Don't Be Defeated by Your Victories

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Samuel 17:45-54Because King David lived by purpose, progression, and power, he saw many victories. But victory can be dangerous if we don’t know how to receive it. It is entirely possible to be defeated by our victories.In 1 Samuel 17-18, David demonstrates how to live in our victories.First, we see David’s partnership with Jonathan: “...the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” After David defeated Goliath, King Saul brought David to his home, where he met Saul’s son, Jonathan. They became close friends, and would eventually enter a blood covenant together. Jonathan rejoiced with David as he watched God bless him with many victories.As the Body of Christ, we are in blood covenant with one another. When one member rejoices, every member should rejoice. When one member suffers, every member should suffer.Second, we see the problem of the women’s praise: “So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7).The women praised David, but David knew it wasn’t his victory, it was God’s. We must be quick to pass the praise on to Jesus.Adrian Rogers says, “The way to lose the next victory is to fail to give God the proper praise for the last victory.”The third response to victory was the pride of Saul, who felt David’s gain was somehow his loss. The marks of his pride were his anger, jealousy, and fear.Adrian Rogers says, “No one is a complete failure until he starts disliking the man who succeeds.”Finally, we see the prudence of David, in his reaction to victory: “And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.” (1 Samuel 18:14)When we receive praise, it does something to us, either good or bad, according to our own estimation of ourselves. David knew each battle he faced was the Lord’s, which is why God could bless him and use him.When we receive blessings from God, we should seek wisdom as David did, and be wise in our response.Apply it to your lifeOur true natures are revealed when we receive victory. If you find yourself in a position of praise, direct it all to God. Celebrate with your fellow believers without jealousy.