A Man After God’s Heart

Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Main Idea: God values the heart over appearances and calls us to live authentically, with a focus on Him and others.

Introduction:

Story: At a West Virginia mine disaster, Phil Donahue witnessed a humble pastor who refused to stage a prayer for the news.

The pastor prayed for grieving families in an authentic moment, refusing to “pose” for the cameras when asked to redo the scene.This simple act of integrity left a lasting impression on Donahue.Connection: This story highlights the importance of authenticity—something God values deeply. In 1 Samuel 16, we learn that God chooses leaders not for their outward appearance but for the condition of their heart.

I. Not God’s Person (1 Samuel 16:6-7)

Explanation:

Saul’s failure as king:

Saul was chosen as Israel’s first king because he looked the part—tall, handsome, and impressive (1 Samuel 9:2).Yet, Saul repeatedly disobeyed God, prioritizing appearances and personal gain over obedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23).God rejected Saul because his heart was not aligned with God’s will.Eliab’s rejection:

When Samuel saw Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son, he thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him” (v. 6).But God corrected him: “The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (v. 7).God was teaching Samuel—and us—that external qualities are secondary to inner character.

Supporting Scripture:

Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”Matthew 23:25-28: Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their outward show of righteousness while their hearts remained corrupt.

Illustration:

The Capital One commercial asks, “What’s in your wallet?” Spiritually, we need to ask, “What’s in your heart?”Saul was like a beautifully wrapped gift with nothing inside—an image with no substance.

Application:

Are you more concerned with how others perceive you than with the condition of your heart?

Social media can lead us to curate an image rather than cultivate genuine faith.Sundays may feel like a performance for some, but God desires sincere worship and obedience.Challenge: Examine your motives. Are you serving God for His glory or your own reputation?

II. God’s Person (1 Samuel 16:11-13)

Explanation:

David’s humble beginnings:

David, the youngest son, wasn’t even invited to the sacrifice. He was out tending sheep while his brothers stood before Samuel.Yet, God saw his faithfulness and humility in small tasks and chose him as king.Jesus as the ultimate Son of David:

Like David, Jesus was despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3).Born in obscurity, Jesus became the cornerstone of salvation (Psalm 118:22-23).

Supporting Scripture:

Acts 13:22: “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”John 13:14-15: Jesus washing the disciples’ feet shows the heart of a servant leader.

Illustration:

The eagle raised with chickens:

While walking through the forest, a man found a young eagle that had fallen from its nest. He brought it home and placed it in his barnyard, where it learned to eat and behave like chickens.One day, a naturalist saw the eagle and was astonished to see it living among chickens. The naturalist explained that the eagle was born to soar but had been confined to the life of a chicken.After several attempts to inspire the eagle to fly, the naturalist took it to a high mountain. He lifted the eagle toward the sun, and the eagle began to tremble. Slowly, it stretched its wings and soared into the sky, fulfilling its true identity.Similarly, David rose from obscurity to fulfill God’s calling as Israel’s king.

Application:

Do you have the heart of a Christian, or are you just playing the part?

God isn’t looking for perfect people; He’s looking for willing hearts.Challenge: Serve faithfully in the “sheep fields” of your life, trusting that God sees your heart and will use you for His purpose.

III. Who’s Your One? (Matthew 28:18-20)

Explanation:

David’s anointing was about God’s larger plan:

David’s reign was not just for Israel—it pointed to Jesus, who would bring salvation to all.Similarly, God calls us to participate in His mission of reaching others.The "Who’s Your One" initiative:

This program challenges each believer to identify one person to pray for and share the gospel with intentionally.At Summit Church, asking “Who’s your one?” led to hundreds of baptisms and transformed lives.

Supporting Scripture:

Romans 10:14-15: “How will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?”Luke 15:7: “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.”

Illustration:

The naturalist helped the eagle realize its true identity. Similarly, you can help someone discover their identity in Christ.Imagine what God can do if each of us takes this call seriously.

Application:

Who’s your one?

Begin praying daily for this person, asking God to prepare their heart.Use tools like prayer bookmarks and guides to stay focused.Commit to intentional evangelism:

Build relationships, share your testimony, and invite them to church.

Conclusion:

Story:

Jim Valvano, during his battle with cancer, realized it’s not results but effort that defines success. Similarly, God calls us to give Him our hearts and trust Him with the outcomes.

Final Challenge:

Are you willing to be a person after God’s heart?

Like David, embrace humility and obedience.Commit to praying for your one and sharing the gospel.

Closing Scripture:

2 Chronicles 16:9: “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

Closing Prayer:

Pray for God to shape our hearts, make us faithful in His calling, and guide us as we share His love with others.