Bible Reading: I Samuel 14:1-24; Luke 14:16-34; Acts 15:28-41.
Memory Verse: ‘Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the
LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.’ I Samuel 14:6.
Aim: To have the courage to attempt something for God.
Introduction: Life is full of opportunities. Some people take them, while others miss them. What
opportunities will you take this year? Are you prepared to take them? Have you assembled the resources
of people, money, knowledge and motivation to succeed in your projects? Are you like Saul or Jonathan?
I. Who in the Bible Attempted Things For God?
1. Jonathan. 2. Noah. 3. Abraham. 4. Moses. 5. David and Solomon. 6. Paul on his 3 missionary journeys
and writing letters. 7. The 5 and 2 talent men.
II. Why Do Some People Never Attempt Anything For God?
1. Fear of failure. Fear of what others may think of them.
2. Laziness, can’t be bothered, lack of energy or enterprise.
3. Little or no care to help others get saved or taught the Bible.
4. No personal sense of destiny. ‘who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as
this?’ Esther 4:14. Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.
5. No belief that God may use them.
6. They are impatient. They cannot work and wait for success.
III. What Value is there in Attempting Things for God?
1. You may succeed. I Samuel 14:19-23.
2. You may encourage others to follow your good example. 14:7,21.
3. God may bless you and your work. 14:15.
4. You will discover new opportunities to commence new projects. 46-48.
5. You will meet new people who may help you. 14:44,45. 18:1-4.
6. You will learn new lessons and gain more wisdom and experience..
7. You become a happier person when you are useful.
8. If you fail, you learn what does not work. You get closer to discovering what does work.
9. Your writings may speak to and bless many people after your death. ‘He being dead.’ Hebrews 11:4.
IV. Contrast Saul Who Did Not Attempt Much For God.
Saul was an example of someone who did almost everything wrong in every situation. He was a victim of
his emotions, always doing what he felt like doing instead of what God wanted. Later, Saul was envious
of David’s success and tried to kill him many times. In I Samuel 14 we see how Saul wasted time doing
useless things, when he could have contributed to a greater victory. Examples include:
1. Saul tarried under a tree, doing nothing, when he should have taken an opportunity as Jonathan did. v.2
2. Saul numbered the people, when he should have known this already.v.17.
3. Saul talked with the priest, when he should have joined the battle. v 19.
4. Saul distressed and troubled the people by enforcing a foolish rule not to eat in battle. v 24,29.
5. Saul wanted to kill his own son, who was the hero, for unknowingly violating his foolish rule. v. 44
V. Rules for Attempting New Projects.
1. Pray to God for His will and guidance in every step of the project.
2. Consult experts in that area to discover viability, resources, timing and personnel.
3. Start small first, so that if you make mistakes it won’t cost much.
4. Count the cost in money, time, people and motivation.
5. If it fails, what will it cost me?
VI. What Projects Can you Attempt?
1. Go to Bible College or get an education.
2. Help with phone calling or the Basic Bible Certificate.
3. Learn soul winning and follow up of new Christians.
4. Write a Bible lesson or a book on some important subject.
5. Go somewhere on a short term mission trip.
Conclusion: Ask God what projects He wants you to attempt.
Memory Verse: ‘Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the
LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.’ I Samuel 14:6.
Aim: To have the courage to attempt something for God.
Introduction: Life is full of opportunities. Some people take them, while others miss them. What
opportunities will you take this year? Are you prepared to take them? Have you assembled the resources
of people, money, knowledge and motivation to succeed in your projects? Are you like Saul or Jonathan?
I. Who in the Bible Attempted Things For God?
1. Jonathan. 2. Noah. 3. Abraham. 4. Moses. 5. David and Solomon. 6. Paul on his 3 missionary journeys
and writing letters. 7. The 5 and 2 talent men.
II. Why Do Some People Never Attempt Anything For God?
1. Fear of failure. Fear of what others may think of them.
2. Laziness, can’t be bothered, lack of energy or enterprise.
3. Little or no care to help others get saved or taught the Bible.
4. No personal sense of destiny. ‘who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as
this?’ Esther 4:14. Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.
5. No belief that God may use them.
6. They are impatient. They cannot work and wait for success.
III. What Value is there in Attempting Things for God?
1. You may succeed. I Samuel 14:19-23.
2. You may encourage others to follow your good example. 14:7,21.
3. God may bless you and your work. 14:15.
4. You will discover new opportunities to commence new projects. 46-48.
5. You will meet new people who may help you. 14:44,45. 18:1-4.
6. You will learn new lessons and gain more wisdom and experience..
7. You become a happier person when you are useful.
8. If you fail, you learn what does not work. You get closer to discovering what does work.
9. Your writings may speak to and bless many people after your death. ‘He being dead.’ Hebrews 11:4.
IV. Contrast Saul Who Did Not Attempt Much For God.
Saul was an example of someone who did almost everything wrong in every situation. He was a victim of
his emotions, always doing what he felt like doing instead of what God wanted. Later, Saul was envious
of David’s success and tried to kill him many times. In I Samuel 14 we see how Saul wasted time doing
useless things, when he could have contributed to a greater victory. Examples include:
1. Saul tarried under a tree, doing nothing, when he should have taken an opportunity as Jonathan did. v.2
2. Saul numbered the people, when he should have known this already.v.17.
3. Saul talked with the priest, when he should have joined the battle. v 19.
4. Saul distressed and troubled the people by enforcing a foolish rule not to eat in battle. v 24,29.
5. Saul wanted to kill his own son, who was the hero, for unknowingly violating his foolish rule. v. 44
V. Rules for Attempting New Projects.
1. Pray to God for His will and guidance in every step of the project.
2. Consult experts in that area to discover viability, resources, timing and personnel.
3. Start small first, so that if you make mistakes it won’t cost much.
4. Count the cost in money, time, people and motivation.
5. If it fails, what will it cost me?
VI. What Projects Can you Attempt?
1. Go to Bible College or get an education.
2. Help with phone calling or the Basic Bible Certificate.
3. Learn soul winning and follow up of new Christians.
4. Write a Bible lesson or a book on some important subject.
5. Go somewhere on a short term mission trip.
Conclusion: Ask God what projects He wants you to attempt.
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