June 15, 2025

The Rising Storm of Favor and Fury

Pastor: Tyrell Haag Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1–30

Sermon Title: The Rising Storm of Favor and Fury
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 18

1. Key Scriptures

  • 1 Samuel 18:1–30

  • 1 Samuel 17:55–58 (contextual bridge)

  • Proverbs 27:4

  • 1 Samuel 16:13

  • Matthew 3:17

  • John 15:18–20

  • Philippians 2:5–11

  • Romans 12:19

  • 1 Peter 2:23

  • Revelation 19:11–16

 

2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways

I. Covenant Love: Jonathan’s Soul-Knit Friendship (vv. 1–5)
Jonathan's covenant with David displays self-giving love that points to the gospel.

  • True friendship involves sacrificial loyalty, not sentiment.

  • Christ gives Himself to us as the ultimate covenant friend.

II. Jealous Eyes: Saul's Growing Envy (vv. 6–9)
Saul's insecurity turns into toxic comparison and rage.

  • God often exposes our idols through others’ success.

  • Jealousy distorts reality and corrodes relationships.

III. Demonic Rage: A Spear in the Hand (vv. 10–11)
Saul’s inner torment spills out into violence against David.

  • Envy, unrepented of, invites spiritual chaos.

  • Jesus too was unjustly targeted by the powerful.

IV. The Lord Was With Him: David’s Success in the Field (vv. 12–16)
Despite Saul’s opposition, David thrives because the Lord is with him.

  • Faithfulness matters more than favor in the world’s eyes.

  • God's presence is the source of real strength and success.

V. Traps and Triumphs: The Price of a Bride (vv. 17–30)
Saul’s attempts to destroy David only further reveal God’s favor on him.

  • The righteous may be opposed, but cannot be thwarted.

  • Jesus too faced every trap, yet triumphed by the will of God.

Conclusion
David’s life anticipates Christ’s, the Anointed One hated without cause.

  • Trust Christ when you're misunderstood or mistreated.

  • In Him, you are safe from every Saul and sustained for every battle.

3. Primary Sources (cited)

  • Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart

  • Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel (New American Commentary)

  • David Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel (Apollos OT Commentary)

  • John Woodhouse, 1 Samuel: Looking for a Leader

  • Selected sermons and commentaries from Charles Spurgeon, John Calvin, and Matthew Henry 

4. Additional Resources

  • “The Lord Was With Him” — Desiring God article on God's presence in affliction

  • The Friendship of Christ by Robert Hugh Benson (for further reflection on covenantal friendship)

  • Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund (for comfort when feeling pursued or crushed)

  • The David Story by Robert Alter (literary translation and commentary)

  • Tim Keller, Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism (for understanding how biblical preaching connects gospel truth to cultural questions)