Today, I want us to think about the world around us. It's very different from the world we read about in the Bible.
In our time, influenced by media and the internet, there's a big focus on looking good and staying healthy. Social media, TV, and other media often set high standards for beauty and health. This can make us feel not so great about ourselves and change how we see each other.
But, when we read the Bible, like the stories of David, Saul, and Samuel, we see how people were judged differently. It was more about family background, jobs, and societal roles. Today, things have changed. Now, it's a lot about how we look. But even with these changes, the Bible's message is still very important and meaningful.
In 1 Samuel 16, the Bible tells us, 'People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' This simple line is so powerful. It reminds us that what truly matters is not how we look on the outside but what's in our hearts.
As we explore the Bible today, let's remember this difference. Let it help us as we try to think and feel more like God does. We want to see things the way God does, to care more about what's inside a person than how they look on the outside. Let's try to see the beauty in God's way of seeing things in a world that often only looks at the surface.
Point 1: God's Choice Transcends Human Expectations
"In 1 Samuel, chapter 16, we see a powerful example of how God's choices can surprise us."
"In chapter 16, we find the prophet Samuel on a mission to anoint the next king of Israel. I will read, let’s see what happens."
"Samuel sees Eliab, who looks strong and kingly, and thinks he must be the one God has chosen. But God says to Samuel, 'Don't judge by his height or looks; I haven't chosen him. I look at things differently than people do. People see the outside, but I look at the heart.'
This moment shows us the difference between human judgment and God's deeper insight."
"Let's think about Israel back then. Before kings, they had judges. It was a time of confusion and no clear leadership. When they shifted to having kings, it was a huge change. The king was more than a political leader; God chose him and was crucial to the nation's relationship with God. So, it was a big surprise when God chose David, a young shepherd."
"Imagine a girl named Maya from a small town. She doesn't have much, but she loves science. People often overlook her. But her passion and hard work caught the eye of a teacher, who helped her get a scholarship. She became a successful biologist. Maya's story, like David's, shows us that it's not about where we're from or how we look, but what's in our heart."
"This teaches us to trust in God's wisdom and choices. He doesn't look at our outward appearance or where we come from; He looks at our hearts. Let's learn from this and try to see people the way God does, focusing on their hearts, not just what they look like or their background. Remember, God's choices go far beyond what we can see on the surface."
Point 2: God Values the Heart Over Appearances
"As we delve deeper into God’s wisdom, we come to our next big idea: God cares more about our hearts than how we look. This is crucial in understanding why God chooses certain leaders and how we should treat each other."
"Remember the verse we read earlier, 1 Samuel 16:7? It says, 'Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' This is the key to understanding David's story and God's way of seeing things."
"Think about David's start. He was the youngest kid, a shepherd, not someone you'd pick as a king. His own family didn't think he could be king. But God saw something special in David that others didn’t."
"When Samuel went to pick the new king, God told him not to look at how tall or strong someone was. God saw David's heart – his bravery, faith, and love for God – things that really matter."
"David's life had many big moments, like when he beat Goliath or how he acted when King Saul was chasing him. These showed his strong faith and good heart. He trusted God, followed God’s way, and was honest and strong, even when things were tough."
"Let's challenge ourselves to look beyond what's on the outside. Let’s care more about what's in someone's heart. In a world where we often judge by looks or what we have, we, as Jesus' followers, should see people as He does – looking at their hearts.
Let's also check our own hearts. Are we trying to impress others or God? Our main goal should be to make God happy to have a heart full of love, humility, honesty, and faith.
This isn't easy. It takes a lot of effort and prayer. But the reward is a life filled with God's purpose and a community that shows His love and kindness. Let's help each other on this journey, cheering each other on to live with this God-centered view."
Point 3: The Transforming Power of God’s Spirit
"Now, as we move to our final topic today, let's focus on something really powerful – the transformative power of God's Spirit. This isn’t just a story from long ago; it’s about how God’s Spirit works in us right now."
"In 1 Samuel 16:13, a big moment happens for David. Samuel anoints him, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him. This isn't just about the oil on his head; it's about God giving him spiritual strength and starting his journey to become king."
"This part of the Bible shows us how God's Spirit came to David with great power. It’s like God was saying, 'I’ve got special plans for you, and I’m going to help you.'
God gives the people He calls what they need to do amazing things."
"Let's talk about Nicky Cruz. He grew up tough and became a gang leader. His life was full of trouble and sadness. Then, he met David Wilkerson, a preacher who kept telling him about God's love. Nicky's life changed completely when he chose to follow God. He left the gang and started helping others. His story shows how faith and God’s Spirit can change a life."
"The Holy Spirit is like our guide, comforter, and God being right with us. He helps us make good choices, comforts us when we’re sad, gives us the courage to tell others about Jesus, and helps us show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
"Imagine a community where people are arguing and divided. Some Christians, led by the Holy Spirit, start trying to bring everyone back together. They show love, patience, and humility, and things slowly improve. This is the Holy Spirit helping to heal and unite people."
"I encourage you to let the Holy Spirit work in your life. Ask for His guidance, be open to His direction, and let Him change you from the inside. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can face tough times, grow our faith, and show God’s love.
Let’s prepare for the Holy Spirit to shape us to be more like Jesus. That way, we can grow, be renewed, and shine like lights of hope in the world. Let’s live our lives filled with God’s love and wisdom."
Conclusion
"As we wrap up our time together, let’s pause and reflect on what we’ve learned from God’s Word today. We’ve taken a deep dive into seeing ourselves and others the way God does and how His Spirit can change us."
"We started by understanding that God doesn’t just look at what’s on the outside like we often do. He looks at our hearts, seeing our true character. Remember how David, the shepherd boy, was chosen for his good heart, not for how he looked.
Then, we talked about the Holy Spirit’s power to change us. Like how David was transformed for God's big plans, we too can be changed to match what God wants, not just on the outside but in our hearts and minds."
"Think of a gardener with his plants. A good gardener knows the potential of each seed and sapling. They don’t just see what's there now; they see what it can become. That’s how God sees us. He doesn’t focus on our mistakes or what others say about us. He sees our potential to grow and be wonderful.
In David’s story, this is clear. He might have seemed like just another young guy in his family, but God, the master gardener, saw something special – a future leader with a heart like His."
"As we go back to our daily lives, let’s try to see each other as God does. Let’s see the potential in everyone, the chance for growth and goodness. And let's let the Holy Spirit work in us, changing us from the inside, so we can be everything God wants us to be.
Let’s not just listen to these words today; let’s live them out, carrying God’s perspective and the power of His Spirit in everything we do."
