September 18, 2022
A TALE OF TWO KINGS
September 18, 2022
Troy Temple
When is the last time you recall being asked to do something that was really beneath you, but you did it anyway? Can you share what happened?
Today we continue our series “David: Chasing the Heart of God,” as we focus on two kings of Israel: Saul, the first king of Israel, and David, the shepherd boy who became king. They accurately represent everyone who lives and eventually makes a choice whether to serve God and love Him with one’s whole heart, or serve self, and do everything for the benefit of one’s own life. One way leads to a life of joy, freedom, and eternal life, the other ends in a life of disaster, with an eternity spent in hell. Join us as we listen to Mr. Troy Temple bring 1 Samuel 16 alive.
Focal Passage: 1 Samuel 16:13-23.
God’s Way to Prepare a King
Allow God to map the way
· Before we begin our study of the two kings, read 1 Sam. 8:19-20. What were some of the reasons Israel had wanted a king? Why would God go ahead and anoint Saul, knowing he would disobey Him? What was the final ‘straw’ for God to remove His power from Saul?
· Read 1 Sam. 16:14-17. What can you infer about the spiritual state of Saul’s servants? How did they know that an evil spirit had come into Saul’s life? (They did not have the benefit of God’s Word to tell them!) Why was Saul not open to doing things God’s way?
· Is there any indication that Saul was willing to submit to God’s authority?
Rely on God’s presence
· Can someone please tell of Samuel anointing David, from last week’s sermon? Read verse 18. What were the character qualities that Saul’s servants realized David had in his life? What was the most important?
· How do you suppose the servants were aware that the Lord was ‘with him’? This was David’s reputation! How does it imply that others can see and understand that our God is with us individually and personally? Read Acts 4:13. How can the verses from our focal passage, as well as this verse, help you understand how important your testimony is?
· Read Prov. 22:1. Have you ever known someone with a “good name”? What does that encompass? Did they look to God to be sufficient for them?
Serve in obscurity
· Read 1 Sam. 16:19-22. How did Saul know David was with the sheep? How do you think he spent his time as he continued to be under the authority of his father?
· What could David have said when Saul ordered him to come to him? Why did David go without argument? What does this say about David’s true character?
· In verse 22, do you think Saul knew of Samuel anointing David? What might have been an ulterior motive for having David close to him?
Status is the enemy of service
· Read verse 23. How does David’s service to Saul speak volumes about his heart attitude?
· Read Luke 22:24-27. Did David carry out this principle of life by attending to Saul’s needs whenever he called for David? What could David have said?
Close:
Hopefully, as we studied this passage on this period of David’s life, you can begin to see what his heart was like and why God testified that David was a man after God’s own heart. And even though you may have read this chapter of 1 Samuel many times, perhaps you had never noticed some of the phrases which Mr. Temple pulled out, focusing on a phrase here or there that gave David greater godliness!
David was submissive to his father’s authority as he grew. He was faithful as a shepherd, taking care of the flock with diligence and boldness. In 1 Samuel 17:33-37, before he confronts Goliath, David testifies of God’s favor upon him. It seems as though he used his time with the sheep writing Psalms of praise to God for His goodness. He pulled on those hymns of worship throughout his life. He was also sold out to God. Whenever Satan seemed to open a door where David could say “Whoa! I’ve been anointed king by Samuel. I won’t (fill in the blank!) …” he did nothing of the sort, but obediently and submissively carried out any job required. Can we say that?
Near Roanoke, Virginia, lies a Baptist Church which was pastored for many years by a servant of God, Mike G. He was an extraordinary pastor, growing a local body of believers into a large church with a global vision. They supported—then sent—missionaries by the ‘busload’ to carry out the great commission. However, whenever anyone needed help, whether in the kitchen serving, going overseas to minister to unsaved people groups, to walking hot, dusty roads to reach people, Mike has never pulled his ‘rank’ as the church’s pastor and sent someone else. He has always stepped up to fill any job that needed to be done, serving selflessly, diligently, and wholeheartedly. He is, indeed, a “little Christ” [Christian]. Would that we all would empty ourselves like this, seeing everything we do as a joy, “doing it as unto the Lord!” (Col. 3:23). Someday, Mike will be rewarded with crowns to throw at the feet of Jesus.
What about you? Are you ready to serve quietly until God brings into your life the next step of your journey, or do you know exactly how it needs to be and you’ll call on God’s help only if you get into a pickle? Do you pull status for your position, reminding everyone just exactly who you are? One way, you’re a Saul. The other way, you’re a David