SpringhillGNV's Presentation Group
Sunday, May 31st 2026 - 5th Sunday

      • Psalm 150KJV1900

  • Glory To His Name - Hymn
  • 1 Samuel 18:6–16 HCSB
    6 As the troops were coming back, when David was returning from killing the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing with tambourines, with shouts of joy, and with three-stringed instruments. 7 As they celebrated, the women sang: Saul has killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands. 8 Saul was furious and resented this song. “They credited tens of thousands to David,” he complained, “but they only credited me with thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 So Saul watched David jealously from that day forward. 10 The next day an evil spirit sent from God took control of Saul, and he began to rave inside the palace. David was playing the lyre as usual, but Saul was holding a spear, 11 and he threw it, thinking, “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David got away from him twice. 12 Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had left Saul. 13 Therefore, Saul reassigned David and made him commander over 1,000 men. David led the troops 14 and continued to be successful in all his activities because the Lord was with him. 15 When Saul observed that David was very successful, he dreaded him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was leading their troops.
    Series: The Heart God Honors Sermon: Favor That Provokes Jealousy Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:6-16 Speaker: Rev. Adrian S. Taylor, Lead Pastor Season: Sunday, May 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM Setting: Springhill Church, 120 SE Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32641
    Main Idea: When the favor of God rests on David, Saul’s insecure heart turns public celebration into private suspicion, teaching believers that divine favor must be stewarded with wisdom because jealousy will often attack what God has chosen to advance.
    Memory Verse: “And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.” - (1 Samuel 18:12)
    Introduction
    Michael Jackson’s Fame
    In the 1980s, Michael Jackson became one of the most recognizable entertainers on earth. Stadiums filled beyond capacity when he performed. Crowds screamed before he even stepped onto the stage. His albums shattered records across racial, cultural, and international boundaries. When the album Thriller was released in 1982, it eventually became the best-selling album in music history, with tens of millions of copies sold worldwide. Yet the higher Michael Jackson rose, the more intense the criticism and jealousy became around him.
    There were artists who admired his creativity and discipline, but there were others who quietly resented the attention that followed him. Every award he received created new critics. Every achievement produced new suspicion. Every level of favor exposed new insecurity in the hearts of others. The same crowds that celebrated him one moment could turn hostile the next. The same industry that benefited from his brilliance often became uncomfortable with his dominance.
    Michael Jackson’s life reminds us of a difficult truth. Visible favor attracts visible attention, and attention often awakens jealousy in insecure hearts. Success can inspire some people while disturbing others. Favor can make some rejoice while causing others to compete.
    That is exactly what unfolds in 1 Samuel 18. David has just defeated Goliath. Israel has been delivered. Women are singing in the streets. Tambourines are ringing throughout the city. A nation is rejoicing over victory. Yet while David is celebrating God’s goodness, Saul is quietly wrestling with insecurity. The same favor that encouraged the people disturbed the king. The same hand of God that lifted David exposed the jealousy in Saul.
    Jealousy has always been one of the most destructive sins in human history because jealousy is fundamentally a rebellion against the sovereignty of God. A jealous heart questions God’s wisdom in blessing somebody else. It becomes frustrated with divine distribution. Instead of trusting the Lord’s timing and purpose, jealousy begins comparing, competing, resenting, and resisting.
    Scripture repeatedly shows how jealousy destroys relationships, corrupts judgment, and invites devastation into people’s lives.
    Cain became jealous when God accepted Abel’s offering, and jealousy drove him to murder his own brother (Genesis 4:3-8).
    Joseph’s brothers became jealous because their father favored him, and envy pushed them to cast Joseph into a pit and sell him into slavery (Genesis 37:3-11).
    Korah became jealous of Moses and Aaron’s spiritual leadership, and his rebellion brought judgment upon his household (Numbers 16:1-35).
    The Philistines envied Isaac because God prospered him greatly, so they stopped the wells that sustained his household (Genesis 26:12-16).
    The religious leaders in Jesus’ day grew jealous because crowds followed Christ, and envy helped drive the movement toward crucifixion (Matthew 27:18).
    Jealousy never remains contained. It spreads like poison through the soul. It blinds people to their own blessings while magnifying the blessings of others. James warned the church that where envying and strife exist, confusion and every evil work follow (James 3:16). Proverbs declares that envy is rottenness to the bones (Proverbs 14:30). Saul’s problem was not that God had stopped blessing him entirely. Saul’s problem was that he could not tolerate God blessing David publicly.
    Believers must understand that favor reveals hearts. Some people will rejoice when God elevates you. Others will resent you because your advancement reminds them of their insecurity, compromise, or disobedience. That is why the child of God must guard the heart carefully. Jealousy can turn worshippers into critics, leaders into enemies, and gifted people into bitter people.
    There are seasons in life when God opens doors for you, blesses your labor, restores your family, expands your influence, and confirms His hand upon your life. Some people will praise God with you. Others will resent you privately. Some will celebrate your testimony. Others will question why the blessing landed on your house instead of theirs.
    Believers must understand that favor is beautiful, but favor is also visible. When God places His hand upon your life, eventually somebody will notice. The favor of God can produce celebration in one person and jealousy in another. That is why believers must learn how to walk wisely when God begins elevating their lives.
    David teaches us that favor should produce humility, not arrogance. Saul teaches us that insecurity can transform a blessed man into a bitter man. Most importantly, this passage teaches us that when the Lord is with you, no jealous spirit can overturn what Heaven has ordained.

    I. Favor Can Be Clear to See by People (1 Samuel 18:6-9)

    A. Joyous Celebration by the People (1 Samuel 18:6-7)

    "And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing to meet king Saul with tabrets, with joy and with instrumental music." (1 Samuel 18:6) - Note they have come to joyously celebrate the victory, which seemed out of reach and impossible. The giant that had them frozen in fear, has fallen and his army conquered. It is a great moment of celebration, as they recognize God has done the impossible through His servant. "And the women answered one another as they played, and said, 'Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." (1 Samuel 18:7) - Their celebration was lifted as a nation responding to visible victory. David had walked onto a battlefield where trained soldiers trembled, and he trusted God when nobody else would move. The people could not deny what they had witnessed. Favor became visible because faithfulness had already been proven. David's powerful faith prompted a public fanfare from the people.
    There are seasons when God blesses a believer so openly that people cannot ignore it. David did not print flyers promoting himself. He did not gather a committee to market his image. David simply obeyed God in a difficult moment, and Heaven honored his obedience publicly. The favor of God became conspicuous.
    That same pattern appears throughout Scripture.
    Moses could count on God after watching the Red Sea open before him.
    Joshua could count on God because Jericho’s walls had already fallen under divine power.
    Jehoshaphat could count on God after seeing the Lord defeat enemies through praise and worship. Past victories gave believers confidence for future battles.
    There is something powerful about remembering what God has already done. The same God who brought you through sickness can also bring you through sorrow. The same God who opened doors before can open them again. The same God who protected your family yesterday can sustain your household tomorrow.
    David’s celebration reminds us that public victory often follows private trust. Before people applauded David in chapter 18, David had already trusted God in chapter 17. Before there was dancing in the streets, there was dependence in the valley.
    Some people only see your celebration, but they do not know your struggle. They see your testimony, but they did not witness your tears. They see your advancement, but they do not understand the nights you prayed, the sacrifices you made, and the fears you fought through by faith.
    God has a way of placing visible favor upon those who remain faithful in hidden places.
    Quotable Preaching Lines
    God will sometimes bless you so openly that people who doubted you will have to witness your victory.
    Public favor is usually born out of private faithfulness.
    The same crowd that ignored your valley season may eventually celebrate your victory season.
    Cross-Reference Scriptures: Exodus 14:13-14, Joshua 6:20, 2 Chronicles 20:21-22, Psalm 126:1-3, Romans 8:31

    B. Jealous Consideration by The Perturbed (1 Samuel 18:8-9)

    "And Saul was very angry and the saying displeased him..." (1 Samuel 18:8) The Bible says Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him. Saul heard the same song everybody else heard, but he interpreted it differently. The people saw victory. Saul saw competition. The people saw celebration. Saul saw comparison. The people saw deliverance. Saul saw danger.
    Jealousy has a way of twisting perception. Saul could not rejoice over David because insecurity had already poisoned his heart. The tragedy is that Saul was still king. He still had authority. He still had influence. Yet jealousy made him miserable because somebody else was being praised.
    "And Saul eyed David from that day and forward...." (1 Samuel 18:9) - There are people who cannot enjoy what God has placed in their hands because they spend too much time counting what God placed in somebody else’s hands. Jealousy will make a blessed person bitter. It will make a gifted person resentful. It will make a powerful person paranoid.
    Saul began “eyeing” David from that day forward. The problem was not David’s heart. The problem was Saul’s perspective. Once jealousy takes root, people stop celebrating your success and start monitoring your movements.
    Cain could have counted on God after witnessing divine provision in his family, but jealousy drove him to murder Abel.
    Joseph’s brothers saw the favor of God upon Joseph, yet jealousy moved them to throw him into a pit.
    The religious leaders in Jesus’ day saw the miracles of Christ, but envy pushed them toward crucifixion.
    Be careful around people who cannot rejoice when God blesses others. A jealous spirit will clap publicly while criticizing privately. It will smile outwardly while competing inwardly. It will compliment your progress outwardly while secretly hoping your favor fades away.
    Yet David teaches us something powerful. You do not have to shrink your obedience because somebody else is uncomfortable with your blessing.
    If God has placed His hand upon your life, you must walk humbly without apologizing for God’s goodness.
    Quotable Preaching Lines
    Jealousy can make a man ignore his blessings while obsessing over somebody else’s favor.
    Insecure people often interpret your success as their failure.
    When jealousy enters the heart, celebration turns into surveillance.
    Cross-Reference Scriptures: Genesis 4:4-8, Genesis 37:8-11, Proverbs 14:30, Ecclesiastes 4:4, Matthew 27:18

    II. Favor Can Be Challenging for Threatened People (1 Samuel 18:10-11)

    A. People Who Are Threatened May Have a Vicious Attitude (1 Samuel 18:10)

    The text says that "on the next day an evil spirit from God troubled Saul," (1 Samuel 18:10)
    That detail matters. Saul was troubled internally long before he attacked externally. A vicious attitude is often the result of an unchecked heart. Saul’s insecurity had now become hostility. The man who once loved David now viewed him as a threat.
    "and David "and David played with his hand, as at other times:" (1 Samuel 18:10b) - and David played music before him just as he had done before. David entered the room trying to bring peace to a troubled king. He is now a military leader, highly regarded for slaying the giant Goliath, but he retains his role serving the king. Although he has the anointing from God, and acclaim throughout the nation, he faithfully serves the King. This speaks to David's heart and humility. His blessed character shines through in this chapter, while Saul's bitter character is on display. "and there was a javelin in Saul's hand." (1 Samuel 18:10c) - While there is an instrument of peace in David's hand, Saul has a weapon of war in his hand. David is actively working to bring an atmosphere of peace in the palace, while rage is brewing in Saul's wicked heart.
    There are people who become agitated when they see God’s favor operating in somebody else’s life. Instead of allowing your testimony to inspire them, they become irritated by your progress. Saul could not enjoy David’s ministry because David’s favor reminded Saul of his own spiritual decline.
    Yet David kept serving. David kept playing. David kept ministering even in an uncomfortable atmosphere. That takes maturity. Many people would have walked away, but David continued to honor God.
    David could not depend upon Saul, but he certainly could count on God.
    Daniel could count on God because lions had already proven powerless before divine protection.
    Esther could count on God because He had already preserved her for such a time as this.
    Paul could count on God because shipwrecks, imprisonments, and persecutions had already demonstrated the sustaining grace of the Lord.
    Believers must understand that favor does not remove conflict. Sometimes favor attracts conflict because your life becomes evidence that God is still moving.
    When threatened people cannot control your destiny, they often attempt to poison the atmosphere around you. They become cold. They become distant. They become critical. Yet the child of God must remain steady.
    David teaches us to keep our spirit right even when somebody else’s spirit is wrong.
    Quotable Preaching Lines
    A troubled heart will eventually create a toxic atmosphere.
    Some people are disturbed by your favor because it reminds them of their own disobedience.
    You cannot let somebody else’s bitterness pull you out of God’s purpose.
    Cross-Reference Scriptures: Daniel 6:22, Esther 4:14, Acts 27:23-25, Psalm 27:1-3, Isaiah 54:17

    B. People Who Are Threatened May Resort to Violent Acts (1 Samuel 18:11)

    "And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it...." (1 Samuel 18:11a) - The same man who once celebrated David now tried to kill him. Jealousy had matured into violence.
    Sin never stays still. A jealous thought can become a destructive action when it is left unchecked. Saul first listened to the song with irritation. Then he watched David suspiciously. Now he attacks David physically. That's the reason Paul admonished believers, "Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:" 27 Neither give place to the devil:" (Ephesians 4:26-27).
    Be careful of what you allow to brew, fester and grow in your heart. Jealousy is a poison that will destroy your soul.
    "And David avoided out of his presence twice..." (1 Samuel 18:11). - David escaped twice. That detail reveals the protecting hand of God. The spear may have left Saul’s hand, but David’s life was still under Heaven’s supervision. David did not pick up a spear and throw it back. David understood that vindication belongs to God. You cannot fight spiritual battles with fleshly weapons.
    Believers need to remember that no weapon succeeds unless God permits it. Pharaoh pursued Israel, but the Red Sea became their pathway to deliverance. Elijah faced Jezebel’s threats, yet God sustained him in the wilderness. Peter was imprisoned by Herod, but the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors.
    There are moments when people become so threatened by your progress that they attempt to sabotage your future. Sometimes the attack is verbal. Sometimes it is emotional. Sometimes it is political. Sometimes it is relational. Yet the God who protected David still watches over His people.
    Quotable Preaching Lines
    A jealous heart can eventually become a dangerous heart.
    The spear may leave their hand, but your life is still in God’s hand.
    God can protect you in rooms where hostility is hiding behind smiles.
    Cross-Reference Scriptures: Exodus 14:21-22, 1 Kings 19:2-8, Acts 12:5-11, Psalm 91:1-7,Romans 12:19

    III. Favor Can Be Confirmed by God’s Presence (1 Samuel 18:12-16)

    A. God’s Presence in Your Life Can Be Intimidating (1 Samuel 18:12-15)

    The Bible says Saul feared David because the Lord was with him and had departed from Saul. Saul recognized something undeniable. David possessed more than talent. David carried the presence of God.
    That is the real difference in this text. Saul still had the crown, but David had the companionship of God. Saul still sat on the throne, but David walked with divine favor.
    There are people who become uncomfortable around believers because the presence of God exposes what is missing in their own lives. Light has a way of disturbing darkness. Conviction has a way of unsettling compromise.
    The refrain, "And David behaved himself wisely..." (1 Samuel 18:5, 14, 15, 30) - Yet David behaved himself wisely in all his ways. He did not become arrogant because God was blessing him. He did not become reckless because people admired him. He stayed disciplined.
    The text says David behaved wisely. That phrase matters because favor without wisdom can destroy a person. If God opens doors for you, stay humble. If God increases your influence, stay prayerful. If God elevates your life, stay submitted.
    Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could count on God because the fire had already proven His delivering power.
    Nehemiah could count on God because opposition could not stop the rebuilding work.
    The early church could count on God because persecution only caused the gospel to spread further.
    "And the Lord was with him." (1 Samuel 18:14) - God’s presence upon your life will sometimes intimidate people who are operating without peace, purpose, or spiritual confidence. Yet the answer is not to hide your light. The answer is to walk humbly and wisely before the Lord.
    Child of God, do not lose your character because somebody else lost theirs. Do not become violent in spirit because somebody else became hostile in conduct. The Lord knows how to preserve His people when attacks begin flying through the room.
    The safest place to stand is under the hand of God.
    Quotable Preaching Lines
    Saul had the throne, but David had the presence.
    The favor of God can make insecure people uncomfortable.
    Favor must be carried with wisdom or success can become destruction.
    Cross-Reference Scriptures: Daniel 3:24-25, Nehemiah 6:15-16, Acts 8:1-4, Psalm 23:4, James 4:6

    B. God’s Presence Can Be Inspiring to Others (1 Samuel 18:16)

    "But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them." (1 Samuel 18:16a) - The text closes by saying that all Israel and Judah loved David because he went out and came in before them. David’s life inspired confidence in the people because they saw consistency in him. They saw courage. They saw wisdom. They saw integrity. Most importantly, they saw evidence that God was with him.
    The presence of God upon a believer’s life should become a source of encouragement to others. People should look at your endurance and gain hope. They should look at your faithfulness and gain confidence. They should look at your testimony and believe that God still works miracles.
    Ruth could count on God because divine providence brought Boaz into her life.
    Hezekiah could count on God because the Lord added years to his life after desperate prayer.
    The disciples could count on God because Jesus had already calmed storms before.
    David inspired the people because they watched him remain faithful under pressure. Anybody can praise God when applause fills the room. It takes maturity to remain faithful when spears are flying.
    Believers must understand that your walk with God affects more than just you. Your children are watching you. Your coworkers are watching you. Your church family is watching you. Somebody’s faith may grow stronger because they observed how you handled hardship.
    When God’s presence rests upon your life, people begin believing that victory is possible. Hope rises. Courage grows. Faith spreads.
    That is what David represented to Israel. He became living evidence that God had not abandoned His people.
    Quotable Preaching Lines
    Somebody else’s faith can grow stronger because they watched you survive your storm.
    God never blesses your life just for you. Favor always has a kingdom purpose.
    Your consistency under pressure may become the inspiration somebody else needs to keep going.
    Cross-Reference Scriptures: Ruth 2:10-12, 2 Kings 20:1-6, Mark 4:37-41, Matthew 5:14-16, Hebrews 10:24-25
    Sermon Close
    There are some people here today who know what it feels like to have favor attacked.
    You tried to do right, and somebody criticized you. You worked hard, and somebody resented you. You stayed faithful, and somebody grew uncomfortable with your progress. You prayed for God to move, and when He moved, not everybody celebrated your breakthrough.
    But hear the Word of the Lord today.
    The favor of God upon your life is not an accident. The doors God opened did not open themselves. The prayers God answered were not answered by luck. The protection you experienced did not happen because you were smart enough or strong enough. The Lord has been with you.
    David survived because God was with him. David advanced because God was with him. David escaped the spear because God was with him. David inspired a nation because God was with him.
    And the same God who walked with David is still walking with His people right now.
    So do not become bitter because somebody else became jealous. Do not become prideful because people celebrate you. Do not become fearful because attacks rise against you. Keep your heart right. Keep your spirit humble. Keep your hands clean. Keep your faith strong.
    When favor becomes visible, stay humble. When opposition becomes personal, stay prayerful. When attacks become painful, stay faithful.
    Because if God is for you, no spear can destroy what Heaven has ordained. If God has called you, no jealous spirit can cancel your assignment. If God has placed His hand upon your life, then favor may attract battles, but favor also guarantees God’s presence.
    The same Lord who brought you this far will carry you the rest of the way.
    Hymn of Invitation
    "Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand"
    Time is filled with swift transition, Naught of earth unmoved can stand, Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
    Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand, Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand; Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
    Invitation
    If you need salvation, come. If you need strength for the battle, come. If jealousy has damaged your heart, come. If attacks have exhausted your spirit, come. If you need the favor and presence of God in your life, come.
    The Lord who protected David is still able to protect His people today.
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