Apr 29 (Daily reading: 1 Chronicles 7-10) We read in chapter 10 (all quotes from NIV): “So Saul died with his three sons, and all those of his house died together … Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD … (He) did not inquire of the LORD.” As a result, God “turned the kingdom over to David” (vv. 6, 13-14). We again note some spiritual principles concerning living by the Spirit or living by the flesh (sinful nature).
Saul’s sin was one of independence from God (doing his own thing) which led to disobedience. His unfaithfulness was seen in that he “did not inquire of the Lord.” He determined the actions that he thought would please God, while ignoring what God had demanded (1 Sam. 15:20). This brought him to conceding: “God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me” (1 Sam. 28:15). His actions are typical of trying to serve God by the sinful nature. “For what I want to do I do not do … For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Rom. 7:15, 18).
The words from our text, “all those of (Saul’s) house died” are significant for our illustration. ALL of our flesh, our sinful nature, must die. “Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit; if the Spirit of God lives in you” (Rom. 8:8-9). Paul explained how we can live by the Spirit. “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God … The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom. 8:14, 16). We have received His Spirit; we are His children—it is now our nature to live by the Spirit!
– Al Gary
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