Embracing Identity and Authority in Faith
Summary
Identity and authority are at the heart of what it means to follow God faithfully. Before the world began, God determined who we are and what He has called us to do. Like David, who was anointed king while still a shepherd, our true identity is not defined by our current circumstances but by God’s calling and purpose for our lives. David’s story reminds us that our authority flows from our identity in God, and our effectiveness comes from taking our responsibilities seriously, no matter how small or hidden they may seem.
David’s courage to face Goliath was not the absence of fear, but the presence of faith rooted in his identity and past experiences with God. He had already learned to trust God in the fields, protecting sheep from lions and bears. Those private victories prepared him for public battles. In the same way, God uses our current season—no matter how mundane or difficult—to prepare us for greater things. We are called to embrace our present responsibilities with excellence, not settling for “good enough,” but offering our best as an act of worship and trust.
There will be times when fear and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us, just as the disciples were terrified in the storm while Jesus slept in the boat. In those moments, it’s easy to question whether God cares or is even aware of our struggles. Yet, God’s presence and faithfulness remain constant, even when we feel alone or afraid. He calls us to step out in faith, not waiting for perfect certainty, but trusting that He will provide and guide as we move forward.
Obedience often requires risk and sacrifice. Sometimes God asks us to leave behind security and comfort, to step into the unknown. The journey of faith is rarely safe or predictable, but it is always purposeful. God’s provision may not come in the way or timing we expect, but He is always faithful to those who trust and obey Him. Our stories of God’s faithfulness in the past become the foundation for bold steps in the future.
Ultimately, our calling is to say “yes” to God, to walk out the identity and authority He has given us, and to trust Him with the results. Whether in seasons of abundance or scarcity, clarity or confusion, God is shaping us for His purposes. Our willingness to step out in faith, even when afraid, is what positions us to experience His power and blessing.
Key Takeaways
- Identity Precedes Authority
Before David ever ruled as king, his identity was established by God’s anointing, not by his position or circumstances. Our authority in life flows from knowing who we are in Christ, not from titles or external validation. When we root our sense of self in God’s calling, we can face challenges with confidence, even when the world sees us as insignificant. [04:47]
- Faith Is Not the Absence of Fear
David admitted to being terrified before facing Goliath, yet he moved forward in obedience. True faith is not about never feeling afraid, but about acting in spite of fear because we trust God’s promises and past faithfulness. Our private victories and daily faithfulness prepare us for public challenges, and God honors those who step out even when trembling. [14:04]
- Excellence Honors God
Settling for “good enough” in our service or stewardship does not reflect the character of God. We are called to pursue excellence, not for our own reputation, but as an act of worship and a testimony to God’s worthiness. Excellence is not about extravagance, but about giving our best with what we have, trusting God to multiply our efforts for His glory. [23:48]
- Obedience Requires Risk and Sacrifice
Following God often means stepping out without full certainty or security. Like David, and like the disciples in the storm, we are called to trust God’s leading even when the outcome is unclear. God’s provision and faithfulness are often revealed on the other side of our obedience, not before. [30:12]
- God’s Faithfulness Is Proven in the Journey
Looking back, we see how God has provided, guided, and sustained us through every season. Our stories of God’s faithfulness become the foundation for future steps of faith. Even when the path is difficult or the provision seems delayed, God is always working for our good and His purposes, inviting us to trust Him more deeply. [32:42]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:47] - Identity and Authority: David’s Anointing
[06:34] - God’s Calling Before Circumstances
[13:08] - Taking Responsibility Seriously
[14:04] - Facing Fear with Faith
[14:42] - Preparation in the Hidden Places
[16:35] - The Disciples’ Storm: Trusting God in Uncertainty
[19:16] - Wrestling with Doubt and God’s Care
[23:48] - The Call to Excellence
[25:55] - Stewardship and Sacrifice
[27:11] - God’s Provision in Unexpected Ways
[28:08] - Obedience Without Full Certainty
[30:12] - Risk, Security, and Stepping Out
[32:42] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
[35:53] - Personal Testimony of God’s Leading
[37:38] - Provision Through Community
[38:49] - God’s Purposes in Every Season
[40:57] - Trusting God’s Process
[43:05] - Blessing Through Obedience
[49:09] - Chosen for God’s Kingdom
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (David’s anointing as king)
- 1 Samuel 17:32-50 (David faces Goliath)
- Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus calms the storm)
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Samuel 16, what was David doing when Samuel came to anoint him, and how did his family view him at that time?
2. According to the sermon, what private experiences did David have that prepared him for facing Goliath? [[14:42]]
3. In Mark 4, how did the disciples react to the storm, and what was Jesus doing during the chaos?
4. The sermon mentions that David admitted to being terrified before facing Goliath. What did he do with that fear? [[14:04]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that David’s identity as king was established by God before he ever sat on the throne? How does this challenge the way people usually think about identity and authority? [[04:47]]
2. The sermon says, “Faith is not the absence of fear.” What does it mean to act in faith even when you are afraid? [[14:04]]
3. How does the story of Jesus calming the storm help us understand God’s presence during times of fear and uncertainty? [[16:35]]
4. The sermon talks about “excellence honors God.” What does it look like to pursue excellence in ordinary or hidden responsibilities? [[23:48]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says our true identity is not defined by our current circumstances but by God’s calling. Are there areas in your life where you feel “hidden” or overlooked? How might God be using this season to prepare you for something greater? [[14:42]]
2. David’s private victories (protecting sheep from lions and bears) prepared him for public battles. What are some “private” challenges you’ve faced that have grown your faith or character? How might God use those experiences in the future? [[14:42]]
3. When was the last time you felt afraid to step out in faith? What helped you move forward, or what held you back? [[14:04]]
4. The disciples questioned if Jesus cared during the storm. Have you ever felt like God was “asleep” or distant in your struggles? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [[19:16]]
5. The sermon challenges us not to settle for “good enough” but to offer our best as an act of worship. Is there an area of your life or service where you’ve been settling? What would it look like to pursue excellence there this week? [[23:48]]
6. Obedience often requires risk and sacrifice. Is there something God is asking you to do that feels risky or uncomfortable? What would it look like to trust Him and take that step? [[30:12]]
7. Looking back, can you share a story of God’s faithfulness in your life that encourages you to trust Him for the future? How can remembering these stories help you face new challenges? [[32:42]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: Identity and Authority in God
God establishes our identity and gives us authority, preparing us for the roles He calls us to fulfill. David’s story shows that before he ever faced Goliath, his identity as God’s anointed and his authority as a shepherd were already set by God, not by his circumstances or the opinions of others. Even when David was overlooked or underestimated, God had already chosen him and equipped him for the battles ahead. Our true identity is not found in what we do or what others say, but in who God says we are, and He prepares us for greater things even in the hidden places. [06:34]
1 Samuel 16:1, 11-13 (ESV)
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” ... Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to remember that your identity and authority come from God, not from your circumstances or others’ opinions?
Day 2: Faith in the Face of Fear
Even when we are terrified, God calls us to step forward in faith, trusting that He is with us and has prepared us for the challenge. David admitted his fear before facing Goliath, but he moved forward anyway, relying on the faith that God had built in him through past experiences. There will be times when God asks us to do things that seem beyond our ability, and fear is a natural response, but faith means moving forward despite that fear, knowing God is faithful. [14:04]
1 Samuel 17:32-37 (ESV)
And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”
Reflection: What is one area where you feel fear today, and how can you take a step of faith, trusting God to meet you there?
Day 3: Excellence in Serving God
God calls us to serve with excellence, not settling for “good enough,” but giving our best in all we do for Him. The mindset of excellence honors God and reflects His character, whether in the church, our work, or our daily lives. We are stewards of what God has given us, and our attitude should be to make things beautiful and useful for His glory, not just to get by. [23:48]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been settling for “good enough,” and how can you pursue excellence for God’s glory today?
Day 4: Trusting God’s Provision
God is faithful to provide for our needs, even when the path is uncertain and resources seem scarce. There are seasons when we may not know how things will work out, but God has a track record of providing just what is needed at just the right time. Trusting Him means stepping out in obedience, even when we can’t see the whole picture, and believing that He will take care of us as we follow His leading. [32:42]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can trust God’s provision this week, even if you don’t see how everything will work out?
Day 5: Courage to Step Out in Faith
God invites us to take bold steps of faith, even when we feel afraid or uncertain, because our security is found in following Him. Like David, we may feel terrified, but knowing who we are in Christ gives us the courage to move forward. God wants to use our willingness to step out to bless others and to show His faithfulness, even when the outcome is not guaranteed. [35:53]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Reflection: What is one step of faith God is asking you to take right now, and how can you move forward with courage, trusting that He is with you?
Quotes
I never, let me say this as strongly as I can, God, I never want to hear anybody say, it's because that's just good enough for the church. That's good enough. And therefore, we have to have that mindset of a little. We are to have a mindset of excellence. Oh my God. It's expensive. It's not excellence. It's not excellence. It's not excellence. It's not. It's not the church. It's not the church. You know the state's full of God has given us to use to measure people. It's not the way we're living. [00:24:15] (55 seconds)
So don't be moan where you are right now. They all say, not only those thoughts, but only those thoughts. God is still preparing you. He's preparing you because he has better things in store for you. God is in the same place as the level of authority or whatever. He's preparing you for your future. But we are to fuel my faith and lead with more followers. And God gives us the results of Jesus' visions. [00:16:10] (33 seconds)
It costs us a lot of money, it costs us a lot of time by the heart, but I know who I can trust, and I'm learning to see God, I'm trusting you, I'm trusting you. The post story of how I had my heart heard of what it was August, part of that we heard. And I just thought that I was to leave on top in the industry, focus on the ministry of Christ. But I really felt in the sphere, more rationing is often at the time. I felt in the sphere that I was just to be at the top of my mind. [00:35:53] (60 seconds)
Do we have to do it all this time? Yes, yes. I had to go over the line about trusting her even while I was going to go over the line, I did the Bible reading, and so I just, hey, you're still going to think about it, okay, you're still going to ask you to do something, and you're just going to say, okay, I'm leaving, let's go, and never know, God is coming into that island. Because you're never going to be 100 % sure, because the end of the measure you should have that out of your mind. [00:28:54] (85 seconds)
However, he had been practicing, he had been practicing, he had been preparing himself. He thought it was just to protect those people. But God was so ashamed of his history to take his responsibility seriously because he had the authority of his chief. And his identity at that point was, I am responsible for me. And I am a father -in -law and I am responsible for these chiefs. This is my first son, and I have authority to write those people. And I have to give up that experience and he has to take it to the next level. [00:15:27] (43 seconds)
But I'm here to tell you very security in knowing that you are following God's people because you know how you live or not, because Paul said it where I live or not. I'm, look, because if I'm here to, I can't really do the fact that I'm going in, but I'm good for me. Luckily, they're not having the best I refer to. It's too late, but it's also a constant fact of that I'm going to stretch a little bit. [00:31:58] (32 seconds)
And so he gave me a boldness to face this, and I ask, because God had anointing him when he was standing with the sheep, he had barehanded, he was from the sheep that he met and barehanded killed him, and killed him, and killed him, and killed him, and killed him, and killed him. And yeah, that's the reason why that was my, I'm a man of the sheep that he took his job. Seriously. How do we take our job back seriously? We're going to take our job back seriously. We're going to take them back as nice. [00:12:44] (30 seconds)
Why? Because David already had his identity and his authority established. He was key, he wasn't actually a football player, he knew, I had to hear this, even though it was her name, and David protected him, it was my only thing, when I gave him a cast to my wrench, he'll talk, so he's kind of honest, I thought it was not so good, but he says, I will not, the pastor was haunted, and he said, I am speaking at somebody, so I have a job to, I'm not going to leave the table without him, and that's just a matter or not. [00:11:58] (46 seconds)
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