Today’s Reading: 1 Sam 18:1–19:24, James 5:13–20, Ps 120:1–7

Today’s Theme: Restoration

Our main theme today is restoration. We learn about the enemies of restoration like fear and the tools that lead to restoration such as confession.

1 Samuel 18:1–19:24

Fear, the enemy of restoration

Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. 1 Samuel 18:12, ESV

Saul allowed himself to be tormented by fear rather than learning from David’s life, humbling himself and seeking restoration.

One of the reasons Saul was driven by fear was the fact that he was self absorbed and his motivation and vision only went as far as “what do the people think of me” and “I want to be the most loved by the people”. With this in mind it is no wonder the favour David was shown by the people helped turn Saul against him.

We can learn not to be like Saul from this. We must not be driven by the fear and superficial things of this world. If we are not walking as we should, we must not allow our fear and pride to drive us even further away from God and His purpose. Instead we should humble ourselves before God.

God, who is sovereign even over demons, will even hand you over to Satan to discipline you, wake you up and save your soul. Your response should be to realise you need mercy and help, you need restoration. See 1 Corinthians 5:5 and 1 Timothy 1:20.

James 5:13–20

Confession, the doorway to restoration

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16, ESV

Confession of our faults is the doorway to restoration between each other and between ourselves and God.

We need to humble ourselves in confession and then the prayer said in faith is not hindered. We will see both physical and spiritual restoration.

Seek restoration for others

let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. James 5:20, ESV

We should seek the restoration of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should not only be concerned about our own souls, but the souls of others as well.

Psalm 120:1–7

Cry out to God

In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. Psalm 120:1–2, ESV

When we are in distress we should cry out to God for help. God is able to deliver us from the schemes of men and devils.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on James 5