"David once again spares Saul’s life, showing the mercy, patience, and faith that marked the Lord’s anointed king. In this sermon from 1 Samuel 26, we consider why Scripture repeats events like this and how these repeated acts of mercy reveal the character of David—and ultimately the character of Christ.

As Saul hardens his heart and continues persecuting David, David refuses to seize the kingdom through violence or revenge. Instead, he entrusts himself to the providence of God, returning evil with good and waiting patiently for the Lord’s timing. Through suffering, humiliation, and persecution, God is preparing David for the throne.

This passage ultimately points us to Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David, who overcame evil not through worldly power but through the mercy and weakness of the cross. Christ bore suffering, prayed for his enemies, and showed mercy to sinners that they might be forgiven and transformed forever.

In this sermon:

Why repeated narratives matter in Scripture

David’s growing faith and confidence in God

Returning good for evil

God’s use of suffering to prepare his people

The theology of humiliation before exaltation

David as a type of Christ

The transforming power of mercy and the cross

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34"

"In Isaiah 28:1–6, the prophet Isaiah warns Ephraim—and through Ephraim, all of God’s people—that pride always leads to destruction. The “glorious beauty” of the proud fades like a dying flower, and those intoxicated with the glory of this world will eventually be brought low under the judgment of God.

Yet woven into this warning is a glorious promise of salvation. While the proud fall, God preserves a righteous remnant for whom the Lord himself becomes “a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty.” Isaiah points us beyond the immediate historical context to the coming Messiah—the true King filled with the Spirit, who judges in righteousness and becomes the refuge and glory of his people.

This sermon explores:

The structure and themes of Isaiah 28–35

The spiritual meaning of “drunkenness” in Isaiah

God’s judgment against worldly pride

The remnant theology of Isaiah

The connection between Isaiah 28, Isaiah 4, and Isaiah 11

Christ as the Spirit-filled ruler and true glory of his people

The message of Isaiah 28 is deeply relevant today: the glory of this world is fading, but those who trust in Christ will never be put to shame."

"What happens when even the righteous reach their breaking point?

In this chapter, David—who showed remarkable restraint toward Saul—nearly falls into destructive anger against Nabal. This passage exposes the limits of even the godliest men and highlights our deep need for divine grace.

Enter Abigail.

Through her wisdom and intercession, she turns away David’s wrath and prevents bloodshed. Her actions not only demonstrate God’s restraining grace but also serve as a powerful type of Christ—the ultimate intercessor who turns away divine wrath on behalf of His people.

We examine human weakness, the necessity of God’s providential restraint, and the glory of Christ’s ongoing priestly intercession.

At the same time, the judgment of Nabal reminds us that God Himself will deal with His enemies, and nothing can prevent His chosen King from taking the throne.

This passage is both a warning and a comfort—and ultimately a testimony to the reign of Christ.

#1Samuel25 #Abigail #Intercession #ChristOurHighPriest #BiblicalTheology #GraceOfGod #Providence #ReformedPreaching"

"As Paul closes Galatians, he returns one final time to the central issue of the epistle: justification by faith alone. In this concluding section, Paul contrasts two fundamentally different approaches to Christianity—the theology of glory and the theology of the cross.

Those troubling the Galatians desired outward success, human approval, and freedom from persecution. But Paul boasts in nothing except the cross of Christ. The cross destroys all confidence in human righteousness and reveals that salvation comes only through the crucified Savior.

This sermon examines Paul’s passionate defense of the gospel and applies it to modern attempts to ground truth in institutions, communities, or cultural movements rather than in the Word of God itself. True Christianity is anchored in the gospel revealed in Scripture: sinners are justified by faith apart from works of the law.

The church must therefore resist every form of compromise and continue boasting only in Christ crucified.

In this sermon:

Paul’s final summary of Galatians

Justification by faith alone

The theology of glory vs. the theology of the cross

Why false religion seeks outward power and approval

Paul’s willingness to suffer for the gospel

The true Israel of God

Testing all claims by Scripture

Boasting only in the cross of Christ

“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Galatians 6:14"

"How should the people of God respond to unjust suffering?

In 1 Samuel 24, David has a perfect opportunity to take revenge on Saul—the man who has relentlessly sought his life. Yet instead of striking him down, David shows restraint, mercy, and honor toward the Lord’s anointed.

This sermon explores the profound theological implications of that moment. David models a non-revolutionary disposition toward authority, a deep reverence for God-ordained office, and—most strikingly—a love for enemies.

David’s actions ultimately point beyond himself to Christ, the true Son of David, who did not merely spare His enemies but died for them, praying, “Father, forgive them.”

We also consider the temporary softening of Saul’s heart and contrast it with the lasting power of Christ’s mercy to transform sinners.

This is not mere moral example—it is a window into the character of the Messiah.

#1Samuel24 #LoveYourEnemies #DavidAndSaul #Christology #BiblicalTheology #ReformedFaith #Forgiveness #ChristianEthics"

"What does true spirituality actually look like?

In Galatians 6:1–10, Paul teaches that life in the Spirit is not primarily seen in outward impressiveness, but in humble love, gentleness, burden-bearing, and service toward others. The Christian life is lived in community, and genuine sanctification manifests itself in how we treat fellow believers.

This sermon explores Paul’s exhortations to restore those caught in sin, carry one another’s burdens, reject pride and comparison, support the ministry of the Word, and persevere in doing good. Paul warns that God is not mocked: whatever a person sows, that he will also reap. Those who sow to the flesh reap corruption, but those who sow to the Spirit reap eternal life.

At the heart of this passage is the truth that justification by faith leads to Spirit-produced holiness. The Spirit creates a people marked by humility, mercy, perseverance, and love.

In this sermon:

What true spirituality looks like

Restoring sinners with gentleness

Carrying one another’s burdens

Pride, comparison, and self-deception

Supporting the teaching of the Word

Sowing to the flesh vs. sowing to the Spirit

Persevering in doing good

The relationship between justification and sanctification

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” — Galatians 6:9"

"When the Lord’s anointed suffers, where do you stand?

In this passage, David is pursued relentlessly by Saul while hiding in the wilderness. Yet the real focus is not merely on persecution—but on the contrasting responses to David. Jonathan humbly submits to him, while the Ziphites betray him.

This sermon presses a central question: Where do your loyalties lie?

We explore the theme of the righteous remnant, the nature of true faithfulness, and the danger of siding with the world while maintaining outward religious profession. The contrast between Jonathan and the Ziphites reveals that it is not proximity, heritage, or appearance that defines allegiance—but faith.

Above all, David points forward to Christ—the rejected Savior whom many abandon and only a few truly follow.

Even when it appears that the enemies of God are winning, divine providence ensures the victory of His Anointed.

Choose carefully. The narrow way is costly—but it leads to life.

#1Samuel #DavidAndSaul #BiblicalTheology #SufferingServant #Faithfulness #ChristianDiscipleship #ReformedPreaching #ChristInTheOldTestament"

"What does true Christian transformation actually look like?

In this sermon on Galatians 5:22–26, we examine the fruit of the Spirit and the nature of sanctification. While justification is by faith alone, the gospel does not leave us unchanged. Those united to Christ are given a new nature—and that new nature necessarily bears fruit.

We explore the distinction between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, the difference between spiritual gifts and spiritual graces, and the twofold dynamic of sanctification: mortification and vivification. Each aspect of the fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—is unpacked as evidence of the Spirit’s work in the believer.

This passage also anchors sanctification firmly in Christ’s finished work. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh, and those who live by the Spirit must walk in step with the Spirit.

The call is clear: not self-reliant moralism, but Spirit-wrought transformation flowing from union with Christ.

#Galatians5 #FruitOfTheSpirit #Sanctification #ReformedTheology #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit #JustificationByFaith #BiblicalPreaching"

"In this passage, we see one of the clearest Old Testament portraits of the Messiah: a Savior who delivers His people in the midst of suffering—yet is rejected by those He saves.

David, though hunted and persecuted by Saul, does not withdraw into self-preservation. Instead, he risks everything to rescue Keilah from the Philistines. He is the true king in the wilderness—the Lord’s Anointed who saves while suffering. And yet, in a striking turn, the very people he delivers are ready to betray him.

This sermon explores the profound theological significance of this moment:

David as the suffering servant and true Savior

The contrast between Saul’s self-serving kingship and David’s sacrificial leadership

God’s guidance through David’s continual inquiry of the Lord

The tragic rejection of the one who delivers

Most importantly, this passage points beyond David to Jesus Christ—the greater Son of David—who came to His own, and was rejected, yet gave Himself to save sinners. What appears to be weakness is in fact the glory of divine love: a Savior who endures suffering and rejection to redeem His people.

This is the heart of the gospel: the rejected Savior who saves.

#1Samuel #David #JesusChrist #Sermon #BiblicalTheology #Messiah #OldTestament #ReformedTheology #Gospel #ChristianTeaching"

"Can someone claim faith in Christ while continuing to live according to the flesh?

In Galatians 5:19–21, Paul gives one of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture: those who practice the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God.

This sermon carefully explains why this does not contradict justification by faith alone. Good works are not the grounds of justification, but the consistent practice of the flesh reveals something deeper: the absence of the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s warning forces us to examine the reality of our profession.

This message walks through Paul’s list of the works of the flesh, including:

sexual immorality

idolatry and sorcery

jealousy, rage, and envy

division and schism

drunkenness and revelry

every form of flesh-dominated living

The issue is not perfection, but direction. A life ruled by the flesh reveals a heart unchanged by grace.

Yet there is gospel hope: “such were some of you.” Through Christ, sinners are washed, sanctified, and taught to walk by the Spirit.

The warning is severe, but it is meant to drive us not to legalism, but to Christ and the Spirit he gives.

#Galatians #WorksOfTheFlesh #Sanctification #HolySpirit #Repentance #ChristianLiving #FaithAndWorks #KingdomOfGod"