God Looks Within Series

GOD LOOKS WITHIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Supporting Texts: Psalm 78:70-72, Jeremiah 17:10, Luke 16:15, Acts 13:22, Proverbs 4:23

INTRODUCTION:

In human society, people are often judged by appearance, status, or outward accomplishments. But God’s standards are entirely different. While man is impressed by stature, beauty, charisma, or eloquence, God looks deeper—He examines the heart. The calling and anointing of David in 1 Samuel 16 is a powerful lesson in how God selects His servants, not based on outward qualifications but inner posture and spiritual readiness.

When Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse to anoint a new king, even the great prophet was initially swayed by appearance. He looked upon Eliab and assumed he must be God’s choice. But the Lord immediately corrected him with a timeless truth: “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This declaration highlights the priority God places on inner character, motives, and spiritual integrity.

David, the youngest and most unlikely by human standards, was not even invited to the initial gathering. Yet he was God’s choice all along. He had been quietly developing a heart of worship, humility, faithfulness, and courage in the fields. His obscurity did not disqualify him; in fact, it prepared him. This study will explore how God chooses, how He sees, and how we can cultivate hearts that attract divine favour.

1. GOD’S CHOICES ARE NOT BASED ON OUTWARD APPEARANCES

God is not impressed by what impresses man—He sees the unseen and values the eternal.

a) Samuel was ready to anoint Eliab based on appearance (1 Samuel 16:6)

Even a seasoned prophet like Samuel could be influenced by physical appearance. But God quickly interrupted his thinking.

b) God warned that He does not see as man sees (1 Samuel 16:7)

This statement is a divine reminder that God's assessment is not based on externals like height, charm, or prestige, but on inward substance.

c) Jesse presented seven sons, but none were chosen (1 Samuel 16:10)

All the sons that seemed qualified by human standards were rejected by God, showing that divine selection is different from human approval.

d) Human disqualification does not cancel divine election

The one whom man forgets or overlooks, God may be preparing in secret as His chosen vessel.

Biblical Example: Gideon was hiding in fear, yet God called him a mighty man of valour (Judges 6:11-12).

2. GOD ELEVATES THOSE WHO HAVE A PREPARED HEART

Divine selection is preceded by spiritual preparation, often in hidden places.

a) David was found tending sheep when the prophet called for him (1 Samuel 16:11)

He was not in the spotlight, but he was faithfully serving in his father's field—demonstrating responsibility and humility.

b) God trains His chosen ones in obscurity before revealing them publicly

David’s time alone with the sheep was not wasted—it was divine preparation for leadership.

c) A prepared heart is one that remains faithful even when no one is watching

David worshipped, protected the flock, and fought lions and bears without recognition. That faithfulness caught Heaven’s attention.

d) Promotion from God comes when the heart is ready, not when the crowd is watching

Public anointing is the result of private consecration.

Biblical Example: Joseph served faithfully in prison before God elevated him to the palace (Genesis 41:14).

3. GOD’S FAVOUR LOCATES THOSE WHO ALIGN THEIR HEARTS WITH HIS PURPOSE

Favour is not random—it finds those whose hearts are surrendered to God.

a) David was described as “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22)

This means that David’s desires, values, and motives were aligned with God’s will.

b) God delights in hearts that are pure, sincere, and willing to obey Him

The inward condition of your heart determines how much of God’s trust you can carry.

c) Divine favour does not follow talent or title—it follows heart posture

Many gifted people remain sidelined because their hearts are not right.

d) When your heart seeks to please God above men, His favour will elevate you beyond your limitations

God will bypass others to locate the one whose heart is His.

Biblical Example: Mary was chosen to birth the Saviour not because of status, but because she had found favour with God (Luke 1:30).

4. GOD HONOURS HUMILITY AND FAITHFULNESS IN HIDDEN SEASONS

Before God anoints publicly, He observes privately.

a) David was doing menial work when his divine moment arrived (1 Samuel 16:11-12)

He wasn’t striving for greatness; he was serving faithfully where he was placed.

b) God often tests character in secret before entrusting people with influence

Those who prove faithful in small things are qualified for greater responsibility.

c) David’s time with the sheep was also a training ground for worship and warfare

The harp he played for God in the wilderness prepared him to calm Saul’s torment. His battles with wild animals prepared him for Goliath.