The Driven Church

Study 29: 1 Samuel 19: 11-24: Trent Evans

The King is always there

 

This sermon on 1 Samuel 19 examines how God’s providence protects David amid Saul’s jealousy and rage, revealing divine purpose even in chaos. Through Jonathan’s loyalty, Michal’s warning, Samuel’s counsel, and the direct intervention of God’s Spirit, we see layer after layer of God’s protection shaping David’s journey. The message calls believers to recognize similar grace in their own lives—how God often shields us from ourselves and works through unexpected means for our good. The speaker emphasizes that while human deceit or fear may appear to protect us, true safety and deliverance come only from trusting God’s sovereignty. The chapter closes with Saul humbled under God’s power and David’s heart laid bare in Psalm 59, modeling a response of prayerful dependence: “You are my strength; I watch for You.” This study invites listeners to run toward God in times of fear, to rest in His refuge, and to trust His discipline as an act of grace leading to deeper faith and obedience.

 

Study 28: 1 Samuel 19: 1-10: Trent Evans

Don't be the hero          

This sermon on 1 Samuel 19 explores how God’s sovereignty prevails even when human motives and relationships break down. The message traces Saul’s growing jealousy and fear of David, revealing how insecurity and rebellion against God lead to self-destruction. In contrast, Jonathan’s loyalty to David reflects alignment with God’s will, showing that true faith may require costly obedience and courage to confront sin. David’s restraint (refusing to fight or expose Saul) demonstrates wisdom and trust that God alone defends and vindicates His people. The sermon closes by emphasizing surrender: believers are not called to be saviors but to point others to the only true Rescuer. Like David, we must flee from striving to fix others and rest in God’s protection, pursuing Him as our refuge, fortress, and answer in every trial.

Study 27: 1 Samuel 18: 12-30: Trent Evans

Saul's fear of David             

 

This sermon from 1 Samuel 18 explores the contrast between David’s faithfulness and Saul’s envy, showing how jealousy can corrupt the heart and distort perception. Saul’s insecurity led him to see David, his greatest ally, as a threat, while David continued to walk in worship and obedience to God. The message highlights how sin and selfish ambition bring fear, disorder, and destructive actions, while those who trust God—even under attack—find success and strength in His presence. The challenge for believers is to resist comparison and bitterness, remain steadfast in worship, and keep pursuing God when opposition and betrayal arise, confident that His Spirit equips us to endure and overcome.

Study 26: 1 Samuel 18: 1-9: Trent Evans

Born for adversity      

This sermon on 1 Samuel 18 highlights how God raises up both allies and challenges in our journey of faith. While Saul’s jealousy and envy toward David reveal the dangers of comparison and misplaced focus, Jonathan’s covenant friendship with David demonstrates loyalty, sacrifice, and a Spirit-formed bond rooted in God’s purposes. Jonathan willingly surrendered his own claim to the throne, affirming God’s call on David’s life, and their relationship points to the kind of Christ-centered unity believers are called to share. The message reminds us to cast off jealousy and pride, fix our eyes on Jesus, and walk as brothers and sisters born for times of adversity, standing together in God’s covenant love.

Study 25: 1 Samuel 17: 38-58: Trent Evans

David defeats Goliath

 

This sermon on 1 Samuel 17 calls believers to see the battle between David and Goliath as a living picture of spiritual warfare. David’s refusal to wear Saul’s armor shows the need to lay aside what does not fit and instead trust God with what He has already placed in our hands. The message highlights how the enemy uses weapons such as deception, division, isolation, and accusation, but like David, we must recognize these tactics and confront them in the strength of the Lord. David’s confidence was not in his sling or stones, but in the name of the living God, reminding us that victory comes through faith and obedience. The sermon urges Christians to prepare in their “shepherd’s field” seasons so that when giants arise, they will be ready to stand firm, act in faith, and live as witnesses to God’s power and faithfulness.

Study 24: 1 Samuel 17: 1-37: Trent Evans

Remember the successes

This sermon on 1 Samuel 17 reminds listeners that the story of David and Goliath is ultimately about God’s faithfulness and strength, not human power. Goliath’s daily taunts instilled fear in Israel, showing how the enemy uses repetition to sow doubt and intimidation. David, arriving humbly with food for his brothers, demonstrates a heart fixed on God rather than fear of the giant. His confidence came from remembering God’s past deliverance, not his own skill, and he recognized that Goliath’s defiance was against the living God. The message challenges us to guard what we allow into our hearts, to be prepared for spiritual battles at any moment, and to trust God as our true champion who delivers His people in His timing.

Study 23: 1 Samuel 16: 14-23: Trent Evans

Problems and solutions

This sermon on 1 Samuel 16 highlights the contrast between Saul and David, showing how both received the same Spirit and calling, yet Saul’s disobedience led to the Spirit’s departure and God’s discipline. The troubling spirit that afflicted Saul was ultimately used by God to bring David into the king’s court, setting the stage for God’s greater purposes. The message underscores God’s sovereignty over all things, even discipline, and calls believers to recognize that true relief and restoration come only through obedience to the Spirit and turning their eyes back to the Lord as the lasting solution.

Study 22: 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 : Trent Evans

The Lord wants you where you are         

 

This sermon unpacks 1 Samuel 16, where God directs Samuel to anoint David as Israel’s next king. The message highlights God’s sovereignty in closing one season and opening another, reminding us that mourning must eventually give way to obedience and trust in His purposes. Samuel learns that God’s choice is not based on outward appearance but on the heart, a principle that exposes human tendency to judge superficially. David, overlooked by his family, is chosen and anointed, yet he must wait years before taking the throne, during which the Spirit of the Lord rests powerfully on him. The sermon emphasizes God’s pattern of using ordinary, imperfect people to fulfill extraordinary callings, shaping them through waiting, trials, and faithfulness in hidden places. Listeners are encouraged to trust God’s timing, embrace His refining work, and live daily with the Spirit’s power wherever they are placed.

Study 21: 1 Samuel 15: 1-35: Trent Evans

Put to death what the Lord says to

 

This sermon on 1 Samuel 15 explores Saul’s disobedience to God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites and how his compromise revealed pride, fear of man, and a shallow form of worship. The passage highlights the danger of valuing human approval over obedience to God, the grief we cause when we resist His word, and the generational consequences of leaving sin undealt with. Samuel’s rebuke—“to obey is better than sacrifice”—underscores that true worship flows from obedience, not religious performance. The message challenges listeners to identify and put to death the “Agags” in their own lives before they take root in future generations, reminding us that humility, obedience, and reverence for God are essential to a life that honors Him

Study 20: 1 Samuel 14: 34-48: Trent Evans

Correction can be painful    

This sermon on 1 Samuel 14 explores the contrast between Saul’s prideful leadership and Jonathan’s God-centered courage. Saul’s rash vow left Israel’s army weakened, confused God’s provision for temptation, and led to sin in desperation. Jonathan, however, discerned rightly, honored God, and was vindicated by the people when Saul’s arrogance nearly cost him his life. The passage shows how pride blinds leaders, while humility and discernment open the way for God’s direction. The silence of God toward Saul reveals the need for self-examination, repentance, and alignment with His standards. True transformation, unlike temporary behavior modification, flows from a heart changed by God’s Spirit. The message calls believers to embrace correction, submit to God’s Word, and seek heart transformation through Christ rather than self-driven agendas.