Transformed by Truth: Seeing as God Sees 1 Samuel 16:7
1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT): "But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’"
Introduction
Today, we embark on a journey to understand the profound truth found in 1 Samuel 16:7. Our sermon, titled “Seeing as God Sees,” will explore how God’s perspective differs from ours and how we can align our vision with His. We will look at three key points: God’s Perspective, The Condition of the Heart, and Aligning Our Vision with God’s.
1. God’s Perspective
1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT): "But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’"
This verse occurs during the anointing of David as king. Samuel, sent by God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons, initially looks at Eliab, impressed by his stature and appearance. However, God corrects Samuel, emphasizing that His criteria for selection are different from human standards.
The Hebrew word for “heart” here is "leb," which signifies the inner person, encompassing emotions, intentions, and moral character. God’s evaluation goes beyond the superficial to the core of our being.
We often make snap judgments based on appearances, achievements, or social status. God, however, values the heart’s integrity and purity. We should strive to see others as God sees them, looking beyond the exterior to understand their true character.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT): "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
Rick Warren once said, “The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.”
2. The Condition of the Heart
Psalm 51:10 (NLT): "Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me."
David’s heartfelt plea for a clean heart follows his recognition of sin with Bathsheba. He understands that only God can renew his inner being.
The word for “create” in Hebrew is "bara," indicating a divine act of bringing something new into existence. David seeks a transformation that only God can perform, emphasizing the need for divine intervention in our moral and spiritual renewal.
Our hearts, tainted by sin, need constant renewal by God’s Spirit. We must regularly examine our inner motives and seek God’s cleansing power to maintain a heart that is pure and aligned with His will.
Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT): "And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart."
A.W. Tozer said, “The whole work of God in redemption is to undo the tragic effects of sin and to bring us back again into right and eternal relationship with Him.”
3. Aligning Our Vision with God’s
Romans 12:2 (NLT): "Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Paul exhorts believers to be transformed by the renewal of their minds, moving away from worldly patterns to discern God’s will.
The Greek word for “transform” is "metamorphoo," implying a complete change in form and nature. This transformation involves a radical shift in our thinking and perspective, aligning our vision with God’s.
To see as God sees, we need a renewed mind. This renewal comes through immersing ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. By doing so, we cultivate a godly perspective that values inner character over outward appearances.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
C.S. Lewis wrote, “It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.”
Conclusion and Call to Action:
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 16:7 teaches us the importance of seeing as God sees. We must look beyond outward appearances, focus on the condition of our hearts, and seek alignment with God’s vision through the transformation of our minds.
As we go forth this week, let us pray for God’s guidance to see others and ourselves through His eyes. Let us be diligent in guarding our hearts and renewing our minds, so we may live lives that reflect His will and bring glory to His name.
Application:
Remember, God’s perspective is always deeper and more profound than our own. Let us embrace His view, seek His transformation, and live as new creations in Christ.
Let us pray: “Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your word and Your truth. Help us to see as You see, to value what You value, and to be transformed by Your Spirit. Create in us clean hearts and renew our minds, so we may live according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Go forth, knowing that God sees your heart and desires to transform you from the inside out. Live in His truth and reflect His love to the world. Amen.
