Introduction

Greetings! Let us examine 1 Samuel Chapter 14. I surmise that your attention would easily be drawn to this statement: The Lord saves, whether by many or by few. This chapter is quite lengthy, recounting numerous stories. What is it that God intends to convey to us through this chapter? Discernment is of utmost importance. Chinese Mingding Destiny has also invested considerable effort in discernment. The title of this chapter is: True Faith versus the False Faith of Religious Practices. It essentially discusses true faith and false faith.

What is the overarching theme of 1 Samuel? God is in search of a person after His own heart. If you are a business owner, you would appreciate the difficulty in finding the right person. If you are a senior executive, particularly in research and development or technology, locating a suitable candidate is exceedingly challenging. God, seated upon His throne, finding someone after His own heart to bless is a daunting task. If you are a young individual, securing employment can be arduous. You may be drawn to a particular job, but the job may not be interested in you; you may favour a certain company, but the company's leadership may not necessarily favour you.

Conversely, contemplate the difficulty a company faces in recruiting the right person! If you are that suitable individual, and you can demonstrate this to them, the company would not hesitate to offer you a higher salary. Those who have held senior management positions or been business owners would undoubtedly comprehend what I am conveying. However, presently, people are unwilling to mould themselves into individuals after God's own heart, nor do they care about God's will, focusing solely on their own desires, resulting in their current pitiable state. If you were to care about God's will and strive to become a person after His own heart, would that not simplify matters? God's household is replete with resources; He possesses all manner of good things. A small bestowal would suffice for your needs; what then would you have to worry about?

Today, our paramount concern ought to be: Are we truly individuals after God's own heart? This is a weighty question! I am aware that God is not reluctant to grant financial blessings. In reality, God's standards are quite high; it is merely difficult to find such individuals. If you were to view it from God's perspective, as someone after His own heart, would not other issues be readily resolved? If you are the person the company seeks, would that not simplify matters?

The narrative within this chapter features two characters: Jonathan, the son of Saul, and Saul himself. Saul was perpetually occupied, yet he was not aligned with God's will. This constitutes a tragedy! Christians often engage in a multitude of activities that are not in accordance with God's desires. Are there aspects that could be cited as evidence of his rectitude? Many. Saul, for instance, could present evidence to demonstrate his correct actions, yet they were not in alignment with God's will.

This is exceedingly difficult! Let us avoid the fate of Christians engrossed in numerous activities that are not what God desires; or pastors engrossed in a multitude of tasks that are not what God desires. Engaging in a vast array of activities according to one's own inclinations, rather than God's intentions, is a tragedy. I am confident that my brothers and sisters possess a love for God, but have you apprehended God's will?

Jonathan's Faith Relies on God for Victory

Jonathan said to his young armour-bearer, Come, let us go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few. (1 Samuel 14:6)

Like father, like son, is not always accurate. Though Jonathan was Saul's son, he possessed a clear understanding of God's will. He stated: The Lord saves, whether by many or by few. He then proceeded with a single soldier. The two of them approached the Philistine outpost. Jonathan then remarkably said to his young armour-bearer, Let us go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Do you deem his faith to be substantial? Not particularly so.

Jonathan said, We will cross over to them and let them see us. If they say to us, 'Wait there until we come to you,' we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, 'Come up to us,' we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands. (1 Samuel 14:8-10)

Consequently, Jonathan and the young man proceeded towards the opposing side. The sentries observed two individuals advancing in their direction, one wielding weaponry. These individuals remarkably stated, Come up to us, and we'll tell you something. Why would they utter such a statement? They were oblivious to what they were saying; at times, it is quite amusing.

We recognise that God is at work in this matter. The sentry standing there was unaware of what he was saying; in actuality, God was prompting him to say it. Would such a statement not be illogical? We'll tell you something. Tell them what? Upon approaching, they would be slain. What sort of reasoning is that? If God cannot govern people's minds, would He still be considered God? Jonathan said, If they say this, we shall ascend and eliminate them; if they say that, we shall refrain from ascending.

These utterances are inconsequential. What matters is the conviction within him: The Lord God saves, whether by many or by few. It is important to note that when Jesus went forth to minister, did He ever assemble a large contingent of intercessory warriors? No. Numbers are irrelevant; a multitude may not necessarily be appropriate! Had Jonathan gathered thirty to fifty individuals to approach the opposing side, they would have undoubtedly raised their weapons and commanded them to halt! Upon observing two mere soldiers, they nonchalantly declared, Come on up. They did not take the matter seriously, and thus, they ascended. Little did they know that Jonathan possessed exceptional martial prowess, for he was imbued with God's power. As a result, they were utterly routed.

Subsequently, confusion erupted within the Philistine camp, and their minds were clouded. God caused those individuals to be in disarray and to tremble. The guards and raiders, specifically trained soldiers, suddenly began to tremble uncontrollably. Have you ever experienced uncontrollable trembling, as if your body were malfunctioning? They perceived that the ground beneath their feet was also trembling, and they were exceedingly fearful. The troops within the camp scattered and roamed about. Jonathan slew twenty individuals in that location and witnessed the ensuing chaos. The Lord makes victory exceedingly simple. Certain individuals may be of considerable stature and muscular build, but amid the confusion, they lose their bearings and end up slaying their own comrades. Is God capable of such feats? Absolutely.

I have had my fair share of experiences with the Lord granting victory. There are several matters that are beyond our control. A certain sister went for a job interview, and she was asked, To which dynasty does 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' belong? She responded, The Qing Dynasty. Or perhaps the Ming Dynasty? Utter nonsense. Nevertheless, the interview proceeded in an engaging manner until its conclusion. She was then asked, What are your personal hobbies? She replied, I enjoy praying. Did it all unravel at that point? After returning home, this sister received a notification to report for work. Others answered well but did not receive the notification. She answered poorly yet received the notification. What truly transpired behind the scenes? No one can definitively say.

I have also observed individuals who appear astute and possess decent skills, and I even assisted them in refining their resumes, yet they encountered immense difficulty and exhaustion in their job search! In such situations, I assure you, God is exceedingly divine! I have come to observe that those who are destined often experience wondrous workings of God in their lives, irrespective of the magnitude of their abilities. I find it quite intriguing. In another instance, a doctoral student nearing graduation received an email from her advisor stating that she would not be able to graduate.

She showed me the email, and the tone was exceedingly harsh! To what extent? It essentially stated that she had no possibility of graduating! Her workload was insufficient! She would have to redo it all! Reworking a doctoral degree would require another four years? Heavens! As you know, undertaking a doctoral degree again would entail the loss of salary and subsidies! Upon her showing it to me, I responded, We have God! We prayed for a week, commencing on a Friday, and the following Friday, a wondrous event occurred. Her advisor sent her another email stating that she could proceed to graduate.

This is a true story! I am not fabricating it! She brought the email to me and said, Teacher, look. Heavens, the Lord grants victory, irrespective of the quality of your dissertation or your interview performance or anything else; He is solely concerned with God. Therefore, how advantageous it would be for you to become a person after God's own heart! Ponder this carefully. You must grasp this concept! It is conceivable that an absurd error may occur without any awareness. It is possible that a seemingly incorrect grab could grant you the opportunity.

Subsequently, one of our sister's classmates, also a doctoral student, was facing the prospect of not being able to graduate. The prospect of not graduating with a doctorate is indeed distressing! Then, a year later, she divulged to her classmate, Look at how I graduated back then! If you are facing the impossibility of graduating, why not attempt to try God? Our God is exceedingly divine! Upon her trying it, she also graduated!

The Lord saves, whether by many or by few. If you trust in God this time, can you suffer a loss? Do not forsake God while engrossed in pursuing a doctorate! Do not forsake God while engrossed in pursuing a degree! Do not forsake God while engrossed in undertaking a project! I tell you, if God causes you to tremble, then tremble you shall; if God grants you victory, then victory you shall. Causing you to spin in circles, roam about, and engage in a flurry of activity to no avail.

These true occurrences that I share are manifestations of my own divine favour. God is exceedingly divine! It is truly wonderful to trust in God! He is indifferent to matters of eating and drinking. The kingdom of God is not contingent upon what you eat or what you do not eat; following the consumption of food, what do you think Jesus said? The next day, it ends up in the lavatory. Some individuals have said to me, Teacher, this is terrible! I inquired, What is the matter? They responded, They invited me to a meal yesterday, and they used items that had been offered in worship to entertain guests! Items offered in worship were consumed and ingested! I replied, Do not be concerned. Have you eliminated it today? Yes, it has been eliminated. Well, then, it is over; there is no need to worry!

If I were such a pastor, I would handle it in such a manner. It has all been eliminated; why then the anxiety? We are not concerned with such trivialities but rather with whether a person is after God's own heart. Can we, as brothers and sisters, become individuals after God's own heart today? If you can become a person after God's own heart, you will appreciate the Lord and be indifferent to matters of eating and drinking.

Jonathan's faith is truly remarkable. The outcome of this one individual's faith was a resounding victory for the entire nation of Israel. Everyone may believe that they slew numerous enemies and consider themselves to be impressive, but in reality, it is not primarily related to them. It is related to the faith within Jonathan, who inaugurated a spirit of faith. Subsequently, the Israelites rushed forth to slay; is this not quite intriguing?

Today, if you carefully observe Jesus' time on earth, you will discover that the concept He conveyed was exceedingly potent. The concept Jesus conveyed was that the kingdom of God is truly indifferent to eating and drinking. The concept Jesus conveyed was related to the unbelieving generation and those of little faith. That is all there is to it. You know that if Jesus were to come into our midst today, He would say the same. He might say to me, You of little faith! I would respond, Well, at least I possess faith the size of a mustard seed.

In the process of our battles, upon what do we rely? Does God, who governs the universe, lack the capacity to manage our trivial affairs? What then do you worry about? Your primary concern ought to be whether you are a person of faith! Do not declare, God, I am a person without faith! Will you not have faith?! People are quite peculiar; your primary concern ought to be your lack of knowledge of God's will, your primary concern ought to be your lack of acquaintance with God. Many people substitute religious practices for faith.

Commence pondering this matter now. Is our faith genuine or is it the false faith of religious practices? Two individuals go to give offerings; one gives in faith, the other gives as a religious practice. One serves in faith, the other serves as a religious practice. Both are acts of service; superficially, they appear indistinguishable, but the results are vastly disparate.

Jonathan clearly understood that God's actions are indifferent to matters of eating and drinking. Thus, when Jonathan observed honey, there was honey in the forest, and he happened to pass by and consume a mouthful, his physical strength was immediately restored. If you were to embrace religious practice, you might proclaim, My faith is exceedingly robust; I can abstain from food and still pursue my enemies. Is that faith? It is as if your eating is of great importance, or your abstaining is also of great importance. Your victory has little to do with eating or abstaining, or having a relationship with God, or understanding God! Jonathan was truly remarkable; he ate when he ate, he drank when he drank, he rested when he was weary, and then he continued to pursue his enemies.

Have you noticed that a person of faith is frequently a very free person? Because we are truly not overly concerned with such matters. If you interact with me closely, you will discover that I am a remarkably free individual. If there is food, I eat; if there is drink, I drink. How can you consume alcohol? Is there a problem with consuming a bit of alcohol? Did not Jesus also consume alcohol? What liberty it is for a few of us to sit down, share some peanuts, and enjoy a bit of wine! Conversely, imagine us sitting together, staring at one another, as if we were in a meeting. You bring your computer, and I bring my computer; you type away, and I type away; you see my face turn ashen, and I see your face turn ashen; that would be troublesome.

Jonathan is Indifferent to Eating and Drinking

What sort of person was Jonathan? I can surmise that he was accustomed to sitting, eating, and drinking freely with his soldiers, cultivating a convivial relationship with them. Some individuals drive for over a dozen hours to visit me; surely, I must offer them a meal! I cannot suggest they fast. They have driven for over a dozen hours to visit me, and I lead them in fasting and prayer. That does not sound quite right. It is important to note that when people come to visit me, I will indeed offer them a meal, and I will ensure that they have delicious food. The last time I treated someone to delectable fare, he was quite surprised, You are not quite what I imagined! I had assumed you to be some sort of celestial being! One cannot deviate too far from human nature; one must remain close to it!

We must recognise that Jonathan was a very free person. I am also a very free person. Today, I share this with you to allow you to re-establish my image in your minds; do I appear as an ethereal angel who abstains from worldly sustenance? I am truly not. If there is honey, I will partake of it. When visitors arrive, I attempt to create opportunities to train them; while I am driving with them in the car, I am training them without their knowledge. I expound on how to shepherd, how to build up individuals, how to do things, and much more.

At times, late into the night, we may do the following: we will share a plate of peanuts and continue conducting training. If one appears to be ethereal and aloof from worldly sustenance, that is quite vexing. After Jonathan consumed the honey, his eyes brightened. How is this comparable to Adam and Eve consuming the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, causing their eyes to brighten? What sort of reasoning is that? If the Israelites had brought along a few pieces of bread while pursuing their enemies, and they ate when they were hungry, and if they carried a pot of water, would they not have been able to slay even more enemies?!

One of Saul's False Faiths

There was Ahiah wearing an ephod. Jonathan was unknown to the troops.(1 Samuel 14:3)

You see, what is quite intriguing is this: There was Ahiah wearing an ephod. Ahiah was the son of Ahitub, the brother of Ichabod, the son of Phinehas, the grandson of Eli. Namely, Ahiah was the son of Ahitub. Eli had previously served as the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, and Saul assembled a group of individuals wearing ephods.

As you peruse 1 Samuel, you will discover that Samuel, who presided over the nation of Israel for many years, did not engage in such activities. Did you notice that? He did not assemble ephods or the Ark of the Covenant, nor did he assemble Ahitub. Samuel did not bring together Ahitub and the ephods; Samuel did not engage in such activities. Do you find this strange? Saul engaged in these activities; Saul's actions constituted false faith. He believed that he was seeking to align himself with God's will. Brothers and sisters must be cognisant that he was not seeking to align himself with God's will. He merely adopted an outward form; he assembled priests, ephods, and the Ark of the Covenant, believing that these were the essence of faith.

Is this not courting disaster? Are these objects the essence of faith? To bring out the Ark of the Covenant amidst battle. Do you recall the instance when old Eli brought out the Ark of the Covenant, and it was captured? If you are not aligned with God's will, what is the purpose of bringing out the Ark of the Covenant? Concerning these narratives, did he not inquire of Samuel whether these actions were efficacious? He did not inquire. He merely assembled these objects; Christians are exceedingly fond of assembling such paraphernalia. If I mention this, they may still perceive me as a charismatic. However, my utterances are not quite those of a charismatic. You know that when some individuals pray, they grasp a microphone, and with a whoosh, many beneath them fall prostrate; they cooperate exceedingly well.

Some time ago, another sister came to me, saying: Pastor, he has truly fallen. Oh dear, it frightened me. I said: I have offended you. But, after falling, he stood up again. Many of you may not know what Pentecostalism is like; it doesn't matter, you will gradually understand later. They just like healing the sick, casting out demons, praying in tongues, interpreting tongues, blowing trumpets, blowing horns, waving flags and shouting, doing a lot of these things, especially keen on doing these things.

A few days ago, a sister came to me and said: Pastor, you don't know, I really fell. A strange feeling, my whole body went limp and I fell down. Everyone looked around, this time the pastor has really met his match. It’s not that they fell ill it’s that, as soon as they pray, they fall down. Do you all know this? I said this is a true fall. However, many people were watching to see how I would answer. I like to joke around, so I said, After falling, then what? In English, then? It seems nothing happened, they are still the same after getting up. Then there is no then, it's useless, all religious acts.

Do you feel that way? Actually, there is a feeling. You will notice that I do not really promote this feeling, such as: hair standing on end, the sensation of being electrified all over, I don’t talk much about this. However, it really is in the 《Bible》. Today Saul took the priests, the ephod, the Ark, these things. As soon as they fought, they had to carry the Ark out. Is that what the Ark is for? When did God tell you that this is what the Ark is for? Can you find it in the 《Bible》? You can’t find it. Not knowing God, nor His will, they just like to have something. You know that later in Moses' time, there was a bronze snake, and later everyone took this bronze snake to worship. You say this has become an idol.

Isn’t the cross in the church today a bit similar? So sometimes, people tear down the cross, and everyone protects the cross. Can’t God protect the cross? God never really cared about that thing. I just think, how can people become like this? Some crosses are made of wood, some are made of stone, some are made of cement, some are made of bricks, that’s about it. Samuel was a man after God’s own heart. Samuel did not engage in these things, but used God’s will to serve that generation well, because religious acts do not solve problems, this is false faith.

Saul’s False Faith Part Two

What did Saul like to do? Make oaths! Everyone, swear an oath to me! Don’t eat anything until you have killed all the enemies. If you don’t eat before you kill all the enemies, do you want to become a mummy? What kind of brain is that! When Jonathan went to the Philistine camp and defeated the enemy, that was God’s work. It has absolutely nothing to do with whether Israel eats or doesn’t eat.

So you will find that, among us, have you heard me promote 40-day prayers? I don’t really do that. Because I find that whether you eat or don’t eat, what can this do? But if I am doing a healing and deliverance, and I get into a struggle with that thing, I also eat. Everyone thought I would say that, if I get into a struggle, I won’t eat or drink. I’ll keep you in suspense, I don’t have that problem, eat if I eat, don't eat if I don't; eat if I can, don't eat if I can't, that's it.

What is this about not eating when fighting a war? If you don’t eat, then what? What do you want to do? This is what I often say. Some people don’t know what fasting and prayer is, it’s just not eating, abstaining from food is about the same. Not eating or drinking, just praying and drawing near to God. You say these people are very interesting, making Israel swear not to eat, and if anyone eats, they will be cursed. What kind of brain is that, what's the use of this? It’s of no use. Saul just liked to do these things, he thought this was God’s will, he didn’t know that a foolish person is really foolish.

There was a young man, formerly among us, who fasted and prayed for a week, and his nearsightedness was still the same. I said: You have given me a very good experiment, that is, you fasted and prayed for a week, and it didn't work. Later, I found that this young man was too religious. Today, brothers and sisters, don't do these things. Swear oaths! May God punish me severely! What's the use of punishing you? What's the use of crushing you to death? Is this God's will? It is not. It seems that God crushing you to death is also meaningless. Don’t build your faith on this, build your faith on God’s will. Today, let us build our faith on God’s will, and not engage in these things.

There was a sister, a bee flew into her house. Don’t you know that bees sting people? Her faith was very great, I have God! While swatting the bee, while praying, she was stung by the bee and her face was all swollen. Don’t you know that bees sting people? Yes, I know! If you know, why are you swatting the bee? Later, I prayed for her where she was stung, and the swelling went down. She used to serve with a religious flavor. Today, let us be realistic, we must know God fully in our understanding. Then we must begin to know that, so that's what happened. Do you know that God is teaching her a lesson? God is always gracious, letting her know that that kind of thing is called false faith. Swearing oaths to God not to eat is just not using your brain properly.

Saul’s False Faith Part Three

You say that everyone was so hungry during the battle, just because of his set of foolish behaviors and faith, and then he made the people not eat, and went to chase and kill the enemies. As a result, after everyone stopped, they asked God. God had already given you victory, hurry up and chase, and still ask God. How humble it looks. God, can I chase and kill them? Can I chase and kill them or not? As a result, God didn’t answer him. Do you think God would answer him? If He were to answer him, it should be a weasel turning into a spirit. God just didn’t answer him, do you think it’s interesting? Very interesting. Saul asked God, and God didn’t answer him, and this matter is very interesting.

Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” Then the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” (《1 Samuel》 14：36 )

The people said: Do whatever seems good to you! Everyone look at the reaction of the people, we are so hungry that our chests are sticking to our backs, you can do whatever you want! Anyway, you are the king, you are powerful! Indifferent. Then the priest said, Let us draw near to God. This is where drawing near to God comes from. Who is speaking these words? It is Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, whose uncle is Ichabod. Who is Ichabod? Ichabod is the one who was born on the day when the glory departed from Israel and old Eli died, just this group of people. Does everyone know the judgment of the descendants of old Eli? No one in his family will reach old age, just this group of people.

Ahijah said, Let us draw near to God! What were you doing before? At this time, let us draw near to God! Draw near to God first. I find it very strange, I have a bit of a negative view of this matter of drawing near to God. It’s not that I think drawing near to God is not good, but in my ministry experience, I have found that many drawing near to God, it is a religious act, it is not a true faith. Drawing near to God, drawing near to the point of getting cancer, without even knowing how they got it.

You say this, as a result, God did not answer Saul, did He draw near? No. God didn’t answer him, you know that God is too lazy to answer you. If you are really a person of faith, how could God not answer you? If you are a person after God’s own heart, how could God not answer you? Just doing some useless things. For example, getting up in the morning, God, should I brush my teeth? God won’t answer you; when going out, God, which bag should I carry? Do you think God cares about these things! God, which hat should I wear, which clothes should I wear? Then you might as well ask if you need to wipe after going to the toilet. Isn’t this nonsense? Fulfill your responsibilities well! So I think: at this time, the Israelites were all starving, do you think fighting is important, or are God’s people important?!

Brothers and sisters! I’m going to let you in on a secret, that is, all our leaders of these ministries, must pay attention! That ministry is not important, that person is important. We do these things to edify these people. If we cannot edify these people, and it becomes a religious act, it’s of no benefit to this ministry, it’s of no benefit to that person, you can stop doing it. Pastor! Then won’t the ministry collapse? The ministry is supported by God, the ministry is not important, people are important. But some people misunderstand this, they think they are important. You must enter into God’s will before you become important. If God hates you. Whether the ministry is done or not done, you are still a person who provokes God’s anger. Ask God! Just these things.

Saul’s False Faith Part Four

As a result, after God didn’t answer him, what happened? See who has sinned. After winning the battle, shouldn’t you say: Thank God! Celebrate! See who has sinned, why doesn’t God answer me? If God doesn’t answer you, shouldn’t you look for your own problems? Where are you going to look? Everyone may say, no, it’s because Jonathan ate a mouthful of honey, and as a result, the lot fell on Jonathan. Then Saul’s meaning is: you must die today. If not, may God punish me severely. Listening to these words, you feel that, what's the use of punishing you? Are you worthy of being punished? Don’t think too highly of yourself, you can’t bear it! You still need to know that we are people, we need God, we need to enter into God’s will.

Saul said, “You shall surely die, Jonathan; for the Lord do so and more also if you do not die.”(《1 Samuel》14：44)

You know there was a blind man, and then Jesus’ disciples said: Lord! This man is blind, did this man sin, or did his father sin? He was born blind, did his father have an affair outside and give birth to him; or did his mother have an affair outside and give birth to him, resulting in a blind person. People inside like to gossip. Are there gossips among us? See what sin he committed? Are you very interested in sin? Jesus said: No, it is to reveal God’s glory.

And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.(《John》9：2-3)

Our eyes just like to see these things, who committed the sin, we just like to do these things. I think: brothers and sisters! Can we rebuild our faith on our understanding of God. We must know God fully in our understanding, God is a faithful God. Today, we must walk according to God’s will, walk before God, and become people who please God. Now everyone knows what kind of person Saul is, right? Saul just does these smoggy things, which are useless. Doing a lot of religious things, you see the Philistine camp was in chaos during the battle! Take out the Ark, you should take out the knife! Just doing these things. Observe God’s works, we must begin to know what God’s will is? God is still constantly looking for people after His own heart in heaven and on earth.

Brothers and sisters! Start to walk out of this kind of bad habit. The people can’t stand it anymore, just because Jonathan ate a mouthful of honey, I have to die? You forgot that I went in and defeated the enemies; it was because of my faith in God that the enemies were defeated before us. Today you are doing these trivial things about eating or not eating, and you want to kill me, the people of Israel can’t stand it anymore. Do whatever you want! Doing some smoggy things yourself.

People’s Confusion

Whoever among us has a religious flavor, you will definitely find it difficult to receive blessings. You must begin to readjust. What is people’s confusion? It is that such a Saul was in charge of the kingdom of Israel. He often attacked all his enemies around him, and wherever he went, he defeated the enemies. Are you confused? You say, Saul has a religious flavor and no faith. Wherever he went, he defeated the enemies. How do you explain that? Everyone thought I had met my match again, that was God’s work, it has nothing to do with you.

Don’t put God’s work on your own face, even if you don’t do it right, God can still make him do it right; even if you don’t use faith, God can still exert His power. Whether you live or die, God will still sustain the universe. You thought that was what you did? It’s easy to explain, right? Brothers and sisters, don’t think that wherever he went, he defeated the enemies. If he had done it right, there would be no such thing? We must know which places are not in accordance with God’s will, and which places are in accordance with God’s will? We must understand it clearly in our understanding.

There was a sister, whose husband said to her, Look at you, doing this is not wise. The other party said, Then doing that is wise? Listen to these words, they are completely irrelevant. Yes! You put the food in your mouth, not in your nostrils, which proves that you are all right? Let me tell you, you are foolish, your understanding is not clear. Now that I have explained it this way, everyone suddenly understands, it turns out that it is God’s work, and it doesn’t have much to do with you, Saul!

God arranged for you, Saul, to manage the Israelites, whether you manage them well or not, God will still manage them. You will find that this Saul, when he met capable people or warriors, he recruited them to follow him, because he relied on people to fight wars! He had to have talents! He had to rely on people and warriors. Even if you recruit these capable people and warriors, that is just relying on people themselves! Can that fight a war? Winning a war depends on God, not on chariots, not on horses, not on weapons, it depends on God.

So brothers and sisters! We must gradually begin to challenge the logic system inside us. If the logic system inside us is a wrong logic system, it seems to have faith on the surface, but it is a religious act. Sometimes doing it right seems to be related to mighty warriors, but it is actually related to God’s work. Our confusions will be easily resolved. Do you still have confusions now? If you still have confusions, you know that God’s work has not increased or decreased. God’s work will not increase or decrease because Saul is king; God’s work will not increase or decrease because of our Chinese Mingding Destiny. Some people may say, you said that’s very interesting! Of course, I don’t think of myself as a dish.

If someone says: You look like a dog. I say: Thank you! You flatter me, I’m just a pile of dog shit. It is only God’s mercy that has chosen me from among all nations, so that I can have the opportunity to serve Him. That is the grace God has given me, I am a useless servant! This logic system must be established. Today, which victory is not based on God’s work? Which victory is not based on God’s power? Thank God! He has chosen us to be usable vessels. We must be determined to understand God’s will, because God is looking for people after His own heart in heaven and on earth, so that they can be used as vessels to manifest God’s glory.

If you are willing, don’t attribute the credit to yourself, because you and I are useless servants. If we follow this logic system, then wouldn’t it be simple? I think: this sermon has indeed brought a little shock to everyone. In the following path, compare yourself with Saul, and see how many religious behaviors we have! Religious behaviors are useless.

May God bless everyone!