Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Would you follow?

Bryan Schneider · June 29, 2019

1 Samuel 15

sharonrpc.org/sermons/would-you-follow

Summary

Saul's disobedience, pride, and concern for his dynasty contrast with David, whom God chooses by looking at the heart rather than outward stature.
David's courage before Goliath rests on the Lord's prior deliverance and a desire that all the earth know Israel's God, not on confidence in youth or weapons.
Jonathan recognizes God's anointed king and surrenders robe, armor, and dynastic claim, covenanting with David despite the personal cost.
Saul treats David as a threat, uses deception and violence to preserve his throne, and even turns against Jonathan when his son will not join the rivalry.
Jonathan's loyalty asks whether hearers will surrender rights, status, and self-made kingdoms in order to follow the Lord's chosen King.
David is a genuine but imperfect type of the coming Messiah; Jesus is the righteous, humble, merciful King whose heart is wholly devoted to his Father's glory.
Unlike Saul, who seeks to kill a perceived rival, Christ gives his own life to bring enemies into his peaceful kingdom and is worthy of worship.

What does Saul's rejection reveal about kingship that values pride and self-rule above God's command?
Why does God warn Samuel not to judge the prospective king by appearance or stature?
Where does David locate the source and purpose of his courage before Goliath?
What do Jonathan's robe, weapons, and covenant signify about his response to David?
How does Saul's jealousy distort his promises, family relationships, and use of power?
What rights or ambitions are hardest for you to place beneath Christ's kingship?
In what ways is David an imperfect anticipation rather than the final King?
How does Christ's self-giving rule differ from Saul's attempt to preserve power through harm?

The Lord's anointed: A king consecrated by God; David anticipates the final Anointed One, Jesus Christ.
Messiah: The ‘Anointed One,’ fulfilled perfectly in Jesus as God's righteous and everlasting King.
Covenant friendship: Jonathan and David's solemn bond of loyalty, love, protection, and enduring kindness between their houses.
Type of Christ: An Old Testament person or pattern that truly serves God's purpose while anticipating a greater fulfillment in Jesus.
Jealousy: Saul's resentful defense of personal status when David's God-given success appears to threaten his throne.
Allegiance: Whole-person loyalty and submission to the rightful King rather than to pride, position, or self-interest.