Lessons from 1st Samuel: Jonathan,
Prince of Israel
Attention
1. Jonathan was the son of Saul, prince of Israel, and is
one of the great, unsung heroes of faith and manhood.
2. Jonathan reminds us that real faith shapes our whole
life by instilling love, courage, service, and loyalty.
I.
His Love for David
A.
Jonathan Had Much in Common with David
1.
Jonathan and David had a special relationship; they were closer than
brothers. 18:1-4; Pr. 18:24
2.
Both were men of faith, men of courage, men of action, and men of honor.
B.
Jonathan Had No Jealousy for David
1.
Sometimes two aggressive, valiant characters will be competitors instead
of comrades.
2.
But Jonathan was supportive of David’s success, while Saul was jealous of
his rival. 18:5-12
C.
Application
1.
True love is unselfish, never jealous, and supportive of its object in
all that is good. 1Co. 13:4-8a
2.
Do we love people that love God? Are we jealous of their success
or jealous for their success?
II.
His Courageous Trust in God
A.
Jonathan Trusted God to Give Victory
1.
Jonathan was, indeed, a man of courage and a man of action; he went alone
into danger. 14:1
2.
His actions were not reckless; they were the result of his deep faith in
God. 14:6-7
B.
Jonathan Acted Boldly to Gain Victory
1.
Faith was not a passive feeling in Jonathan’s heart; it led him to dare
bravely in battle! 14:8-14
2.
Believing God has practical implications; Jonathan was ready to claim the
victory God owned.
C.
Application
1.
How will we act if we truly trust God? Will we get out of the boat? Will
we climb up the rocks?
2.
Faith is only known by its actions; faith without fruit of obedience is
dead. Jas. 2:14-26
III.
His Willingness to Accept God’s Will
A.
Jonathan Knew David Would Be King
1.
Jonathan continued to love and support David though it prevented his
advancement. 20:30-33
2.
It was evident that God had chosen David to replace Saul; Jonathan
accepted God’s decision.
B.
Jonathan Was Willing to Be Less
1.
Jonathan had the courage of a king but the heart of a servant; he was
content to be less. 23:14-18
2.
Jonathan supported God’s plan for David and Israel; He was unselfish and
unaltered by power.
C.
Application
1.
The Lord exalts those who serve others; greatness is won by becoming
small. Mt. 20:25-28
2.
Am I willing to be less if I can be useful? Am I willing to serve, or
only to do certain things?
IV.
His Loyalty to the Faithful and to His Father
A.
Jonathan Was True to David
1.
Jonathan not only refused to oppose David, he actively worked to protect
David. 20:9-17, 34-42
2.
David did not forget his covenant with Jonathan; years later he provided
for his friend’s son.
B.
Jonathan Remained True to Saul
1.
Jonathan was angered by Saul’s pursuit of David, but he continued to
honor his father. 31:1-6
2.
Jonathan wanted to be next to David, but he stood his post and died with
his father for his nation.
C.
Application
1.
Are we loyal only when it is to our advantage? Does their behavior
release me from obligation?
2.
My obligation to others exists because of my relationship to God. 1Jn.
4:20-5:1; Ro. 12:17-18
Action
1. Jonathan had the qualities of true faith and manhood:
faith, love, courage, service, and loyalty to the death.
2. Can these things be said of me? Do I love sincerely,
trust courageously, serve humbly, and support faithfully?