The Heart God Sees

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15

Introduction

· When a boss evaluates an employee he first looks at their willingness to follow instructions. If that employee demonstrates that they cannot follow instructions then the boss begins to consider who else can do the job. Many bosses assess whether applicants have qualifications but they also look at the track record to see if their heart will fit with the values of the company.

· When God had appointed Saul he had reign of the Kingdom as long as He followed the plan of God. When he bypassed that plan God bypassed him for a young man that demonstrated a heart to do what God wanted.

· You might feel like God looks for the things you do are have done and feel that should be good enough. God looks at the heart. He looks to see if you will follow after what He is asking you to do.

· We are looking at the life of David. David was a man after God’s own heart yet, he was flawed. God can use flawed people.

Explain the scripture leading up to the verse:

I. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

‌Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

Saul disobeyed God's command to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions, choosing instead to spare the best of the spoils under the guise of using them for sacrifices.

A. Obedience is Fundamental to True Worship.

WHY IS THAT?

1. Obedience Reflects Genuine Faith:

a. When we obey God’s commands, it shows that we trust His wisdom, authority, and love.

b. Obedience demonstrates that our worship stems from a heart that truly believes in God and His word.

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. James 2:17

2. Obedience Is an Act of Worship:

a. In the Bible, worship is often more about how we live our lives than about specific acts of religious ceremony.

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1

3. God Values the Heart Behind Actions:

a. True worship is not merely about external expressions but the internal condition of the heart.

b. God values the intent behind our actions

c. When we obey Him, it should spring from a heart of love and reverence.

And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ “This is the great and foremost commandment. Matthew 22:37–38

4. Obedience Aligns Us with God’s Will:

a. True worship includes aligning our will with God’s will.

b. Obedience is the practical application of yielding our desires to God’s desires, our plans to His plans.

And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

5. Obedience Leads to Intimacy with God:

a. Obedience deepens our relationship with God, leading to greater intimacy, which is at the heart of worship.

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.John 14:23

b. This demonstrates that obedience is not only a response to God’s love but a pathway to experiencing His presence more fully.

B. Disobedience Cannot be substituted with Religious Acts.

II. God Judges by the Heart, Not Appearances

But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” 1 Samuel 15:26

A. Irrevocable Consequences of Disobedience

1. Loss of Divine Appointment

· Disobedience leads to the loss of the specific role or position that God has appointed.

· Saul was rejected by God as the king over Israel due to his disobedience.

2. Separation from God's Favor

· Disobedience results in a separation from the favor and support of God.

· Saul's rejection by God meant that he no longer had the divine favor that had initially been upon him as king.

3. Irrevocable Change in Leadership

· Disobedience causes a permanent change in leadership as God appoints another to take over the role.

· After Saul's disobedience, God chose David to be the next king, indicating that Saul's opportunity to lead was permanently revoked and given to another who was more faithful.

B. Leadership Requires Compliance with God’s Will

1. Saul didn’t have the luxury of disobeying God. Everything in the kingdom depended on the Leadership obeying God and the people following the leader.

2. As a Pastor… and as a church…

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. Philippians 3:17

C. Divine Authority is Conditional on Faithfulness

“Your divine authority is based not on your performance, but on your faithfulness in Christ.”

1. The more committed you are to holiness and obedience the more powerful your anointing.

2. Demons aren’t afraid of your title, they’re afraid of those who are obedient to God.

3. They work to disrupt your obedience.

III. God’s Choice Surpasses Human Expectations

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

A. God Values Inner Character Over Outward Appearance

“But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lordhas appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 1 Samuel 13:14

1. Saul was flawed inwardly because he sought the praises of men. David was a man after God’s heart.

a. He sought after the applause of heaven.

2. Character is not who you are in public. Its who you are in private.

a. When no one, but God is watching. Do your outward actions reflect your inward character?

B. God’s Criteria for Selection Are Different From Human Criteria

1. Character Over Appearance:

· Human Criteria: Often prioritize physical looks, charisma, or societal status.

· God’s Criteria: Focus on internal character traits such as faithfulness, integrity, humility, and a heart that seeks after God.

2. Faithfulness and Obedience:

· Human Criteria: May value accomplishments and outward success.

· God’s Criteria: Value a heart that is obedient and faithful to His commands, as demonstrated by David’s life despite his imperfections.

3. Spiritual Readiness:

· Human Criteria: Can be swayed by immediate impressions and superficial assessments.

· God’s Criteria: Look for those who are spiritually ready and willing to follow His will. God prepares and equips those He selects according to His purpose.

C. The Importance of Cultivating Inner character:

Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Psalm 51:6

1. What is more important that outward appearance? Inward Character.

a. 1 Timothy 4:8 - Before you go to the gym work out your soul.

b. Before you go the store…dress up your heart.

2. Inward beauty is more important than outward beauty (1 Peter).

IV. The Anointed Are Empowered by God’s Spirit

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13

A. Divine Anointing Sets Apart for God’s Purpose.

1. Whenever someone was anointed, it was for a specific purpose.

Aaron…David…Jesus…

2. The anointing specifies that God has a greater plan than the one you or anyone else have in mind.

3. It means that you are given authority and responsibility.

4. The anointing confirms that you are God’s choice for a specific assignment.

5. The anointing brings a power that comes from the Holy Spirit.

B. ‌The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit Accompanies God’s Calling.

1. David had a great task ahead of him as KING. He would be responsible to unite a divided Kingdom. He would have to face Israels greatest enemies. He would have to lead with wisdom and authority. It would require the anointing.

2. The anointing will take a flawed person and make them extraordinary.

3. Call will not call you and not equip you.

C. God’s Empowerment is Immediate and Transformative.

“For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. John 3:34

1. ‌Despite David’s flaws God the anointing empowered David to do great things!

2. When God chooses you and the OIL of the Holy Spirit pours out on your life God will pour it out without measure.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

· God wants to pour out His spirit with out measure.

· When He does there is nothing you cannot do for God.

· God is not interested in your past. God is focused on your future.

· God is not concerned with your mistakes. He wants to anoint you for your destiny!

CONCLUSION