COMPROMISE, THE FIRST STEP OF LOSING INTEGRITY

2 Peter 1:5

Virtue • Virtue = integrity• The courage to do what is right• Doing what is right because it is right• Daniel and his friends Daniel 1:8-17• Purposed in his heart not to defile himself• Victory in small things equips us for overcoming

bigger tests Luke 16:10• Compromise leads to worse problems 2 Tim.

3:13• The example of Saul

Saul 1 Samuel 8-31

• Obedient 9:4• Diligent v.4• Considerate 9:5• Sought God’s guidance 9:6-10• Humble 9:20-21 low self esteem? 15:17; 10:20-

22• Patient 10:27• Zealous 11:4-11• Merciful 11:12-13• Spiritual 11:13-15

Saul 1 Samuel 8-31

• Impatient 13:5-14 “I felt compelled” v.12• Foolish oath 14:24-30; 1 Cor. 9:6-10• Caused stumblingblock to Israel 14:31-33• Corrected that sin 14:34-35• Planned to utterly destroy his enemies 14:36-37• Swore to keep his oath 14:37-44• People swore they would make Saul break his

oath 14:45, Psalm 15:4• Saul aborted his plans to destroy Philistines

14:47

Saul 1 Samuel 8-31

• Commanded to utterly destroy Amelek 15:1-3 • Merciful to Kenites 15:6• Unwilling to obey God 15:7-11• Proud 15:12 felt good v.13• Religious justification for disobedience 15:15,21• I was afraid of the people and obeyed them v.24 • Wanted to worship God…for appearance 15:30• Lost fellowship with God and Samuel 15:25-29,

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Saul 1 Samuel 8-31

• Distressed 16:14• Afraid to fight Goliath 17:11• Envious of David 18:5-11• Schemer 18:12-30• Saul swore not to kill David 19:1-17 broke it• Tried to kill his son (David’s friend) 20:30-33• Paranoia 22:6-8• Killed God’s innocent people 22:16-19• Consulted a medium 28:4-19• Committed suicide 31:3-4

Compromise • Compromise leads to worse problems 2 Tim.

3:13• Rationalization leads to any form of

disobedience• After crossing the line, the restraint is gone• Becomes easier to violate one’s conscience• Guilty conscience distorts thinking• Loss of respect even for self• Actions from fear are not of faith Romans 14:23• God will forgive the truly penitent Acts 2:38