This sermon describes the many faces of false loyalty. It can be manifested as false generosity and false compassion (for example socialism). It can give the impression of loyalty while destroying loyalty (Oliver Wendell Holmes book, The Common Law, is an example). It can destroy covenant relationships while giving the illusion of faithfulness (eg., no divorce, but no passion to fulfill the marriage vows). It can be blind to its own deceitfulness while accusing others of disloyalty. Once false loyalty is recognized in its many disguises, we can more effectively guard our hearts against it. This sermon is yet another call to God-centeredness in all our covenant relationships.
A Course in Practical Christianity, By King David
From shepherd boy to warrior king, David's life story is the story of sin, grace, and spiritual power at work in every area of life: Battles with giants. Leadership. Betrayal. Bad authorities. Sexual sin. Repentance. Spiritual warfare. Friendship and conflict. Rebellious kids. Politics. Relationships between men and women. Falling and redemption.
David's saga teaches us about just war, voting ethics, victim's rights, re-training your conscience, using imprecatory Psalms, how the demonic affects Christians, and how and when to practice civil disobedience. While Saul models how to be the impressive Christian-on-your-own-terms that God rejects, David shows us to live life — all of it — as a very-human man after God's own heart.