INTRODUCTION:

A.     Constant perseverance and vigilance are needed to avoid becoming evil.
B.     Our allegiance to God and His will is crucial to being successful against all of the corrupting             influences Satan uses.
C.     Valiant men were not always men who feared and served God.
         1.     There were men who are described as "mighty" or "valiant" who opposed God's will.
         2.     Other men who were valiant or mighty started out as servants of God but were then corrupted by evil.

DISCUSSION:

I.     ENEMIES OF GOD'S WILL ARE OFTEN DESCRIBED AS MIGHTY MEN.

       A.     Men of Jericho (Joshua 6:2).
                1.     Men who exhibited the qualities of valor.
                2.     Men who were brave, strong, and courageous.
       B.     Assyrian men of valour defeated by God (II Chronicles 32:21).
                1.     Valour not always enough.
                2.     Valour must have the alliance of God (Romans 8:38, 39).
       C.     Naaman, a Syrian, described as a man of valour (II Kings 5:1).
                1.     Had been able to lead Syria to victory over Israel.
                2.     Did not believe in Jehovah (II Kings 5:11).
                3.     Became a believer (II Kings 5:15).
       D.     Some men who were valiant men of God became evil.

II.    SAUL, A VALIANT MAN, WHO BECAME EVIL.

       A.     Saul's early greatness.
                1.     Displayed humility and a fear of God (I Samuel 9:21).
                2.     Hesitant to accept the task of king (I Samuel 10:22).
                3.     Patient with those who did not accept him (I Samuel 10:27).
       B.     Saul's early victories.
                1.     Delivers Jabesh-Gilead from the Ammonites (I Samuel 11:1-11). 
                2.     Victory over the Philistines (I Samuel 14; Jonathan).
                3.     Other victories: over Ammonites, Moab, Edom, Kings of Zobah, the Amalekites, and the philistines again.
       C.     Saul's transgressions and downfall.
                1.     Didn't wait for Samuel to make sacrifice (I Samuel 13:1-14).
                2.     Did not destroy Amalek as directed (I Samuel 15:13-22).
                3.     Saul's problem is he did not remain humble (I Samuel 15:17).
                4.     Lost God's guidance and direction (I Samuel 16:14).
                5.     Jealousy toward David (I Samuel 18:7-9).
                6.     Saul went against what he knew was right (I Samuel 24:16-22).
       D.     Saul ends up as one of the most pitiabel characters in all the Bible.

CONCLUSION:

A. To constantly disregard what we know is right can lead us to destruction.
B. To allow personal ambition, human emotions, and impatience to rule us can bring folly.
C. Courage, strength, and conviction, while needed by all Christians, is not enough if we do not ally ourselves with God.