does what she does or what he does and channels and then

describe something a characteristic of what this

person would only know, concerning Grandpa, Following

with this, your grandpa is in a good place and he wants to let

you know, he's at peace and Grandpa never gave his life to

Jesus Christ. What kind of false hope is that?

Here's a person who walks away thinking that they're in a

better place because some Demon appeared to lie to somebody

skewing their understanding of what's awaiting us when we die.

So again that I bring that up to say that the visualization and

the description of the person may not be the strongest case,

but it's connected to the third point.

It's what it's what Samuel says. Let's read it, briefly, shall

we? Yes.

Hang tight. Great observation.

We're going to see the answer to how this happened in a moment.

Look at verse 16 and Sanyo said, why then do you ask me since the

Lord has turned from you and become your enemy?

The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me for the Lord has

torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your

neighbor David. Because you did not obey the

voice of the Lord and did not carry out.

His Fierce wrath against a Mal amalek.

Therefore, the Lord has done this thing to you this day.

Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the

hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you.

And Sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of

Israel. Also into the hand of the

Philistines. Does that sound like a deceptive

spirit? Does that sound like I mean,

just ask the question, what would Satan or any of his

minions? What kind of Advantage would

they have by saying what they just said?

It's only a confirmation. What was said, while Samuel was

alive, it was a pronouncement of judgment.

It was in fact, a prophetic word.

That was fulfilled. The next day.

And so the very content, the very the very monologue here.

I believe proves furthermore that this is in fact, Samuel,

How? This mere mortal have the

ability to disrupt those who have passed on into the next

round, which our dear sister pointed out.

And the question is a legitimate one and the answer I hope is

understandable. No there's only one who has the

keys to death. What's Happening Here is that

God made an exception. It was a unique instance.

And this is not the only time where the Lord has brought the

righteous from the other world into this world.

Can you think of a time in the gospel of Matthew Mount of

transfiguration, who was there with Jesus?

Very good, very good. And so, God, in his wisdom, and

unique instances has justifiable reasons why he would do, what

only he can do. No man.

Has the ability know which has the ability.

That's why she was so shocked. To actually bring the righteous

from their arrest. If that was the case, imagine

that happening all the time, I can imagine happening all the

time. Imagine somebody was connected

to the devil could reach and deal with those who have passed

on in such a way. The very fact that this woman

responds in This Way shows that she realized that this is a

Divine Act. He appears.

For what reason, we just read it to pronounce judgment upon upon

Saul. And not just that I believe it

is a veiled Act of Mercy. Availed Act of Mercy.

How so well, if you were told that you were going to die

tomorrow and you were not in a good place with God, when do you

think that that heads-up would help you prepare to meet with

your God? You would hope so.

You would hope that the fact that this actually occurred that

this actually came about would cause would cause saw though,

his Fate has been sealed to spend, whatever waking moment,

he had to be broken before God. And to make sure that no matter

how much he has messed up throughout his life, he would be

ready to meet the one. that he is disobey, but was willing to

forgive And guess what? He doesn't.

He doesn't. Makes you wonder if that rich

man in Jesus teaching about hell had this story in mind when he

requested Abraham and Lazarus who was in his bosom.

Would you would you just send someone from the dead to tell my

brother's to repent? What did Jesus say, if they

won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't listen to

anybody who rises from the dead and funny.

Enough, a man by the name of Lazarus rises from the dead, and

guess what? The Pharisees wanted to do kill

him. Are you safe today?

Praise God for that miracle in your life.

Because even if somebody comes from the dead we can be.

So harbored in sin, so proud so arrogant that we would still not

even choose to give our hearts to Christ.

It's a frightening sight. so, if you disagree with my analyzation

of this being actually Samuel, Debate about it afterwards,

argue righteously, if you have questions, come see me, but we

must move on. Samuel appears.

Look at Sol's reaction of verse 20.

And Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled,

with fear because of the words of Samuel and there was no

strength in him, free had eaten, nothing all day and all night.

Almost feel bad for the man. He just slips out of his seat

and lays there, like a little child realizing that he's going

to die tomorrow. If you knew you were going to

die tomorrow, would you slip out of your chair?

Would you be ready? Look at the woman that she like

turns from a witch to like a mother, the woman came to saw

and when she saw that he was terrified.

She said to me, behold your servant as obeyed you, I've

taken my life in my hand. I've listened to what you have

said to me. Now, therefore you also be your

servant. Let me set a morsel of bread

before you and eat that. You may have strength when you

go on your way, he refused. He said, I will not eat but a

servant's together with the woman urged him and he listen to

their words. So, he arose from the earth and

sat on the bed. And what did she do?

She feeds him. He received some strength.

He takes these men with him. And they go back into that black

night. Who knows what was running

through his mind. I could only imagine that it was

sheer Terror. but what I like to point out from here, is that the

witch The which we obviously saw a man who realize his Dreadful

destination. Attempted to console him, but it

was a failure. Why she saw the physical need

but she didn't realize the spiritual one.

And so, what did she do? She saw the temporary and she

ministered to that. Saul's ultimate need wasn't

another meal. It was to be renewed, in his

spirit is to be transformed. It was to be forgiving.

It was to be restored and reconciled to God, this witch,

who couldn't even understand that this was Samuel.

When she saw him, shows you how disconnected she was from the

righteous while Samuel was alive.

Also could not perceive what saw actually needed in this moment

and that was salvation. And if she really, really had a

hint of righteousness, she would not have made the food, a

priority, she would have made spiritual food, a priority.

As one preacher said, it's better to have one restless

night with conviction than 1,000 restless nights and sleepless

nights in hell. And I would borrow that and say

it's better for salt to go hungry and to get right with

God. That the go where most people

believe he went after he died. And share that thirst with the

rich man who just wanted a drop of water on his lips.

She's a picture of the world. The world is not concerned about

your Eternal State. The world is not concerned about

where you go. After this life, all they offer.

You is morsels of bread for today.

And for tomorrow, all they offer you satisfaction for the moment.

All the offer, use replenishment strength For the brief 60, 70,

80 years. If that as you journey through

this life, But they will never do what only Jesus can do and

they never offer what only Jesus can offer and there was a time

where there are people who love Jesus because he gave them some

physical bread. And as I read this, my mind

raced to John 627, where Jesus looked at this crowd of people

who wanted him to be king because they thought, man, if we

make him King, we never have to buy anything.

We don't have to go to the grocery store.

We don't have to worry about nothing.

We want you to be king and Jesus says, do not work for the food

that perishes But for the food that endures for eternal life,

which the son of man will give to you for on him.

God the father has set his seal. You want bread, I didn't come

here to bake. I didn't come here to make you

more financially comfortable. I came here to offer, you a food

that only the son of man can give.

Would you ask for it? Saul's pathetic condition here

is just like the world. They go to those who claim to

have answers even answers from another world, and all they

receive is a meal for the night when they will face A Thousand

Years. Ten billion years.

Empty and suffering. So tonight, I want to ask you

and close of this Bible study. If you receive the bread from

Jesus, not the bread of this world.

Have you determined within yourself that you are satisfied

in Jesus Christ Alone that you sought him for a bread?

That does not perish. That does not fail you the next

day and you need another, another load something that just

deals with you once and for all if not, It's free.

It's actually free. You can walk out of here, full

in a way that can even overshadow, whatever emptiness

you feel physically, even actual physical hunger, you can Soul,

no, a joy in Christ like Jesus, new and serving the father, then

when he was actually hungry and the disciples came to give him

food, he just finished evangelizing a woman and she

went to go and is about to spread Revival and they said,

hey there's food for you goes out how I'm actually not hungry.

Serving God can be so fulfilling that it even even can Eclipse

Physical hunger at times. Some of you have known that,

that's how powerful This Joy is this rest is.

And if you don't have it, Christ Alone can give it.

Christ Alone can offer it. And maybe you're not a Christian

in this place. I would ask you to talk to the

Lord your lord and asked him. Lord, I'm empty.

I know that what this man is speaking about I don't have and

I need it and you get it by repenting and trusting in the

Lord Jesus Christ you get it by. Admitting not like Saul claiming

you have a prayer life but not repenting that conforming to the

word of God. You admit that you've broken

God's law that you have disobeyed him that you will

stand before him Tea and you say, Lord, I realized that the

same time that you forgiven me on that cross.

And I ask that you would forgive me and wash me afresh.

And Lord, give me this breath that.

You spoke about. No, give it You'll never hunger

again. Can I tell you something?

Encouraging, I ate that breath. 10 years ago.

I'm still full. I'm still full 10 years ago

before that I was in the buffet of the world trying this and

trying that and it tasted good for the moment.

But just like much junk, it tends to turn its back on you

later. On one day there is that bread

from Heaven Christ himself. There's such a desperation in my

life and I smelt that righteousness in that Holiness,

and that Purity in that love, I want this bread and I ate it by

God's grace. I'm still full.

You can do the same. I can't give it Pastor Daniel

Bennett, can't give it the worship.

Team can give it your dad. Can't give it.

Your mom, can't give it your girlfriend boyfriend, fiance

none Christ himself, go directly to him and he will come and deal

with that emptiness in your heart.

Let's pray. We thank you for the Living Word

of God. We feel fed by your grace we

ask. Oh Lord that these things would

not be forgotten, it would be remembered They would be

remembered for the sake of obedience, not for the sake of

parroting truths. Low, we want this war to deal

with us and to transform us Lord.

We thank you for this wonderful lesson.

We pray that it would be more than a lesson, it would be a

life-altering power in our lives. we thank you o God that

you hear us even now, You hear those who tremble at your word

and we tremble tonight. Lord, for those who might not

know you in this place, let this evening.

Be the turning point And may they know this bread from

Heaven, who is Jesus? May they know that fulfillment

that only comes by faith in him. And Lord we just pray that as we

heard before the service, even began the Bible study.

That all of us who came in here in a certain way, with leave

healed replenished. Comforted encourage built up and

perhaps even convicted of necessary.

Do that work in each of us? We believe, oh God, that you've

spoken, but we don't want to leave here.

We don't want to leave here the same way.

And so between now and the dismissal of the service load

of, there's anything that still needs to be dealt with in our

hearts. Would you speak to our hearts?

As we meditate on? What we heard, we trust that you

will in Jesus name. Amen.