Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:1-9:

How God Defines Greatness (1 Samuel 18:5-16)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Aug 27, 2024

The world defines greatness in terms of achievements and deeds, celebrated today and forgotten tomorrow. God defines greatness as how one lives his life. We see this in David as he continued to follow the will of the LORD.

Greatness, according to the world's standards, is measured by things such as achievements, status, education, wealth, and individual or corporate contributions to society. While these traits are admirable, they can also be a source of pride, selfishness, self-centeredness, and arrogance. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:5-16, Ephesians 5:5, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Proverbs 27:2, Proverbs 26:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Poison Of Jealousy And How To Overcome The Green-Eyed Monster In Marriage Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Sep 10, 2024

Jealousy, a seemingly innocuous emotion, can wreak havoc in marital relationships.

Jealousy, a seemingly innocuous emotion, can wreak havoc in marital relationships. Like a slow-burning fire, it consumes trust, love, and unity, leaving destruction in its wake. The Bible warns against the dangers of jealousy, offering guidance on how to recognize and overcome this toxic ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:6-16

Kindness: Overcoming Selfishness Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Feb 5, 2023

Mark Twain said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can see.” Many think it only take willpower to be kind. No, it takes supernatural power to be kind.

Did you see the recent news article about the cabbie that found $187,000 in cash? Yes, a Boston taxi cab driver dropped off a homeless man at a hotel. The homeless man had just finished living in a homeless shelter for the past six months when he inherited the incredible sum of money. Yes, you ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Samuel 9:1-13, 1 Samuel 18:7, 1 Samuel 18:1-5, Ephesians 4:32, Luke 6:35-36  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Beauty Of Being Alone Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Sep 12, 2024

In a Society where relationships are highly valued, being alone can be seen as a negative experience.

In a Society where relationships are highly valued, being alone can be seen as a negative experience. However, the Bible teaches us that being alone is sometimes better than being in the wrong relationships. Consider the story of David and Jonathan. Jonathan, Saul's son, was a close friend of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-4, Judges 16:4-22

Dealing With Spear Throwers

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Jul 9, 2016

Recently had to deal with a bitter root that showed up in church. I had been reading Tale of 3 Kings just prior. Decided to speak about the Saul in me, rather than the Saul in others.

Dealing With Spear Throwers PPT 1 Message Title In John 14:2 Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you." That verse primarily concerns heaven, but I want to take the thought of a prepared place and alter it slightly to say that not only does God prepare a place for us, but He also prepares us ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:6-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Can I Call You Friend?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Sep 11, 2018

I would love to be counted a friend of God? There are 4 kinds of friends? Which are you? Are you a friend to others?

CAN I CALL YOU FRIEND? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. WE NEED FRIENDS… Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN SYMPATHY AND COMPASSION? Sympathy is a box of Kleenex and a bowl of chicken soup. Jude 1:22 And of some have ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 27:17, Jude 1:22, 1 Samuel 18:1, 2 Timothy 4:10-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Love Above All Loves

Contributed by Michael Collins on Jan 15, 2023

In this sermon I seek to explore the 4 different kinds of loves that exist today, and how we need to keep God's Divine Agape love at the center of all the 4 loves.

THE LOVE ABOVE ALL LOVES Uses of the Word Love in the world today 1. Eros (Romantic Love) - This is the love shared between a man and woman who are attracted to each other and is quite often connected with sexual behavior. 2. Phileo (Brotherly Love) - This is the love shared between two friends ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Samuel 18:3-4, 1 Samuel 23:17, Acts 9:26-27, Genesis 25:28, John 15:13, Acts 5:12-42, Acts 4:32-37, Acts 5:1-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Value Of True Love Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Dec 14, 2024

In this sermon, we'll explore the biblical perspective on true love and how it values the beloved.

As believers, we are called to love one another with the same love that Christ has shown us (John 13:34-35). However, not everyone who claims to love us truly values us. In this sermon, we'll explore the biblical perspective on true love and how it values the beloved. The Character of True ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Ruth 1:16-17, 1 Samuel 18:1-4

Undignified Dancing Mk 2 Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Jan 20, 2025

David, no longer in fear of the Ark of the Covenant, dances into his city and gets a telling off from his wife, you can't make this stuff up. What happens next and what does it mean for us as we celebrate our relationship with God. The reworking of an earlier sermon of mine.

Undignified Dancing MK 2 Over the past two weeks I’ve talked about living victoriously in Christ. For as children of God we can. Today I’m looking into ceebrating living lives of rejoicing in our understanding of God. Read 2 Samuel 6:6-23as the main passage for the message. Now within this ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:6-23, 1 Samuel 18:7, 1 Samuel 18:28-29, 1 Samuel 25:44, 2 Samuel 3:14-22, Ecclesiastes 3:4, 1 Samuel 18:20, Hebrews 9:4, 1 Chronicles 6:29, 1 Corinthians 1:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Benefits Of Biblical Friendship

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Jul 29, 2025

Biblical friendship is not optional—it’s essential. It reflects the very heart of God, who created us for koinonia, gave us a Friend in Jesus, and calls us to love one another in the same way.

The Benefits of Biblical Friendship "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time." – Proverbs 17:17 (CSB) Introduction We live in a world where friendships are often casual, self-serving, or shallow. Yet in Scripture, true friendship is not just ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 17:17, 1 Samuel 18:1-4, Philippians 1:3-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Dodging God's Rod - 1 Samuel 18:1-19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 30, 2025

Saul tried to outmaneuver God’s rod of discipline, but that only made matters worse. Learn why resisting God’s plan is a losing battle.

1 Samuel 17:1 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-19

When Dry Places Bloom

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 12, 2025

The King of heaven remembers His covenant of love, seeks out the broken, and seats them at His own table—transforming dry and barren places into a garden of grace.

Introduction – The Place No One Chooses Some stories in Scripture open like windows straight into the heart of God. This is one of them. David, now king of Israel, has settled the kingdom. The battles are mostly over. One day he asks a startling question: “Is there still anyone left of the house ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-3, 2 Samuel 4:4

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Running Your Race

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Oct 25, 2025

“Running Your Race” calls believers to reject comparison and discouragement, embrace their God-given lane with faithfulness and joy, and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus—the One who empowers, sustains, and rewards every step of the journey.

Running Your Race I remember the first time I attended a large Christian conference. Though we all shared a love for the Lord and His Word, this “unknown” attendee quietly wondered if anyone could see past the mask of confidence—past the polished smiles and ministry talk—to the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:45-46, 1 Samuel 18:7, Mark 12:43-44, 1 Corinthians 3:5-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Lion Of Judah Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Jan 22, 2026

Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but I looks on the heart."

January 24, 2026 Samuel was devastated by Saul’s choices and grieved for many months. Finally, Yahweh sent Samuel a message: "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:7

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

When Friendship Costs You

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 23, 2026

Covenant friendship shifts the center from me to thee, revealing a Christlike love that releases control, bears cost, and carries the atmosphere of heaven.

There are friendships that come easily. They form around shared interests, shared seasons, shared benefits. They feel natural. They feel mutual. And most of the time, they ask very little of us. But Scripture shows us another kind of friendship— one that does not reveal itself when everything is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-4, 1 Samuel 23:16, 2 Samuel 1:26, Philippians 2:5-8, John 15:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist