I Samuel 13:14
God is searching for men who will do His will and bring glory to Him, and He is willing to work through imperfect and sinful individuals who will surrender their will to Him.
Chuck Smith emphasizes God's desire to work through human instruments in a world plagued by sin and moral decay. He highlights the need for revival and the importance of being a man after God's own heart, as exemplified by David, who, despite his imperfections, sought God's will and forgiveness. Smith contrasts Saul's pride and disobedience with David's repentance and zeal for God, urging listeners to surrender their will to God and become the kind of people He seeks today.
Text
"GOD'S SEARCH"
Intro: God could accomplish His work on this earth apart from man, but He has
chosen not to.
I. GOD'S QUEST FOR A MAN.
A. God seeks to work in the world today.
1. The world desperately needs God's help.
a. Sin has run its course for 6,000 years.
b. We see the bitter fruit.
1. Sick minds.
2. Sick bodies.
3. Sick air and water.
4. Sick governments.
5. Sick morals.
2. Apart from God's intervention, our nation is doomed.
a. We are hated almost universally.
b. We have gained the world title of ugly American.
c. Russia who threatened 10 years ago to crush us now has
the capacity to do it.
d. Our only hope is revival.
3. If God wants to help and we need God's help, then what's the problem?
B. God works through human instruments.
1. The lack of an instrument through which to work.
II. THE KIND OF A MAN GOD IS SEEKING.
A. The circumstances surrounding the text.
1. Saul at Gilgal.
2. Offers sacrifice himself.
B. Saul rejected as God's man.
1. Pride.
2. Impatient.
3. Self-willed.
4. Disobeyed commandment of God.
C. "God hath sought Him a man after His own heart."
1. Paul in Acts 13:22 declares that this man is.
2. God is not looking for a perfect man.
a. We often disqualify ourselves because of our imperfections.
b. David had many imperfections.
3. God is not looking for a sinless man.
a. David's infamous secret sin with Bathsheba was published
in the best selling book that all throughout history may know.
b. But a man when faced with his sin will truly repent and seek
God's forgiveness.
D. God is looking for a man who will do His will.
1. God said of David, "I have found David a man after my own heart
who will do My will."
2. God wants you to surrender your will to Him.
E. David had a great love for God.
1. He also had a great zeal for God.
a. "Is there not a cause?"
2. He had great confidence in God.
3. His desire was to bring glory to God.
a. "...and all the earth may know there is a God in Israel."
F. Such men God is looking for today.
1. "For the eyes of the Lord go to and fro.."
Sermon Outline
- GOD'S QUEST FOR A MAN points: - God seeks to work in the world today - The lack of an instrument through which to work - God works through human instruments
- THE KIND OF A MAN GOD IS SEEKING points: - The circumstances surrounding the text - Pride - Impatient - Saul rejected as God's man - Self-willed - Disobeyed commandment of God
- God said of David, 'I have found David a man after my own heart' points: - God hath sought Him a man after His own heart - God wants you to surrender your will to Him - God is looking for a man who will do His will
Key Quotes
“God hath sought Him a man after His own heart” — Chuck Smith
“Is there not a cause?” — Chuck Smith
“For the eyes of the Lord go to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should surrender our will to God and seek to do His will, just like David did.
- God is willing to work through us, even if we are imperfect and sinful, if we will surrender our will to Him.
- We should have a great love, zeal, and confidence in God, just like David did, and seek to bring glory to Him.