Sermon Tone Analysis

Attributes of a man after God’s own heart

Introduction

Sermon Illustration - How you recognize someone - by their characteristics or attributesConnection of Illustration to text - In this text we see someone God will useIntroduce the thesis

Thesis: To be used by God we need to have the attributes of a man after God’s own heart.

David is faithful with a few things (vv.

17-23)He was careful to obey his father (vv.

17-19)He was careful to find somebody to watch his sheep (v.

20)He was careful to leave his baggage with the baggage keeper (v.

21)Cared to see his brothers quickly (v.

22)Cared to hear the charge against God & Israel from Goliath (v.

23)

David has confidence in God (vv.

24-27)All of Israel is fearful instead of confident (v.

24)Israel, through their speech, shows they fear man (v.

25a)They’re focusing on the earthly reward not the greatest reward of God receiving glory (v.

25b)David’s confidence is contrasted with Israel’s fear (v.

26)He gets details about the situation (v.

26a) He wants to see God receive glory - “taunt the armies of the living God”He wants to see God’s people delivered - “takes away the reproach from Israel”

David has a clear conscience in his motives (vv.

28-30)David’s conscience is in the stark contrast between him and his oldest brother, Eliab (v.

28a)Appearance ()Eliab is a “little” SaulAngers easilyNo patience for DavidViews David as a threatIsn’t concerned with what God might be doing through DavidDavid’s ability to have a clear conscience is because he acted in obedience (v.

28b)Sent by command of his fatherTook care of his sheep beforehandDavid responds with wisdom, humility, and zeal for God’s glory (vv.

28c-30)Doesn’t desire to see a battle but to see God’s name magnified, which is why he volunteers (v.

28c)Answers with a gentle word ()Doesn’t get angry quickly, doesn’t speak rashly ()Bridles his tongue ()Turns away from his brother knowing that relationship is not edifying ()

Conclusion- If we want to be used by God we need to live with these attributes in our mind: to be faithful with the few things the Lord has given us to be over right now in our lives, to be confident in God, and to have a clear conscience in our motive.

Ultimately though our model is Jesus, who displayed the attributes perfectly.

Where are you in pursuing these attributes?

Do you need to believe in Jesus, the ultimate display of these attributes, and begin to be used by God for the very first time, or do you need to work on having more confidence in God from now on, if so, Jesus can help you with that as well.

Whatever attribute you need to work on more today trust and believe that if you want to be used by God He will provide for you to be used by Him for His glory.