Sermon Tone Analysis

Protecting Freedom

Good Morning!

What a privilege to be able, once again, to celebrate Independence Day as the 4th of July approaches!

I so appreciate each of the various sharing moments we’ve heard this morning:

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b

c

d

e

I also appreciate the opportunity to share just a few thoughts this morning about how important it is that we not only APPRECIATE the Freedom we have, but that we remember how we got it and, perhaps even more importantly today, how we must work to PRESERVE it!

Even though sometimes it does not always sound like we live in the greatest country in the world!

We still do!

And, it is the FREEDOM to worship our Savior is what makes the most signifigant difference!

Pam and I recently returned from Israel where one stop was the Valley of Elah between the two mountains (actually small hills) where the Philistines taunted the Israelites for 40 days without a response to the 9’ Goliath from Gath that stood before them seeking 1 brave man.

It is fascinating to consider that for 40 days . . .

NOT ONE Israelite evidenced the courage and motivation to act.

They were ignoring the fact that Goliath defied God . . .

and they also ignored Saul’s Bonus Plan which would be provided to the victor!

These included:

It is fascinating to stand and consider the fact that NOT ONE Israelite was motivated to act - not only because Goliath defied God, but also they were further unmotivated despite Saul’s rich promise to the victor of:

Great Riches

Marriage to the King’s daughter

No Taxes for Life!

FIRST POINT: Protecting Freedom requires COURAGE.

NONE . . .

100% of the Israelite “Warriors” . . .

none of them showed courage.

Instead, they wallowed in threats and fear.

At his father’s instruction, David routinely brought food to his brave brothers who protecting Israel from intruders.

He’d traveled over 30 miles from Bethlehem to refresh them with food from their home.

On this round of arriving with rations, he eagerly greets his brothers and then observes the unfolding scene.

Think about David’s life . . .

David is a survivor.

As a Shepherd, he’s constantly aware of what is going on around him.

He is WIRED to be AWARE.

Hence, he is predisposed to take in what is going on around him.

He protects dependent, foolish sheep from the harsh world around them.

From every lion and every bear.

Every day - all the time - every threat - no matter what predator . . .

and this, is no exception.

David is dumbfounded.

He even has them repeat the reward offer because it is inconceivable to him there is not one Brave Man willing to take out the giant and gain the fruit of reward.

Second Point: In order to Protect Freedom, we must first be WATCHFUL!

SECOND POINT: Protecting Freedom means we must always be WATCHFUL!

Second Point: In order to Protect Freedom, we must first be WATCHFUL!

We must be AWARE of the threats to our freedom and we must assess what has to be done to protect that freedom.

Eliab, David’s oldest brother witnesses his younger brother’s courage and immediately moves to belittle him before the others.

He insults David despite the fact Eliab would know many stories about David’s bravery when protecting the sheep.

Rather than to reward his brother’s potential, he belittles his life.

THIRD POINT: NAYSAYERS attempt to undermine the courage of those who are Protecting Freedom.

David barely pays attention to Eliab and seems quite accustomed to the criticism his older brother offers.

He ignores Eliab’s ridicule and remains faithful to what matters - stopping Goliath - Protecting Freedom.

David sees REPROACH of Israel & Defying the LIVING GOD as the primary objective.

He is aware of the rewards, but they appear only as a secondary interest to him.

This is my own interpretation, but the rewards are like, “That alone would be enough to take on some risk, but the issue to David is that God Himself is being defiled by Goliath!

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FOURTH POINT: Protecting Freedom requires passion and persistence!

Passion drives purpose.

Passion provides strength.

There is no room in David’s mind for tolerating even one more hour of this kind of insubordinate attitude against the one and only Living God who provides protection and deserves to be honored by His chosen people and warriors!

David proceeds to take on the task and the entire Israel Warrior Team seem willing to let him “take the fall.”

To some degree, they are worn out by their own impotence.

They are intrigued by this young man’s attitude.

They attempt to dress him in their confidence.

Those clothes are NOT David’s competence.

FIFTH POINT: The Tools Required for Protecting Freedom will come from your OWN competence!

David depended on God.

He KNEW who delivered him from the paw of the bear and lion.

He knew HOW he was able to overcome them.

God had used life’s earlier training ground to fully equip him for everything that David needed to deliver Goliath and the Philistines from taunting Israel.

David was already equipped with everything necessary to defend God and be Protecting Freedom for God’s nation and God’s people!

SUMMARY:

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30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

I set your rules before me.

Psalm 199:97

31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;

2 Cor

let me not be put to shame!

Jasmes 2:12

32 I will run in the way of your commandments

when you enlarge my heart!

Passion

Competency