Lessons from David: Episode 6

Main ideas and lessons

• “Evil spirit from the Lord” does not necessarily mean demonic

  • In 1 Samuel 16, the phrase “evil spirit” is argued to mean “bad” (harmful/judgmental in effect), not necessarily a literal demon.
  • The spirit is presented as God-directed judgment/punishment on Saul because Saul rejects God.

• New covenant logic: punishment is not applied to born-again believers

  • For those who are born again, God is said not to punish them—Jesus bore their punishment.
  • Under the new covenant, God is characterized as more gracious and not “wroth” or rebuking in the same way as under the old covenant.
  • Still, the speaker says God can bring judgment on those who persistently reject Him, with biblical examples.

• Biblical examples of God’s judgments

  • Acts 12: Herod is struck severely (including descriptions such as worms and bodily collapse).
  • Acts 13: Elymas the sorcerer is struck with blindness/darkness (and is unable to see and needs to be led).
  • These events are presented as judgments of God, not as punishment operating on born-again believers.

• How prophecy should be handled (by the prophet and by the recipient)

  • Prophets:
    • Should not force outcomes or try to “make it come to pass” for selfish motives (credit, reputation, proving accuracy).
    • The speaker points to Samuel anointing David while not trying to actively facilitate David’s kingship.
  • Recipients:
    • Should not force fulfillment; instead, let God bring it to pass.
  • Principle: Speak what God says, and let God do the arranging.

• A personal testimony about prophecy and timing (UK)

  • In 1989, during a tent meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, a pastor prophesied that:
    • The speaker had a nation on his heart, which the speaker connects immediately to the UK.
    • Within a month, the speaker would meet a porter/door opener to that nation.
  • The speaker says it came to pass in a way that aligns with the “don’t force it” theme:
    • About three weeks later, at the US Ministers Conference, Will Graham (from Roosley/England) appears on the attendee list.
    • The speaker does not try to engineer a connection.
    • On the first night, David prophesies over Will Graham that he is:
      • “a porter, a door opener to the entire UK.”
    • Later, the speaker tells Will Graham about the prophecy; the speaker reports that Will Graham’s church allegedly sends him back to help the speaker go to the UK.
    • The speaker says they reached the UK by November and began/incorporated ministry in January 1990.

• David’s posture after anointing

  • After David is anointed, the speaker highlights David returning to sheep-keeping and later coming to Saul.
  • This can seem like delay or conflict:
    • David is anointed king yet spends time in obscurity.
  • The speaker connects this to the tension between internal vision and natural circumstances, which can create frustration without necessarily destroying faith.

• David serving Saul: learning from even flawed mentors

  • The speaker argues David’s time with Saul—such as harp-playing and presence—still had a benefit for David’s development.
  • Even if Saul is a poor example (rebellious), people can learn what not to do.
  • Emphasis: God trains future leaders through experience and exposure, not only through perfect models.

• Goliath episode: historical details and covenant vs. uncircumcision

  • The speaker describes 1 Samuel 17:
    • Both sides camp on opposing mountains with the Valley of Ela between them.
    • Goliath’s height is given as an approximate figure commonly cited around 9 ft 9 in (rather than 20 ft).
  • The speaker critiques embellishments that portray Goliath as taller than estimates in text/commentary.
  • Approximate weights/armor details:
    • Coat of mail: about 5,000 shekels of brass (~125 lb)
    • Spear head: 600 shekels of iron (~15 lb)
  • Challenge structure: Goliath proposes one champion vs. one champion to avoid mass fighting.
  • Goliath is described as defying/blaspheming Israel, mocking the armies of Israel (with a word-study connection to Isaiah 65).
  • Israel’s reaction: Saul and Israel become dismayed and greatly afraid.
  • The speaker contrasts this with David’s later boldness and covenant confidence, referencing David calling Goliath an “uncircumcised Philistine.”

Methodology / instruction-style points (as presented)

• How to handle prophecy

  • For the prophet:
    • Speak only what God has told you.
    • Do not try to “force” the prophecy to happen.
    • Avoid trying to ensure fulfillment for status, ego, or proving accuracy.
  • For the prophecy recipient:
    • Do not attempt to manufacture the outcome.
    • Let God bring the words to fulfillment.
    • Cooperate only when God opens a door—then step through it.

• How to interpret “evil” in scripture

  • Treat “evil” as sometimes meaning “bad” (harmful/judgmental effect), not automatically demonic.
  • Evaluate whether the context indicates judgment on rejection rather than spiritual oppression aimed at believers.

• How to learn from others

  • Mentorship can include studying imperfect people.
  • You may learn:
    • what to do from good examples, and
    • what not to do from flawed examples.
  • Serving under an imperfect leader can still develop future leadership skills.

Speakers / sources featured (as mentioned)

• Speaker/teacher: Andrew (last name not provided)
• Biblical sources:
  • 1 Samuel 16
  • 1 Samuel 17
  • Jeremiah (example of “evil figs”)
  • Acts 12
  • Acts 13
  • Isaiah 65
• Historical/person sources mentioned:
  • David, Saul, Samuel, Jesse
  • Herod, Elymas, Goliath
  • Will Graham (personal testimony; connection to the UK)
  • Charis Bible College (promotional mention)
• Audio/segment cues mentioned:
  • “Andrew will be right back after these messages.”
  • Background music and an announcer (name not given)