1 Samuel 26:1–25 – Faith that Endures

Jon Beck

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, June 7 . 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 26:1–25

Intro

  • God has been preparing David for the throne by developing his faith and character.
  • Each trial has taught David another lesson in following the Lord.
  • The wilderness has become God’s classroom, and David has been God’s student.
  • Now David faces another familiar test—not to reveal what God knows, but to reveal what David has learned.
  • This chapter teaches us what it means to live by faith.
  • Faith trusts God’s promises, follows God’s ways, and rests in God’s timing.

Stand with Conviction – vv. 1–12

Faith Chooses Obedience Over Opportunity

The Test is Repeated (vv. 1–5)

  • The Ziphites betray David again.
  • Saul pursues David with 3,000 chosen men.
  • David wisely confirms Saul’s location.

The Opportunity (vv. 6–8)

  • David enters Saul’s camp.
  • Abishai urges David to kill Saul.
  • The opportunity appears to be from God.

David’s Conviction (vv. 9–12)

  • David refuses to strike the Lord’s anointed.
  • He trusts God to remove Saul in His own way.
  • David leaves with Saul’s spear and water jug.
  • 1 Peter 2:20–23; Acts 5:29; James 4:17

Never sacrifice biblical conviction for a favorable opportunity.

Rest in Confidence – vv. 13–20

Faith Leaves the Outcome to God

David Calls out to Saul (vv. 13–16)

  • David exposes Abner’s failure.
  • The spear proves David’s integrity.

David Appeals to Saul (vv. 17–20)

  • Saul recognizes David’s voice.
  • David declares his innocence.
  • David entrusts justice to the Lord.
  • “The LORD will strike him…” (v. 10)
  • David doesn’t know how God will act. He simply knows God will act.
  • Romans 12:17–21; 1 Peter 2:23; Philippians 4:6–7; Hebrews 10:30

Leave what you cannot control in the hands of the God who controls all things. Faith leaves room for God to do what only God can do.

Persevere with Hope – vv. 21–25

Faith Looks Beyond Today’s Circumstances

Saul’s Confession (vv. 21–24)

  • Saul admits his sin.
  • David returns the spear.
  • David trusts the Lord to reward righteousness and faithfulness.

David Keeps Walking by Faith (v. 25)

  • Saul acknowledges David’s future kingdom.
  • David still does not become king.
  • David continues walking by faith.
  • Romans 8:24–25; Hebrews 10:35–36; James 1:2–4; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18

Hope rests in God’s promises, not today’s circumstances.

The What Now

Stand with conviction – What should I do?

  • Let God’s Word shape your decisions.

Walk with confidence – What should I do?

  • Trust God’s sovereign care.

Persevere in hope – What should I expect?

  • Remember that God always keeps His promises.

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