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“The Downward Progression of Sin”

1 Samuel 22

I. David on the Run (1-5)

A. To the cave of Adullam (1-2)

1. With his father's family

2. With others in distress

B. To Mizpah in Moab (3-4)

C. To the forest of Hereth in Judah (5)

II. Saul on the Hunt (6-19)

A. Saul chastises his officials (6-8).

1. "You have conspired against me!"

2. "You don't care about me!"

B. Doeg becomes an informant (9-10).

1. "I know where David was."

2. "I know who helped him--Ahimelech."

C. Saul does the unthinkable (11-19).

1. He sends for Ahimelech, his family, and the priests (11).

2. He accuses Ahimelech of betrayal (12-13).

3. He ignores Ahimelech's commendation of David

(14-15).

4. He gives the order to kill the priests of the Lord (16-17).

5. He orders Doeg to massacre 85 priests, their families,

and possessions (18-19).

III. David still on the Run (20-23)

A. What Abiathar did (20-21)

1. He escaped to David (20).

2. He informed David of the atrocity (21).

B. What David did (22-23)

1. He took responsibility for the bloodshed.

2. He invited Abiathar to stay with him.

Lessons:

1. Sin is a downward progression. The first step(s) may be a small one, yet the destination is always the same—destruction.

2. We must determine to stay close to the Lord, to obey Him in every detail.

3. God doesn't reward those who start well, only those who finish well.

4. People who run from God hurt not only themselves, but those around them.