Sauls true self is shown by contrast to Johnathans actions.

Act1: Johnathan is shown as a brave, courageous man, believing in God to give him the victory while Saul is a coward that hides in holes.

Act2:

Johnathan has to climb down into a ravine and then climb up to fight the enemies.

V6: Johnathan mentions the enemy as uncirmcumsised. By calling them this, he is putting the war in theological categories: Gods people against Gods enemy.

Just as johnathan fights in this physical war against flesh and blood, we christians fight in an everyday spirtual war. We fight by spreading the gospel to the unreached people of the world.

Application 1: Attempt great things for God. What are you doing for God? Are you afraid? If God is for you, who can be against you?

Act 3: Victory by fault

Saul has shown to be just as bad as the sons of Eli by bringing in the Arc of the Covenant into battle as some sort of "good luck charm".

Act 4 Bright eyes

Saul did not put the war into theological terms but into his own terms. He makes a vow for himself and his own vengence not for God.

Act 5 The trial

Saul finally sacrifices to God but not for praise but for food.

Application 2: People worship God only when they feel a need to.

Christians are not christians because of themeselves but because of growth in Christ.

Do you just go through the motions?

Conclusion: There is a comparison between Jesus and Johnathan. Johnathan fought a war on the behalf of the israelites and he won. Even though he fought he was condemned to death. Simularly, Jesus saves his people from eternal death and then died for his people on their behalf, so they can be set free.