Sermon Tone Analysis

Invite congregation to pray

As we begin our text today we’re in transition in the book of 1 Samuel.

Saul has now been rejected by God and so the prophet Samuel is to anoint another as king of Israel.

Perhaps the key line of Saul’s downfall was what he said to Samuel towards the end of chapter 15,

1 Samuel 15:24

As we saw last week, Saul was more concerned about his own image than the God’s glory.

He built a monument to himself, he took credit for having done what was commanded when he clearly had not and he constantly blamed others, the people of Israel, for any lapse in obedience rather than admit to his lack of leadership.

Let’s go to our text

Let’s go to our text

May the Lord bless to our understanding this reading from His Word.

Thanks Be to God.

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I want to focus specifically upon the choosing of David.

As we look at our passage today.

As Samuel comes into Bethlehem, about 10 miles north of Ramah where he was at the end of Chapter 15, he’s asked by the elders ask him, “Do you come peacably?”

And Samuel answers v. 5

Now one thing I want you to notice that Samuel told the people to consecrate themselves and come to the sacrifice.

It then says he consecrates Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

What does it mean to consecrate oneself?

It would probably mean they would wash themselves and also wash their clothes.

To use an old vernacular in our modern times it would be to put on your Sunday best.

Samuel looked upon Eliab and was sure this was the one the Lord would have chosen:

What does it mean to consecrate oneself?

It would probably mean they would wash themselves and also wash their clothes.

To use an old vernacular in our modern times it would be to put on your Sunday best.

Samuel looked upon Eliab and was sure this was the one the Lord would have chosen:

We then see in the following verses that Jesse’s sons are brought before Samuel as Samuel is eagerly ready to anoint the successor of Saul (the next king of Israel!).

Samuel looked upon Eliab and was sure this was the one the Lord would have chosen:

He is attractive and Samuel is drawn to him, but the Lord warns him in v. 7

This is obviously a reminder of the description of Saul who stood head and shoulders above everyone and was the handsomest man in all of Israel.

The story takes us through all of the sons of Jesse

6:10

And that’s when the plot takes a twist.

We know what’s coming, partially because we know the story, an even if we don’t there is a heading in most of our bibles that gives us the knowledge of what is coming.

It’s interesting to note that we had just heard in v. 7 , “Do not look on his appearance” which is what happened with Saul, but our narrator cannot seem to contain it.

We’re told not to look as the man sees but that, “the Lord looks on the heart”.

A few things I want to quickly note here:

7 sons - 7 is the number of perfection or completeness in the Scriptures.

Yet, David’s 7 older brothers have already passed before Samuel and “The LORD has not chosen these.”

so they send for the 8th son, one who would stand apart from the other 7.

A second word of note: “the Lord looks on the heart.”

Did you notice that David came in from the fields, he has just been tending sheep - shepherding is not an occupation known for its cleanliness.

Shepherds sleep on the ground, they are with the animals all day and night, they actively fight off threats to the flock.

Shepherding is an occupation that takes a lot of physical effort.

Shepherds were known for their malodor or less politely, how bad they smell.

And yet, there is no mention of David consecrating himself nor being consecrated.

I find that intriguing.

Lastly, there is one thing missing in telling us who David is, and that is his name.

It is not mentioned until v. 13.

Jesus tells us in

So as we’re looking at the example of David, I have a question,

How’s your soul?

Does what is coming out of you demonstrate the cleanliness that is on the inside of you?

OR does what is coming out of you indicate there is some house cleaning that needs to be done?

How do we know?

Don’t compare yourself to the world.

Compare yourself to Christ.

Put on the new self.

Daily!

One step at a time.

When you compare yourself to the world, you’re comparing yourself to a world that is fallen.

We’re all fallen.

We don’t want to fall into that trap.

The world is not our home.

John 15:19

R

Don’t compare yourself to the world.

Compare yourself to Christ

Put on the new self.

Daily!

One step at a time.

The Bible says, “Be holy, for I am Holy!”

The Bible says, “Be holy, for I am Holy!”

Wow, now that’s a steep curve.

Holiness is what we’re called to.

Don’t compare yourself to the world.

Compare yourself to Christ

Put on the new self.

Daily!

Put on the new self, daily!

And finally, it’s one step at a time.

Don’t compare yourself to the world.

Compare yourself to Christ

Put on the new self.

Daily!

One step at a time.

The apostle Paul is probably one of the greatest reasoners recorded in Scripture.

He constantly defends the faith, and works hard for us to understand.

I love that he says he hasn’t gotten there yet.