Learning to Live by Faith (1 Samuel 26:1-25) - 6/28/26

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 Speaks (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 (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.