A. DAVID – FIRST NOTICED: 1 SAMUEL 16:1
1. First noticed by God. “How long will you mourn for Saul … I have provided Myself a king (among the sons of Jesse)” (1 Samuel 16:1).
2. Standard. “I … see not as man sees … outward appearance ... I look at the heart” (16:7).
3. Eighth chosen. “Seven … sons passed before Samuel … the Lord has not chosen them (16:10).
4. David faithful in daily task. “He is keeping the sheep” (16:11).
5. David faithful in music skills. Recommended to king because he was “a skillful player of the harp” (16:16), and “can play well” (v. 17).
6. Refreshed the king. “David … played it (harp) … refreshed and well” (v. 21).
7. David faithful to his sheep. “A lion, and a bear … took a lamb ... I went after it … caught it by its beard … killed it” (17:34-35).
B. DAVID – THE LORD HIS EXAMPLE/GOAL IN LIFE: PSALM 23
1. David wrote as a young shepherd, “The Lord is my Shepherd” (v. 1):
a. Primary protector.
b. Personal.
c. Present tense.
2. The Lord was David’s provider:
a. “I shall not want.”
b. “Lie … green pastures.”
c. “Still waters.”
d. “A table of food.”
e. “Full cup.”
3. The Lord guided David. “Lead me in right paths” (v. 3).
4. Protected in danger. “Walk thought the valley of the shadow of death” (v. 4). Three comforting ideas:
a. Through.
b. Shadow.
c. With me.
5. To keep David on course (v. 4):
a. Rod – correction.
b. Staff – to protect or lift up.
6. Three sources of strength (v. 5):
a. Table of food.
b. Anoint head.
c. Cup overflowing.
7. Two watch dogs to watch over sheep and David (v. 6).
a. Goodness of God to overwhelm.
b. Mercy, to forgive and restore.
8. Three conclusions:
a. Because the Lord was David’s Shepherd, I shall not want (v. 1).
b. Because the Lord was with him, I will fear no evil (v. 4).
c. Because of the Lord’s loving kindness, I will dwell in His house (v. 6).
C. TEN WAYS TO PREPARE TO BE GOD’S LEADER
1. Love the work/ministry God has given you.
2. Identify so the work/ministry becomes you, and you are it.
3. Locate yourself with your work/ministry.
4. Represent yourself with your work/ministry, i.e., David as shepherd.
5. Protect what God has given you.
6. Feel with the successes/failures of your work/ministry.
7. Serve faithfully your work/ministry.
8. Associate with the success/failures, and reward/loss of work/ministry.
9. Support work/ministry totally.
10. Enjoy the rewards of work/ministry, i.e., meals, anointed head, God’s house.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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