These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, May 3. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.
1 Samuel 23:1–14
Introduction
- David is on the run from Saul
- Pressure, uncertainty, real danger
- Keilah under attack
- How did God’s chosen King respond… step back or step forward?
- God’s called, do not drift in difficulty
- We embrace our calling, seek the Lord, and follow His Word
Embrace Your Calling – vv. 1–2a
- David hears of Keilah’s distress
- He is aware of needs around him
- Does not withdraw in hardship
- Steps toward responsibility
Even in pressure, you don’t step back—you step into what God has called you to
Seek the Lord – vv. 2b–5
- David inquires of the Lord
- Does not act on impulse
- Faces fear and hesitation from his men
- Seeks the Lord again for clarity
- Receives clear direction from God
Before you move, you seek the Lord—because calling without dependence leads to failure
Follow His Word – vv. 6–14
- David obeys and goes to Keilah
- God gives victory over the Philistines
- Saul continues to pursue… God continues to guide
- Obedience does not remove difficulty
And when God speaks, you follow—completely, even when it costs you
The What Now
- Do not withdraw when life gets hard.
- Look for the need in front of you… REMEMBER YOUR CALLING
- Seek the Lord before you move.
- Obey God even when the pressure remains.