Mentoring paradigms reprise 3 (13/2/26)

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 Chan says we are to be in a place where we have

Nothing to prove: a state of deep security in God -  we must be humble
Nothing to lose: a state of absolute surrender to God - we give in to God. 'When Christ is absolutely everything, Christ is absolutely enough'
Nothing to hide: a state of true integrity before God. All our worst sins are forgiven. Qin mentioned the nakedness of Adam and Eve in the Garden. 
 
The root obstacle of our inability to reach this is a lack of inner security. This leds to a performance trap, fragile egos, vain comparions, envy (desiring that others have) and jealousy (when we are upset that others have more than we do). We then cannot celebrate others' strengths and successes.
We must not seek security in acquiring, possessing and hoarding. Insecurity causes us to hide our sin rather than repenting of sin and finding freedom in Christ's transformation.

In Christ our destiny is secure
In Christ our identity is secure 
All this is by grace. We cannot earn or lose it. 
 
In 1 Samuel 10-12. 
Hiding
Saul had already been anonited king (10:1). God had given him clear signs (10:2-8). God had given him another heart (10:6, 9)
But he felt he was unworthy (9:21)
This tension between calling and insecurity was not fully resolved in his life. He rode on God's empowerment initially, but had no sustaining power for inner life. Saul remains dependent on success to validate himself.
 
Saul did not speak of his anointing to his uncle (10:16)
Saul hid though chosen supernaturally by lot (10:22)
 
Why the hiding? Modesty? Inadequacy? Avoidance? Fear of responsiblity? Of being seen as being inadquate? 
He hopes for legitimacy.
 
Proving
He held his peace when criticized by 'worthless fellows' (10:27)
He was empowered by the Spirit to act on behalf of God's people (11:5-11)
He showed mercy to his crtics (11:13)
He was proclaimed king in Gilgal before all the people (11:15)
 
 Samuel's speech tells people that
 Kingship is conditional on obedience and faithfulness to the LORD (12:14–15, 24-25)
God’s power transcends kings (12:16–18)
Saul is reminded to rule by covenant faithfulness, not popular validation. 

Why did God choose Saul in the first place?
God knew Saul would fail
God provided the people with all they asked for
The davidic dynasty was insufficient 

 
 
 

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