Text: I Samuel 15:22-28; 16:6-12
We live in a day when folks are trying to impress people. There is far more emphasis put on Reputation than there is Character.
A. Character is WHAT YOU ARE.
B. Reputation is WHAT FOLKS THINK YOU ARE.
But the sad truth is that many people are not only doing their best to impress people, they are trying to impress God. But GOD IS NOT IMPRESSED.
1. By our outward appearance…I Sam. 16:7
2. By our offerings & sacrifices…I Sam. 15:22-23
3. By what we say.
4. By what we do.
5. By how we act.
God is more concerned about WHAT WE ARE, than any of the things mentioned above.
Saul was a man of reputation, but David was a man of Character… Notice what God saw in David.
I. GOD SAW IN DAVID A FAITHFUL SHEPHERD…16:11; 17:34-37
A. He fed the flock when no one was watching.
B. He fought the foes when no one was watching.
Character is faithful when no one is looking.
II. GOD SAW IN DAVID A FAITHFUL SON…
A. He was yielded to his Father’s business…16:11
B. He was yielded to his Father’s bidding…17:17-20
III. GOD SAW IN DAVID A FEARLESS SOLDIER…17:26-51
A. To David, there was a Principle worth defending. Notice v 26 & 29.
B. To David there was a Power worth displaying. V 38~9; 4345; v 47
IV. GOD SAW IN DAVID A FORGIVING SPIRIT…
A. David’s opposition by his enemy. 18:11,17; 19:1 & 11
B. David’s opportunity to get even…24:1-12
1. His chance…v 1-3
2. His choice…v 4-10
3. His crown…v 16-17, 20
The crisis in Saul and David’s life did not make Saul a coward, nor did it make David the conqueror. It only revealed what they already were.