Humble Beginnings

Intro

-New series this week all about GODLY INFLUENCE AND HOW TO GAIN AND HANDLE IT

-We will be looking at the life of David through this series starting tonight with his Humble Beginning

1 Samuel 16:7

1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Pray

Humble Beginnings

Story about Nick beating me in golf last week

Get Ugly

1 Samuel 16:6–7 NIV

6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

-Have you ever met someone that is just gorgeous but an absolute mess?

-Or maybe you have that one friend that always hits you with, “I’m doing great!” when they actually are failing every class, have a gas tank on E and credit card bills through the roof?

-I love that a truth given to a prophet thousands of years ago is still so relevant to us today.

-We are obsessed and if we aren’t careful, consumed with the appearance of success.

-David was the only brother chosen for the grand plans God had and he was also the only brother who didn’t fit that culture’s definition of a man.

-I’m not saying the only way you can be used by God is if you are apart from culture, but rather you are able to be in it and not let it define your standards or who you are.

-As Christians we aren’t called to be spiritual posers. Simply putting a bible verse in your IG bio doesn’t lead people to jesus, the way you love and live does.

-David wasn’t concerned with looking the part, he was concerned with being who God made him to be.

Mind to Your Business

1 Samuel 16:11–12 NIV

11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

-Have you ever met someone that was doing exactly what they were made to do?

-It’s almost as if they make you question what you’re doing with your life because they are so full of life themselves.

-David knew his role in the family and he played that role well. He was an amazing shepherd.

-Later on we find out that David was actually not just a good shepherd but an amazing one. We hear about David wrestling bears to protect his sheep.

-I love this story because it shows us David’s heart. He not only said he protected sheep, but he was actually about that action.

-David knew he was called at that time to protect the sheep and was content in that.

-He didn’t walk around moping or complaining because his brothers were home and he was out in the field.

-David knew his role, owned his role and became the best shepherd possible.

-Have been talking to someone looking for their next conversation and in the process is completely ignoring you?

-God isn’t looking for young people so consumed with where they want to be that they forget to do what and be where God has them.

-Your best and most important ministry of your life is where you are right now.

-The best part about this passage is that it says David was GLOWING with HEALTH.

-If you want to be healthy and thrive, learn to invest where God has you right now!

Serve to Shine

1 Samuel 16:21 NIV

21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers.

1 Samuel 16:23 NIV

23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

-Have you ever met someone who can’t help but tell you all the things they are good at?

-The worst part about being someone like that is sometimes they will miss out of amazing opportunities because they feel above or better than what is being asked of them.

-David showed up and said yes to serving the leadership God put in front of him.

-He didn’t tell Saul, “hey, I am a shepherd and a pretty good warrior, so you should use me to do those things only.”

-An insecure has to do only the things they naturally do well, but someone who is secure is willing to be stretched because they know it will make them better.

-You see, David was an amazing warrior. He killed bears with his hands. But in this season God was calling him to be humble and hold the weapons and shield of his leader.

-He wasn’t too proud to believe he couldn’t learn or grow from the activity God had him doing in that season.

-He made himself available and sought to serve the person God had placed in front of him.

-Later in the story, we see that the time David spent listening and learning from Saul helped him become King.

-David understood that serving wasn’t something below him but was something preparing him.

Close

-The first step to gaining and using your influence for the Kingdom of God is giving it up.

-You can’t lead others if you can’t serve others.

-You can’t help people if you don’t help yourself.

-You can’t empower people if you’re lost in being something you aren’t.

-You can’t shine if you are reflecting the good you see in others.

-Let go.