The Pursuit of God: The Life of David
This series will explore the life of David who was known as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). When we see the ups and downs of David’s life we may relate to them in our own lives, but we may also question how it could be that David, with all his foibles, could be known as a man after God’s heart. In this exploration of David’s life, we will look honestly at his strengths and weaknesses, his apparent successes and apparent failures, to more closely see how to align our lives with the heart and will of God.
A Song to the God of My Life
Near the end of 2 Samuel, we come to the conclusion of David’s life. What does he sing to God and say to others as he concludes his life? (2 Samuel 22) Sermon Outline “Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.” (2 Samuel 22:50) The Focus of Worship (2 Samuel 22—first take) Appropriate perspective on God and us Paying attention to God Paying attention to God amidst our life circumstances…
Generous God, Generous King
(1 Chronicles 28 and 29 and various Scripture passages) Sermon Outline “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generous as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” (1 Chronicles 29:14) God was Generous to David (1 Chronicles 28) God chose King David from a humble beginning (1 Chronicles 28:4-7) Gave him His Holy Spirit to guide him with the plan of…
Cracks in the Legacy
This message explores the complicated final episode of David’s life, which includes sin within his children that David fails to deal with adequately, betrayal by his son, flight from the kingdom, accusations from those who do not like him, and the eventual restoration to power. What can we learn from David’s complicated legacy? (2 Samuel 13-20) Sermon Outline “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” (Psalm 107:2) Tracing the Cracks…
Broken and Broken
This message explores Nathan the prophet’s rebuke of David and David’s response to Nathan’s rebuke. At first, David’s sinful brokenness is exposed and then David lets himself become broken in repentance before God. David could have chosen other responses, such as denial of his wrong, silencing his confronter, or something else altogether. What can we learn from David here? (2 Samuel 12 & Psalm 51) Sermon Outline “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to…
When the Respected Fall
This message explores the failure of David and Bathsheba, evaluating what happens and what could have gone differently. This will explore the nature of sin and temptation but also grapple with the apparent failures of those we might respect. This message is paired with the following week. (2 Samuel 11) Sermon Outline “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the…
Invited to the Table
David extends mercy to the household of Saul through Saul’s grandson (and Jonathan’s son), Mephibosheth. Why does David do this and what does it mean to show mercy to the undeserving? (2 Samuel 9) Sermon Outline “David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” (2 Samuel 9:1) Remembered Promises David seeks to be faithful to his friendship to Jonathan David seeks to show lovingkindness to Jonathan’s descendants…
The ‘No’ of God and the ‘Yes’ of God
In chapter 7 of 2 Samuel, David wants to build a house for God but, after the prophet Nathan’s initial excitement, God says “no” to David’s plans. What do we do when God says “no”? Note that God does say “yes” to building David’s house, which is a “yes” David didn’t expect. (2 Samuel 7) Sermon Outline The LORD said to David through Nathan the prophet: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be…
The King’s Honor
This week we look at the curious episode of the entrance of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, accompanied by great fanfare. The fanfare includes a great host of singers and dancers, and King David becoming undignified in his worship and celebration, much to the shock of his wife (and Saul’s daughter), Michal. What does it mean to show honor to the King of all kings with our lives, no matter who we are? (2 Samuel 6) Sermon Outline David…
Wait For It
This week explores the ways Saul pursues David but also how David chooses to spare Saul’s life when the opportunity for revenge arises. This message also will put this into the context of the end of Saul’s life. (1 Samuel 24, 26, 31) Sermon Outline “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1) David’s Mercy Over King Saul’s Life David spares Saul’s life when Saul is relieving himself in a cave; David…
Worshiping God in the Wilderness
This message explores David’s wanderings while running away from Saul and also how he expresses a heart of trust and worship even in challenging times in caves and the wilderness spaces. (1 Samuel 21-23; Psalm 63) Sermon Outline “David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.” (1 Samuel 23:14) David’s Flight to Elude King Saul David’s flight…
The Gift of True Friendship
This message explores the friendship between David and Jonathan, the son of Saul. (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:1-42) Sermon Outline True Friendship Is Marked by Covenant, Not Convenience (1 Samuel 18:1–4) Jonathan “loved David as himself” — selfless, committed love. He gave David his robe and weapons — surrendering his royal rights. Their bond was spiritual — rooted in purpose, not personality. Challenge: Are your friendships based on covenant loyalty or just mutual benefit? What are you willing to give for…
Spiritual Self-Destruction
This message looks at Saul’s gratitude for David that transforms into opposition to David because of jealousy of David. What happened to Saul? Sermon Outline Envy turns companions into competitors and robs relationships of love and peace. The Progression of Envy Envy Begins with a False Foundation of Identity Saul’s identity was built on appearance, performance, and public opinion—not God. (1 Samuel 9, 13–15) If your identity is in your success, someone else’s success threatens your value. Envy Grows through…
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