Sermon Central
-
Life Of David: A Man After God's Own Heart
Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 16, 2023 (message contributor)
- 1
- 2
- Next
-
1. A Man After God's Own Heart: David's Early Life As A Shepherd
Contributed on Jan 16, 2023
David was anointed as the king of Israel as a young man, and that would define his life for many years. He was a young king in exile. Because technically Saul was still king. But Saul had displeased God. And so God would slowly work in David’s life to bring him to the seat of the throne.
We’re going to examine the life of the one of the great historical figures, a man named David. If there’s one person I want to mimic in my devotion to Christ it’s David. He is the prime example from the Old Testament of a godly man, a man the Bible says, was a man after God’s own heart. There are ...read more
-
2. David Promoted To Leadership In Saul's Army
Contributed on Jan 29, 2023
At this moment David makes a true friend. Jonathan the son of Saul is that true friend to David. He admires David. He loves David. He has decided David will be his friend. He knows David is a great warrior, so he even gives him his armor and weapons to wear.
David is coming off the greatest moment of his life, his victory over Goliath. He could easily be tempted to become arrogant or proud. But that is not what happens next. We saw at the end of chapter 17 that after David defeated Goliath he was brought before Saul and Saul doesn’t even remember who ...read more
-
3. David Takes The Sacred Bread & The Sword Of Goliath
Contributed on Feb 23, 2023
David now has food. But he is still unarmed. He ran away in such a hurry, he doesn’t have much of anything aside from the clothes on his back, and now a stack of sacred bread.
David is on the run! He is in a panic. Saul had tried to kill, pin him to a wall with a spear while he was playing music for him. Then Jonathan David’s friend goes and tries to calm Saul down and make things right. And Saul tries to kill Jonathan too. So David makes a run for it. His first stop is ...read more
-
4. David Gathers A Band Of Outcasts In The Cave Stronghold
Contributed on Feb 27, 2023
Two houses are being built, one is solid, the other is brittle, and caving in on itself. These are the two paths, one of David, the man of God, and Saul, the man in rebellion.
Two roads are beginning to form, two roads in two starkly different directions. We’ve both been on these roads. Maybe not to this extreme, but we have. We’ve seen where God’s path leads, to hope, to challenges, to victory, and yes, the valley of the shadow of death too, dark times, but, we’ve also ...read more
-
5. David's Mighty Men Protect Keilah From The Philistines
Contributed on Mar 19, 2023
David is inspired by God to move to protect Israel from an enemy nation that has constantly assaulted them. The Philistines are attacking Keilah. David asks God what to do.
One day news came to David that the Philistines were at Keilah stealing grain from the threshing floors. David asked the Lord, “Should I go and attack them?” “Yes, go and save Keilah,” the Lord told him. -1st Samuel 23:1-2 David gang of followers are hiding out in the caves, in the fields, and ...read more
-
6. David Cuts The Corner Of Saul's Garment In The Cave
Contributed on Mar 19, 2023
David didn’t kill Saul, but he’s even upset that he cut off a corner of his robe. How could he do this to the one God has placed as king? This is a man with a very strong conscience.
Have you ever had something really bad happen, and you wonder to yourself? How could God let this happen? Why is this happening? Or maybe you think, I can’t handle this. You feel overwhelmed. What do we do when we feel overwhelmed? We get through it. We let ourselves feel it. And we get through ...read more
-
7. Abigail Calms The Wrath Of David
Contributed on Mar 19, 2023
The prophet of God has now died. And David moves his men into the desert.
In chapter 25 of 1st Samuel we see several turning points in the life of David. Many years ago David had been a young shepherd boy when he met a prophet of Israel named Samuel. But the story is about to shift radically. It says in 1st Samuel 25:1: “Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and ...read more
-
8. David Spares Saul's Life A Second Time
Contributed on Mar 27, 2023
David has already spared Saul’s life once, in a situation where he is running. Now there is a new situation, but the same life is in his hands, what will he do?
Do you ever feel in your life like you’ve been tested in this area already? I know I’ve felt that way. Lord I went through this test already. I’ve given you my problems. I’ve given you my sins. But God says, I will test you again, and your faith will be proven. David went from being a shepherd ...read more
-
9. David Lives Among The Philistines
Contributed on Apr 3, 2023
“But David thought to himself, “One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.”
David and his 600 men having been running here and there, constantly pursued by King Saul and the troops of Israel. He’s managed to evade Saul for a long time now, because God is with him. Several times he’s encountered Saul personally now, and spared his life. But David starts to feel like the ...read more
-
10. King Saul Consults With A Medium At Endor
Contributed on Apr 18, 2023
Saul seeks the counsel of Samuel by seeking out a witch in the city of Endor
In first Samuel 28 we see that David and his 600 men are hiding out in the land of the Philistines. King Saul has stopped looking for David, because he’s left the country, but now, things are changing. The Philistines are again gathering for war to invade Israel. Now the only mention we get of ...read more
-
11. David's Family Taken Captive By The Amalekites
Contributed on May 8, 2023
When David arrives at Ziklag, they find it destroyed. It’s burning rubble. The city is devastated. It was attacked by the Amalekites. Their families are taken captive. Now David must launch a bold rescue mission to save them.
"Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable." -1st Corinthians 15:57-58 Long ago in David’s life when he was young he faced down Goliath in battle and defeated him. Only by God’s grace. God ...read more
-
12. King Saul Dies In Battle With The Philistines
Contributed on May 27, 2023
He keeps saying, "Who am I to harm the Lord's anointed?" But finally, it comes to its final point here. It says that the Philistines, this enemy nation, right near Israel, they are attacking Israel. There's there's a huge battle going on. And many were slaughtered.
Have you ever had a loved one in your family pass away? Can anyone relate? I think we've all probably had someone pass. And for some of us, it was someone we loved dearly. That's so incredibly hard. Then again maybe we don't have a good relationship with our parents or with our moms. ...read more
-
13. David Is Named King Of Judah In Hebron
Contributed on May 27, 2023
David had waited such a long time, for God’s promise given to him through the prophet Samuel. The promise was simple: You will be king. The moment has come, and David becomes King at Hebron over the tribe of Judah.
David trusted God for years and years. He trusted God as his enemies closed in around him. He trusted God as he lived in caves. He trusted God even when he was alone and on the run. He trusted God when Saul tried to kill him. He trusted God when he was an outcast. At last, the time had come. David ...read more
-
14. David Made King Of The Entire Nation
Contributed on Jun 5, 2023
In our own lives we need to be courageous. Show courage in difficult situations. Don’t give up when times get hard. Keep fighting the good fight. Bring it to God in prayer. Take a deep breath. Sorrows may endure, but joy comes in the morning.
Israel is in a vicious civil conflict, between Judah in the south, and the rest of Israel in the north. David commands from the city of Hebron in the south, and Ish-Bosheth is in charge in the north. Abner was Ish-Bosheth’s main military leader, but he was insulted by his leader, and shifted sides ...read more
-
15. Civil War Between King David And Ish-Bosheth: Abner Switches Sides
Contributed on Jun 5, 2023
The civil war continues between the remnants of the house of Saul and David’s forces. The war was fierce and brutal. But slowly David gained the upper hand.
The civil war continues between the remnants of the house of Saul and David’s forces. The war was fierce and brutal. But slowly David gained the upper hand. As it says in verse 1 of 2nd Samuel 3: “The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and ...read more
-
16. David Brings The Ark Of The Covenant Into Jerusalem
Contributed on Jun 24, 2023
In 2nd Samuel 6 we see the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem
David has gone from watching over the few sheep of his father, to be anointed as king of Israel. He was anointed, but then he waited. He waited many years, being persecuted by the ruling forces. He was on the run. He was hiding in caves. He fought battles. He dealt with foreign kings. He refused ...read more
-
17. King David Achieves Victory Over Five Surrounding Nations
Contributed on Jul 10, 2023
A problem remains, the nation of Israel remains surrounded by enemy kingdoms. To the west are the Philistines. To the south is Edom. To the east you have Ammon, Moab, and the Arameans.
God has brought David from shepherding sheep as a boy, to shepherding a nation, as king of Israel. He’s spoken to David through the prophet, promising to be with him. David answered with praise, saying, "Who am I that you should do such great things for me?" But a problem remains, the ...read more
-
18. David Cares For Mephibosheth The Son Of Jonathan
Contributed on Jul 10, 2023
In 2 Samuel 9:1 it says, “David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?””
Have you ever lost a dear friend, and then thought back to the fond memories you had of them over the years? You think back to the good times. The times you spent fishing, the family get togethers, the times out on the town, and you miss them. And you think to yourself, how could I do something ...read more
-
19. David's Victories Over The Ammonites: How To Walk In Wisdom
Contributed on Jul 26, 2023
What does David do? He gathered his entire army, and marches out against them, time to end this once and for all.
Too many people in our world make dumb decisions and reap the consequences. The Bible calls this person a fool. But the Bible also talks about a person who lives differently. They "walk in wisdom." Let's discover how we can walk in wisdom. To do that, I think we’re going to be talking ...read more
-
20. David & Bathsheba: How To Not Be A Man After God's Own Heart
Contributed on Jul 28, 2023
Normally the King would lead the armies in battle. But instead, King David sends out Joab and he stays behind at the palace.
The title of this message is “How to not be a man after God’s own heart.” So, if you want to follow God and love God and live for God, just do the opposite of everything in 2nd Samuel chapter 11. There are two incidents that are the most famous in David’s life. The first is of course David’s ...read more
-
21. Nathan Confronts David, David Repents Of His Affair With Bathsheba
Contributed on Aug 14, 2023
There’s a fear that comes over you when you know you’ve done wrong. Guilt comes in. Then shame takes over. And pretty soon we are sorrowful and sad and we don’t know what to do.
Have you ever made a huge mistake? A mistake that really bit hard? And you fought with yourself about it, trying to justify what you did? But in the end you realize, I messed up really bad. Have you been there? There’s a fear that comes over you when you know you’ve done wrong. Guilt comes in. ...read more
-
22. Amnon Assaults His Sister Tamar: How To Heal From Past Abuse
Contributed on Aug 14, 2023
Amnon sets the trap, and clears everyone out of the room. He pretends to be sick to get her alone and he goes after her.
Family drama, I’ve seen it in my family and in many other families. I’ve arbitrated disputes between sisters. I’ve worked with families during funerals where there are arguments and disagreements. I’ve seen some seriously terrible things happen in families. Family is tough. Very tough, and in this ...read more
-
23. Absalom Sets A Trap For Amnon: What Is The Legacy You'll Leave Behind?
Contributed on Aug 16, 2023
If we set an example of righteousness, then it may yet continue through your family line into the future.
King David allowed two sins into his life when he committed sexuality immorality by taking Bathsheba to be his wife. Then he committed murder when he ordered Uriah the husband of Bathsheba to be left to die in battle. In my family, certain sins have persisted over the generations. My grandpa ...read more
-
24. Joab Convinces King David To Bring Absalom Back To Jerusalem
Contributed on Sep 25, 2023
Absalom the dearly loved son of King David has committed murder, he killed his own brother Amnon. This was in revenge for something truly disturbing that Amnon did to Absalom’s sister Tamar.
Have you ever had a disagreement with someone, a long time friend or family member? And then you stop talking? But as the months and years go by you long to see that person again. You think about them. You think about the good times. Yet, you can’t quite get yourself to call them up, or make things ...read more
-
25. Absalom's Rebellion Against King David
Contributed on Sep 25, 2023
David's own beloved son Absalom, begins to plot a nefarious conspiracy against his own dad.
Right now in this season of growing politics, we see various candidates political office beginning again to vie for the affections of the people. They make promises, they give their policies, and they fight for the support of the people of the United States. Similarly, in the time of David and ...read more
-
26. Absalom Takes Jerusalem, David Regroups At Mahanaim
Contributed on Sep 25, 2023
The Lord God almighty is sovereign and in control of this situation. Similarly, he is in control in your life. You can trust Him completely.
Absalom is leading a rebellion against King David and at least as of the time being, he is succeeding. King David and his leaders have fled Jerusalem, in tears of sorrow. Absalom has moved in and taken the capital. So now we’re going to see Absalom being advised by two men, Ahithophel and Hushai. ...read more
-
27. King David Shows Grace To His Enemies
Contributed on Oct 3, 2023
King David has been I'm sure on a rollercoaster of different emotions, fear, worry, excitement, victory, and so on. But now, it turns to sorrow. So while David’s troops are celebrating, David is devastated. Joab the leader of David’s troops finds out about this and is not happy.
Mourning and celebrating, have you ever felt happy, but sad at the same time? Has a moment of excitement or joy suddenly become sad for you? Or perhaps a moment of sorrow turned into a moment of joy? The rebellion of Absalom has been defeated. King David’s troops fought bravely in the battle in ...read more
-
28. Sheba's Rebellion Against King David
Contributed on Oct 3, 2023
Mephibosheth comes to David having not washed his clothes, or shaved or cared for his appearance, basically to show David that he was waiting for his return.
At the end of 2nd Samuel chapter 19 we see Mephibosheth rejoining King David after he had fled Jerusalem. We also see Barzillai, a rich guy who was supporting David in Mahanaim, come to David, and David invites him to Jerusalem, but Barzillai prefers to return to his own home, because he’s in his ...read more
-
29. King David And The Gibeonites: The Impact Of Sin On Generations
Contributed on Oct 16, 2023
There is a problem, David prays, God quickly answers David, and let’s David know, it’s because of something that happened during the time of Saul. And now it’s David’s job to make it right.
If you look back at the last one hundred or so years of American history, you see several generations of people. There of course the traditionalists, we call them “the greatest generation” or “the silent generation” they are the Americans who fought World War II. They built on the accomplishments ...read more
-
30. David's Song Of Praise To God In 2nd Samuel 22
Contributed on Oct 16, 2023
“David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:…”
If there’s one thing that perfectly sums up David’s life it’s the praise that David sings to the Lord in 2nd Samuel 22. David expresses poetically all that God has done for him. David acknowledges clearly, his life story is not really about David. It’s about his God. The entire chapter of 2nd ...read more