July 13, 2025

Refuge and Reign: When the World Falls Apart

Pastor: Tyrell Haag Passage: 1 Samuel 22:1–23

  “Refuge and Reign: When the World Falls Apart” - 1 Samuel 22  

1. Key Scriptures

  • 1 Samuel 22:1–23

  • Romans 6:4–5

  • Romans 8:28

  • John 15:18–20; 16:33

  • Matthew 11:28

  • Psalm 142:4–5

  • Psalm 34:18

2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways

I. A Cave of Refuge (vv. 1–2)

David gathers the broken in a cave, pointing us to a Christ who finds us in our caves.

  • Takeaways:

    • The church must welcome wounded hearts.

    • Brokenness can become the birthplace of strength.

II. A Foreign Fortress (vv. 3–5)

David waits in Moab but obeys God's call through Gad to move forward.

  • Takeaways:

    • Waiting well is faithful; moving when God calls is courageous.

    • Safety without God's leading is empty.

III. A Spear and a Lie (vv. 6–10)

Saul's fear and Doeg's distortion show the destructive power of deceit.

  • Takeaways:

    • Resist the temptation to manipulate or gossip.

    • True conviction sometimes means standing firm in silence.

IV. A Priesthood Slain (vv. 11–19)

The massacre at Nob displays the horror of corrupted authority and the need for holy courage.

  • Takeaways:

    • Saying “no” to wrongdoing may require real courage.

    • God is deeply aware of every injustice against His people.

V. A Refuge for the Persecuted (vv. 20–23)

Abiathar flees to David, who responds with repentance and sanctuary—a microcosm of the gospel.

  • Takeaways:

    • Leadership imitating Christ takes responsibility and shelters the vulnerable.

    • The gospel calls us to both confession and compassion.

Conclusion

The cave of Adullam foreshadows Christ's tomb; out of death comes resurrection.

  • Takeaways:

    • In Christ we die and are raised (Romans 6:4–5).

    • We are called to welcome others into this life-renewing refuge.

3. Primary Sources (cited)

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

    • The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Eugene H. Merrill

    • Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

 The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis

4. Additional Resources

  • Video: BibleProject — “1 Samuel: The Rise of Israel’s Monarchy”

  • Video: BibleProject — “Romans 6”

  • Devotional Article: Desiring God — “God Is Near the Brokenhearted” (on Psalm 34:18)

  • Book: Gospel-Centered Discipleship  Robert H. Thune & Will Walker