Sermon: Appearance vs the Heart

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 16

Quotes for Reflection

Isaiah 53:2 (NRSV)
He had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

Paul David Tripp
Even if your struggles are your own making and your problems are caused by your foolishness, God still offers his forgiving and rescuing grace.

Tim Chester, 1 Samuel for You
Samuel had to appoint a king. In a sense it is a task we all have. We must choose who will be king over our lives. Who or what will have our ultimate allegiance? It might be a person. It might be an ideology. It might be material possessions. It might be ourselves—our comfort or power or pride. There might be a number of things competing for our allegiance. But something will rule our hearts. How will we decide?

Heath Thomas & J.D. Grear, Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Samuel
Most of us have tried to measure up to the world’s criteria, but few people ever feel as if they have succeeded. The stress of trying to have the perfect body, a successful career, a conflict-free family—all these have eluded us. It comes as refreshing, freeing news that God is not particularly concerned with our earthly successes.

Application Questions

1. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. Why can we call this gospel-centered evaluation?

2. How might your life change by seeing yourself and others as the Lord sees?

3. How does David’s ministry to Saul epitomize gospel-centered evaluation and help us understand the ministry of Jesus in our own life?