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Now the Philistines are gathering to fight against Israel. David has been living among the Philistines, but running his own campaigns, still fighting the LORD’s battles, while serving a Philistine commander. But now David will be expected to fight his own people. It’s been over a decade since David slew Goliath, so David may not be an obvious hero to some younger Philistines. However, some of the older crowd do recognize him.
Achish is either not very bright, or he’s chomping at the bit to utilize this war hero under his command. But some clearer thinking Philistine “influencers” – leaders – make a reasonable case against David fighting on their side.
Achish brings the news back to David that he and his men are dismissed and should return to Ziklag in the morning. David pretends to be shocked because he can’t let Achish know he’s happy about this. That would certainly create questions. In the morning, David and his men return to Ziklag.
You need to care about your reputation
- Some of you are so spiritual you don’t care what others think about you. Some of you are so carnal you don’t care what others think about you. Do you reflect Christ? You need to care about your reputation because you care about Jesus Christ’s reputation.
- David’s reputation was faultless (vs 3), warrior (vs 5), upright (vs 6), and good (vs 9).
- 1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
- Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
- Abstain from all appearance of evil. That’s reputation.
- Here’s how you guard your reputation, obey God publicly. I’m not talking about being a hypocrite, I’m talking about people who are scared to obey God publicly.
- Care about God’s work in your life early. Notice what the Philistines said in verse 5. They made reference to something David had done as a teenager.
Your reputation will either deliver you or entrap you
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- David’s testimony keeps him out of trouble.
- Some of you are an easy target to the world. Your reputation gets you into trouble instead of keeping you out of it. You wonder why you keep ending up in temptations and situations that hurt you. A lot of it has to do with what people think about you. People know you’ll participate with them in this sin.
- My time in the corporate world.
- Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Your reputation will be used by God
- All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose.
- The qualifiers are to love God and be called according to his purpose. Do you think those are secret things? That a person who loves God in secret and is working out God’s purpose between you and the wall? No. Love God, called according to his purpose, these are all public things.
- David is very public in these matters. Consequently, the LORD makes sure David is seen by influential Philistines who will not want him on their side.
