Dealing with Baggage

I. THE BAGGAGE BROUGHT (1 Samuel 22:1-2)

A. The Nature of the Baggage

1. Those in distress
2. Those in debt
3. Those discontented

B. The Responsibility for the Baggage

1. Government
2. Failed civilization
3. Parental failure
4. Self-inflicted

C. The Number with Baggage

1. “Every one”
2. About four hundred men
3. Later “about six hundred” (1 Samuel 23:13)

II. THE BAGGAGE UNVEILED (1 Samuel 24:1-8)

A. The Desire of Saul (1 Samuel 24:1-2)

1. He heard that David was in the wilderness of Engedi (1 Samuel 24:1).
2. He took 3,000 chosen men (1 Samuel 24:2).
3. He went to seek David and David’s men (1 Samuel 24:2).

B. The Desire of David’s Men (1 Samuel 24:3-4)

1. Saul went in to cover his feet (1 Samuel 24:3).
2. David’s men assumed that God delivered Saul into David’s hands (1 Samuel 24:4).
3. The men encouraged David to take action (1 Samuel 24:4).

C. The Effect on David (1 Samuel 24:4-8)

1. David’s actions (1 Samuel 24:4)
a. He responded to the men’s suggestions.
b. He cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe.
2. David’s sorrow (1 Samuel 24:5)
3. David’s confession (1 Samuel 24:6-8)
a. He acknowledged his wrongdoing (1 Samuel 24:6).
b. He encouraged his servants (1 Samuel 24:7).
c. He humbled himself before Saul (1 Samuel 24:8).

III. THE BAGGAGE OVERCOME (1 Samuel 24:9-22)

A. The Cause of Saul’s Hatred (1 Samuel 24:9)

1. Saul had been listening to men
2. Men suggested that David sought the hurt of Saul

B. The Appeal of David’s Choice (1 Samuel 24:10-15)

1. His opportunity (1 Samuel 24:10)
2. His choice (1 Samuel 24:11)
3. His appeal to Saul (1 Samuel 24:12-15)

C. The Conviction in Saul (1 Samuel 24:16-22)

1. His sorrow (1 Samuel 24:16)
2. His view into reality (1 Samuel 24:17-19)
3. His request of David (1 Samuel 24:29-22)

D. The Next Encounter (1 Samuel 26:1-25)

1. Saul’s desire (1 Samuel 26:1-5)
2. The desire of David’s men (1 Samuel 26:6-8)
3. David’s victory (1 Samuel 26:9-20)
4. Saul’s departure (1 Samuel 26:21-25; 1 Samuel 27:4)