Some experts suggest that revenge fantasies are good for us, even if it’s just cheering for revenge while watching a movie. As long as we are consumed by counterattack, we are constantly drawn into fresh wrong. Only God frees us from the injustice of others.

Notes And Next Steps

1 Samuel 24:1-13 + Part 5 of the series “Becoming The Villain"

We run to revenge when we are victims of injustice.

David became a victim of injustice.

• Saul was rejected and David was anointed (1 Samuel 15 & 16)
• David played the harp to soothe Saul and fought Goliath to save Saul’s army (1 Samuel 16 & 17)
• Saul became obsessed with perceived injustice and tried to kill David (1 Samuel 18 & 19)
• David fled from Saul to the desert and hills, hiding in caves and Saul pursued him (1 Samuel 21-23)

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who … saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me … I am in the midst of lions … men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth … They dug a pit in my path—but they have fallen into it themselves. (Psalm 57:2-6) 

When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way … no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life … I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge” … Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. (Psalm 142:3-6)

God withholds wrath for a time so that people will repent and return to him. (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:5; Romans 12:17-19,21). 

The temptation to get even with revenge is filled with lies.

“The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 24:6)

The decision to “lose the battle but win the war” is filled with the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

List three or four reasons David could respond so courageously to being a victim of injustice. Read Psalms 57 and 142 for help.

Discussion Questions

• List three or four reasons David could respond so courageously to being a victim of injustice. Read Psalms 57 and 142 for help.
• What are some lies we believe when tempted to get revenge? when leaders fail?
• How did Jesus lose the battle but win the war? How can you do the same?