1 Samuel 30:21-25
Review the background of David’s pursuit of the Amalekites - 1 Sam 29, 30:1-20. Now read 1 Sam 30:21-25; notice particularly the ordinance established in Israel, “...as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” (1 Sam 30:24). There are some similarities between David’s statute and what is true with regards to our service as Christians today; for we too are engaged in a battle. Though our battle is a spiritual one – see for example 1 Ti 6:12; Ep 6:12-13; 2 Co 10:3-6.
In this lesson, I would like to point to some of these similarities; beginning with the idea that God’s army requires two forms of service. Any military venture is dependent upon both support and battle forces. Much military planning revolves around how to support those at “the front”. For military leaders learned long ago: “Men won’t fight on an empty stomach”; “Men won’t march without shoes”. Many battles have been won by the efficiency of the support forces in keeping up with those on the front. This was one reason why Eisenhower was such a great general...he was a logistical genius.
The same is true with God’s army and the battle we face. Two forms of service are required: There are the “fighters”, and the “guards of the baggage”. For example, there are the “teachers” and “those that support them”. This truth is well illustrated in the N.T. during Christ’s own ministry - Lk 8:1-3 “Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.” This truth is also well illustrated in the case of Paul, who was supported by:
1) Churches - 2 Co 11:8-9 “I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.”; Ph 4:15-16 “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.”
2) Individuals – for example, Gaius (Ro 16:23a “Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church,”), Epaphroditus (Ph 2:25 “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,”), Philemon (Phile 22 “At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.”)
Yes, to carry out God’s battle, there must be “preachers” and “supporters”. A logical and essential part in the saving of souls - Ro 10:13-15 “For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"’
God’s army requires both...
1) Those that are willing to serve at “the front”.
2) Those that are willing to serve at “the base”.
As we examine this concept further, one might ask “Which service is more important?” Well, both services are equally important. This is certainly true in physical warfare. One might think the men on the front are the “most important”. While we cannot discount their importance, battles have been won or lost based upon logistical support! This is just as true in the body of Christ. In Ro 12:3-8, we learn that in the body of Christ (the church) there are many members. The members do not have the same function! In Ep 4:15-16, we learn that growth depends upon “the effective working by which every part does its share”. In 1 Co 12:12-22, Paul stresses that all the members and their diverse functions are vital! No one can say that they themselves are not important - 1 Co 12:12-19. No one can say that others are not important - 1 Co 12:20-22.
Failure to realize this truth can be disastrous….! It can leave many brethren disappointed, apathetic, and fruitless! If we are not careful, we can overemphasize one work to the neglect of others. For example, stressing evangelism to the neglect of edification and benevolence (despite the warning of Ja 3:1“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”, and the implication of 1 Co 12:29 “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?”). This can make some feel that only one kind of work is worthy, noble, or important. With such a misconception, some may involve themselves in a work for which they are not suited. When failure comes, they become disappointed unless shown alternative ways to serve; they can become apathetic and fruitless. It often hinders the Lord’s cause in spreading the gospel! Lack of support has hindered many foreign or smaller works where evangelists were unable to raise support. If those “at the base” don’t appreciate the importance of their support, the Lord’s body becomes handicapped in its ability to function! Realizing the importance of both kinds of service let no one despise one type of service over another! Let’s find wherever we can best serve the Lord, and do so properly, which leads to our next point. Both services demand the same goal, sacrifice and zeal and both services receive the same reward. We will look at this point in part two of our lesson.
