David Series: Divine Preparation

September 1st, 2024/Casey Middle School

Passage: 1 Samuel 16:14-23

Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and an evil spirit sent from the Lord began to torment him, 15 so Saul’s servants said to him, “You see that an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command your servants here in your presence to look for someone who knows how to play the lyre. Whenever the evil spirit from God comes on you, that person can play the lyre, and you will feel better.”17 Then Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

18 One of the young men answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is also a valiant man, a warrior, eloquent, handsome, and the Lord is with him.” 19 Then Saul dispatched messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 20 So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a wineskin, and one young goat and sent them by his son David to Saul.

21 When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse: “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor with me.” 23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would pick up his lyre and play, and Saul would then be relieved, feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

Pray:

Background:

You know, there’s a moment in life when you can’t fake it anymore. When what’s really inside you comes out. And today, we’re looking at two men, two kings, with two very different outcomes.

1. First, there’s Saul—a man who had it all but lost it because he couldn’t get out of his own way. Saul was disobedient to God. He didn’t follow the instructions, thought he could do it his way, and that’s when the downward spiral began.

2. Because of that disobedience, he was deprived of the Spirit of God. Can you imagine? Life without God’s guidance? An interesting thing to note, it’s almost as if Saul gets what he wants. He is rebellious towards God and His commands, then God allows a tormenting spirit to drive him deeper into anguish and at times, madness. God is sovereign over all. And He can allow suffering and anguish to come about for His redemptive purposes.

3. And when God’s Spirit left, an evil spirit took His place, and Saul became distressed—tormented, unable to find peace.

4. His servants noticed what was going on and called out that he was being tormented by an evil (harmful) spirit. He tried to drown out the noise with distractions, like the music David played. Think about this for a moment before you respond… Is what they recommended the right prescription for Saul’s condition? It was an option, but not the best option. It offered temporary relief, but it did not heal the condition. Sometimes people offer surface level solutions to deep spiritual conditions.

5. And finally, Saul found himself demoted—by God Himself! The crown was slipping from his grasp, and God was raising up someone new.

But David? Oh, David was on the rise. God was developing something in him that no one could see yet. At this time, David would still be a teenager, probably around the age of 13-15 years old. Today, I want to show you how God develops His people in the hidden places before He ever elevates them to the spotlight.

We’re going to look at 5 observable characteristics of David, this middle school young man that tends sheep, and I want to look at the reputation he had that went from the pasture to the palace.

Title: Divine Preparation

Main Points: 5 Observable Characteristics

1. Disciplined

   1. “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre...” (1 Samuel 16:18)
   2. David wasn’t just a kid who happened to be good at the harp. He was disciplined! He put in the work when no one was watching. He wasn’t sitting around waiting for a stage—he was practicing in the fields!
   3. “We want to be spiritually big, but we can't turn off the television. We want to be mighty in God, but we spend more time with our feet up in front of the TV than we do on our knees in prayer." - Leonard Ravenhill

   4. Application: What are you doing in the private moments when nobody’s watching? Are you disciplined enough to prepare for the opportunities that haven’t even come yet? Maybe it’s time to take that talent, that gift God has given you, and start sharpening it. Make a habit of discipline in your daily life—whether it’s prayer, study, or developing your skills.

      1. What do you need to remove to be most productive in the “in between” moments of your life? It’s not always in the addition, often it’s in the subtraction.

         5. David practiced in private to provide a service in public.

      2. He had something to offer to be the solution to the problem.

2. Devoted

   1. He is also a valiant man, a warrior
   2. David wasn’t just talented; he was devoted. And devotion is what attracts the presence of God. Augustine said, “David’s devotion to God was evident in everything he did.” You can see it in his music, in his battles, in his prayers. He was a man after God’s own heart, and that’s why the Lord was with him.

   3. Man of war - two options

      1. “It was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and raiding the threshing floors.”” - 1 Samuel 23:1 CSB
      2. “David answered Saul, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. Whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it.” - 1 Samuel 17:34-35 CSB
      3. David had devotion - who would fight a bear over a lamb? David was a man devoted to God and devoted to the assignment over his life!
         4. Application: You want God’s favor? Start by being devoted to Him. Not just on Sunday, but every day. Make God your priority. Spend time in His Word, seek Him in prayer, and watch how His presence changes everything. Your devotion to God is what draws His presence into every area of your life.

3. Discerning

   1. He is… eloquent
   2. “Skillful in speech”, “discerning in speech”, or “has good judgment.”... some might even have said David had Rizz. :)
   3. David wasn’t just disciplined and devoted; he was discerning. He knew how to speak, how to navigate situations with wisdom beyond his years. John Calvin pointed out that David’s discernment was evident even in his youth, guiding his decisions and actions.
   4. Application: We need some discernment today! We’re bombarded with voices, opinions, and distractions, but we need to hear the voice of God. Pray for wisdom. Don’t just react—respond with discernment. Make decisions that align with God’s truth, not just what feels good in the moment.

4. Distinguished

   1. He is… handsome
   2. Now, let’s talk about being distinguished. David wasn’t just a pretty face; he stood out because of the qualities God had developed in him. Rick Warren says that being distinguished in God’s kingdom is about standing out for the right reasons—character, integrity, and faithfulness.
   3. “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lordsees the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7
   4. Application: What makes you stand out? Is it your character? Your integrity? Are you living in a way that reflects God’s glory? People notice when you’re distinguished by God’s standards, not the world’s. Aim for excellence in everything you do, because you represent the King of Kings.

5. Divinely-Favored

   1. and the Lord is with him.
   2. And finally, David was divinely-favored. This is the game-changer. The key to David’s success in life is stated in 1 Sam. 16:18—“the Lord was with him.”
   3. Charles Spurgeon said, “The greatest mark of David’s life was that God’s favor rested on him.” It wasn’t about what David did; it was about God’s choice, God’s grace, God’s presence.
   4. Application: You can’t earn divine favor, but you can position yourself to receive it. Walk in humility, trust God’s timing, and be confident that His favor will take you where you need to go. When God’s favor is on your life, no door can stay closed, and no obstacle can stand in your way.

Band Come Up)

Closing: The Path of Divine Preparation

David’s rise wasn’t about him pushing his way to the top; it was about God preparing him in the private moments, in the fields where nobody saw him, where nobody applauded. David wasn’t submitting resumes to be king—God was orchestrating every step.

Listen to me: This chapter in David’s life wasn’t a detour; it was development. God was shaping David’s character for the throne, This was divine preparation, not through public accolades, but through private faithfulness. And it’s the same for you. Don’t despise the process. Don’t rush the preparation. Because when God’s ready to elevate you, nothing can stop it.

David didn’t force his way into the palace; God brought him there. And it all started with a life of discipline, devotion, discernment, and divine favor. That’s the kind of life God honors, the kind of life that prepares you for the next chapter. So, let’s be like David—faithful in the small things, knowing that God is preparing us for something greater. This is just the beginning!

*Worship Builds*

When David played the harp…:

1. When David played his harp, something extraordinary happened to Saul. The oppressive spirit that tormented Saul had to flee in the presence of the anointed worship flowing from David's heart and hands. That’s the power of worship. It shifts the atmosphere. It breaks chains. It brings peace where there was turmoil. But here’s the thing: for Saul, this was just a temporary fix. He found relief in the music, but he didn’t deal with the root issue—his arrogance, his disobedience, his refusal to fully surrender to God.
2. Some of us might be like Saul today. We come into the presence of God, we feel a moment of peace, a moment of freedom, but we don’t address the deeper issue. Let me tell you, God wants to do more than just give you temporary relief—He wants to bring lasting transformation.
3. Right now, as the band begins to play, I want to invite you to do something powerful. Take a moment to repent. Turn from whatever it is that’s been holding you back—your sin, your pride, your disobedience. Come before God with reverence, acknowledging His goodness and grace over your life. Run to the Father just as the prodigal son ran to his father. Your Heavenly Father is waiting with open arms, ready to embrace you, to restore you, to heal you.
4. And when you’ve made that decision in your heart, don’t stay silent. Worship is your weapon! Sing loud, sing with everything you’ve got, because you owe Him your praise! Just like the lyrics say in “Owe You Praise,” thank God for forgiving you! Thank God for taking you through! Thank God for rescuing you from your sin and giving you life, hope, and a personal relationship with Him!
5. This is your moment to experience the power of worship—not just as a temporary prescription but as a declaration of victory, a weapon against the enemy, and a response to the incredible grace and mercy of God in your life. So, let’s worship together, church, and let the power of God’s presence do what only He can do!

Communion: 1 Corinthians 11

Invitation:

If you want to make a decision to follow Jesus. Then join me and everyone else in the building as we pray out loud together. It’s not the prayer that saves you, but your faith, making Jesus Lord of your life. We don’t let anyone go on the journey alone. If you have faith in Jesus, then let’s join together as we pray…

Prayer of Salvation:

Jesus, I acknowledge that I need you

I confess that I have sinned against you

I believe that God raised you from the dead

And right now, by faith, I say “Jesus is Lord”

Thank you for forgiving me

By your grace I am saved

And by your power I am set free

Conclusion:

If you prayed that prayer for the first time then Scripture says “anyone who acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge them before my Father”. I’m going to ask that if you prayed that prayer for the first time would you lift your hand and let me know so that I can celebrate with you.

1. God is so proud of you.

2. The angels are rejoicing.

3. And we believe God has a purpose for your life.

Would you let us know that you made a decision so that we can follow up with you and help you on your next steps?