How do we know if we are maturing in the faith? Faith begins without any pretense, and the Bible does tell us that we are to “receive the kingdom of God like a child.” But the Bible also tells us that we are to “grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) and to “go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1). What does that look like? We can see what a maturing faith looks like in the life of David. David has spent significant time on the run from Saul and has had opportunities to learn to trust the Lord. In the latest incident, David once again has Saul’s life in his hands, and again he determines not to strike the Lord’s anointed but to trust that the Lord will vindicate him and deal with Saul. In doing so, David shows us the actions that a person of mature faith takes and the results of such faith in his character. We learn all this from “The Point of the Spear” (1 Samuel 26:1-25).

I. Faith’s Actions
A. Patience
B. Obedience
C. Diligence

II. Faith’s Results
A. Honesty
B. Hunger
C. Hope

Questions for consideration: (1) Why is it so hard to be patient and “wait on the Lord?” What can help us to be more patient in trusting God? (2) Integrity is a crucial part of our witness as Christians. Why do you think that is? What do we lose when we are seen as dishonest or hypocritical? What is the relationship between integrity and faith? (3) Why is hope so important to your daily life?