1 Sam. 18:1-4; 23:16-18, LOYALTY vs. unfaithfulness (1)

1)    Definition: using adversity to confirm my commitment to those whom God has called me to serve.  On this subject, what is the difference between “loyalty” and “faithfulness?”  My understanding (with the help of Google) is that faithfulness includes loyalty, and that loyalty is more concerned with the though that the person to whom I am loyal might not return the favor.  The difference is not huge; thus many of the Scripture passages will use the term “faithful.”

2)    Scripture: Matt. 10:37-39; Jn. 15:13; 1 Th. 2:8; 1 Jn. 3:16; 4:11; Prov. 14:20-21; 16:28; 17:9.17; 18:1,19,24; 20:6,28; 21:21; 23:26-28; 24:12; 25:13; 27:6,9,17; 28:1.

3)    Underlying Principle: Appropriate relationships are more important than personal safety or personal gain.  Phil. 2:1-4 teaches this.  We should consider others better than ourselves, looking out for their interests as well as our own.

4)    Illustrations:

a)    1 Sam. 18:1-4; 20; 23:16-18 tell the story of David and Jonathan.  And we should add 2 Sam. 9 where David showed kindness to Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan.  He did it “for Jonathan’s sake” (20:1).

b)    1 Kings 18:1-16 illustrates loyalty in the military context.  Obadiah (this man was not an OT prophet) was a godly man, but also head of the military of wicked King Ahab.  He served well.  There are times when ungodly businessmen will appreciate the service of Christian employees because they have a good work ethic.  It certainly can put us in a situation that tests the loyalty that an employee must have for the boss.

5)    Bible Study:

a)    What is the essence of loyalty?  Like any other trait, it is not just about words; our loyal heart must produce actions.  Pr. 18:24: A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Prov. 20:6: Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?

b)    What other traits must accompany true loyalty?

i)      Prov. 17:17; John 15:13:  Love! A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.  Jesus taught and lived this: Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

ii)   Prov. 24:10: Strength!  If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

iii)            Prov. 28:1: Courage/Boldness! The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.