Navigating Success: Lessons from David's Relationships
Summary
On this Memorial Day weekend, we gather with gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, remembering the sacrifices made by so many, and ultimately the sacrifice of Christ that brings us true freedom. As we continue exploring the life of David, we focus today on what happens after the mountaintop moments—how we handle success, recognition, and the relationships that are tested in those seasons. David’s victory over Goliath brought him not only fame but also new challenges: shifting relationships, jealousy, and the temptation of pride.
David’s story in 1 Samuel 18 reveals four key relationship tests that come with success. First, his relationship with Saul changes dramatically. Saul, once appreciative, becomes threatened and jealous, even as David continues to serve faithfully and honor Saul’s authority. This is a powerful reminder that God calls us to honor those in authority, even when we may not agree with them or when we know we could do things differently. Submission is not about being a doormat, but about honoring the roles God has established.
Second, David’s relationship with the nation of Israel is a test of exaltation. The people celebrate him, singing his praises above even the king. Yet David remains a servant, not letting the recognition go to his head. He continues to serve under Saul, modeling humility and a servant’s heart even when the world would say he deserves more.
Third, the friendship between David and Jonathan is a remarkable example of selfless love and loyalty. Jonathan, who by rights should have been next in line for the throne, chooses instead to support and encourage David, even defending him to his own father. Their friendship is marked by sacrifice, loyal defense, freedom to be authentic, and encouragement—qualities that challenge us to examine our own friendships.
Finally, David faces the test of opposition. Saul’s jealousy turns to active hostility, yet David refuses to retaliate or dishonor Saul. Instead, he remains faithful to God’s calling, trusting God to handle justice and vindication. This is a call to respond to opposition not with revenge, but with steadfastness, respect, and faithfulness.
In all these relationships, the question is not how others treat us, but how we choose to honor God in our responses. Whether in times of success or struggle, the call is to serve, to honor, to encourage, and to remain faithful—doing the right thing anyway, because ultimately, our lives are lived before God.
Key Takeaways
- Honor in Submission: Even when those in authority over us are flawed or even antagonistic, God calls us to honor the position and serve faithfully. Submission is not agreement, but a posture of humility that trusts God to work through imperfect leaders. This discipline shapes our character and witnesses to God’s order in our lives. [33:10]
- Humility in Success: Recognition and praise can easily inflate our egos, but true greatness is found in maintaining a servant’s heart. David’s willingness to keep serving under Saul, despite his own rising fame, challenges us to resist entitlement and to keep our focus on serving God and others rather than seeking personal glory. [38:40]
- Selfless Friendship: The friendship between David and Jonathan models sacrificial love, loyal defense, authenticity, and encouragement. True friends celebrate each other’s victories without jealousy, defend each other’s reputations, allow for vulnerability, and pour courage into one another. These qualities are rare and require intentional cultivation in our own relationships. [52:05]
- Faithfulness Amid Opposition: When faced with jealousy, criticism, or even outright hostility, the temptation is to retaliate or withdraw. David’s example is to remain faithful to God’s calling, to continue doing good, and to trust God with the outcome. Our response to opposition reveals our trust in God’s justice and our commitment to His ways. [01:04:11]
- Living for an Audience of One: Ultimately, our actions and responses in every relationship are not about pleasing people, but about honoring God. Whether or not others appreciate, reciprocate, or even notice, we are called to do the right thing anyway. Our lives are lived before God, and it is His approval that matters most. [01:08:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Memorial Day Reflection and Prayer
[04:00] - Introduction to David’s Life Series
[07:30] - Recap: David and Goliath
[10:45] - The Aftermath of Victory: Handling Success
[14:20] - Reading 1 Samuel 18:1-9
[18:00] - David and Saul: The Test of Submission
[25:30] - Honoring Authority in Difficult Situations
[31:00] - David and the Nation: The Test of Exaltation
[38:40] - Staying Humble Amid Praise
[41:30] - David and Jonathan: The Test of Friendship
[47:04] - Four Marks of True Friendship
[56:10] - Encouragement and Authenticity in Friendship
[59:52] - The Test of Opposition: Saul’s Jealousy
[01:04:11] - Responding to Opposition with Faithfulness
[01:08:10] - “Do It Anyway” Poem and Final Challenge
[01:13:20] - Prayer Updates and Community Life
[01:15:53] - Announcements and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Handling Success and Relationships (David’s Story)
---
### Bible Reading
- 1 Samuel 18:1-9
(David’s relationships with Saul, Jonathan, and the nation after defeating Goliath)
- 1 Samuel 19:4-5
(Jonathan defends David to Saul)
- 1 Samuel 23:15-18
(Jonathan encourages David while he is being hunted by Saul)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Samuel 18:1-9, how did Saul’s attitude toward David change after David’s victory over Goliath? What specific actions did Saul take as a result?
[[10:45]]
2. According to 1 Samuel 18:3-4, what did Jonathan do to show his friendship and loyalty to David? What do these actions symbolize?
[[14:20]]
3. In 1 Samuel 19:4-5, how did Jonathan speak to his father Saul about David? What reasons did he give for defending David?
[[52:05]]
4. When David was being praised by the people, how did he respond to the recognition and fame?
[[38:40]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think David continued to honor and submit to Saul’s authority, even when Saul was jealous and trying to harm him? What does this reveal about David’s character?
[[18:00]]
2. Jonathan was next in line for the throne, but he chose to support David instead. What does this teach us about selfless friendship and loyalty?
[[47:04]]
3. The sermon mentioned that success and recognition can be a test for our hearts. Why is it so easy for pride to creep in during times of success, and how did David avoid this trap?
[[38:40]]
4. When faced with opposition and unfair treatment, David chose not to retaliate. What does this say about trusting God with justice and outcomes?
[[01:04:11]]
---
### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you disagreed with someone in authority over you (at work, church, or home). How did you respond? Is there a way you could honor their position, even if you don’t agree with their decisions?
[[18:00]]
2. When you receive praise or recognition, do you find it hard to stay humble? What are some practical ways you can keep a servant’s heart when others are celebrating your achievements?
[[38:40]]
3. Jonathan’s friendship with David was marked by sacrifice, loyalty, authenticity, and encouragement. Which of these qualities do you find most challenging in your own friendships? What is one step you could take this week to be a better friend?
[[52:05]]
4. Have you ever felt jealous when someone else received something you wanted or thought you deserved? How did you handle those feelings? What can you learn from Jonathan’s example?
[[47:04]]
5. Is there someone in your life who is opposing you or treating you unfairly? How can you respond with faithfulness and respect, trusting God with the outcome instead of seeking revenge?
[[01:04:11]]
6. The sermon challenged us to “do the right thing anyway,” even if others don’t notice or appreciate it. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to keep doing good, even if it’s hard or goes unnoticed?
[[01:08:10]]
7. Who is your “audience of one”? Are you more concerned with what people think, or with honoring God in your actions and relationships? What would it look like to live for God’s approval this week?
[[01:08:10]]
---
Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help you honor Him in every relationship, to serve with humility, to be a true friend, and to remain faithful no matter what others do. Pray for the courage to “do it anyway”—to do the right thing because your life is lived before God.
Devotional
Day 1: The Test of Submission—Honoring Authority Even When It's Difficult
David’s relationship with Saul changed dramatically after his victory over Goliath. Though David knew he had been anointed by God to be the next king and was aware that Saul’s favor with God had ended, he still chose to honor and submit to Saul’s authority as king. David’s humility and willingness to serve under someone who was actively working against him is a powerful example of godly submission. Even when we believe we could do better or when those in authority over us are flawed, God calls us to respect the position and serve faithfully. This attitude not only honors God but also brings blessing to our lives and those around us. [32:10]
1 Samuel 18:5
Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops and Saul’s officers as well.
Reflection: Is there someone in authority over you whom you struggle to respect? How can you choose to honor their position and serve faithfully this week, even if you disagree with them?
Day 2: The Test of Exaltation—Staying Humble Amid Praise
After David’s triumph over Goliath, he was celebrated by the nation, with songs sung in his honor and widespread recognition. Despite this, David continued to serve under Saul and did not let the praise inflate his ego or cause him to seek his own advancement. He remained a servant, keeping his heart humble and his focus on honoring God and others above himself. This teaches us that when we experience success or recognition, we must guard our hearts against pride and continue to serve with humility, remembering that all honor ultimately belongs to God. [38:30]
1 Samuel 18:6-7
When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
Reflection: When you receive praise or recognition, how do you keep your heart humble and focused on serving others rather than seeking more attention for yourself?
Day 3: The Test of Friendship—Sacrificial and Loyal Relationships
The friendship between David and Jonathan is a remarkable example of true, godly friendship. Jonathan, who by all rights should have been next in line for the throne, willingly sacrificed his own claim and supported David, celebrating his victories without jealousy. He defended David even to his own father, Saul, and encouraged him in times of trouble. True friendship is marked by a willingness to sacrifice, loyal defense, freedom to be oneself, and being a source of encouragement. Are you the kind of friend who lifts others up, defends them, and celebrates their successes without envy? [59:52]
1 Samuel 18:1-4
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
Reflection: Think of a friend who has recently experienced success or recognition—how can you intentionally celebrate and encourage them this week, putting aside any feelings of jealousy?
Day 4: The Test of Opposition—Responding to Those Who Work Against You
David faced intense opposition from Saul, who became jealous and sought to harm him. Despite having opportunities to retaliate, David chose not to attack Saul or seek revenge. Instead, he continued to honor Saul’s position and remained faithful to God’s calling on his life. When others oppose us, especially when we are doing good or following God’s call, the temptation is to fight back or tear them down. But God calls us to respond with dignity, respect, and unwavering faithfulness, trusting Him to handle justice and vindication. [01:05:10]
Romans 12:17-19 (ESV)
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Reflection: Is there someone who has opposed or wronged you? How can you choose to respond with honor and faithfulness to God, rather than seeking revenge or harboring resentment?
Day 5: The Test of Purpose—Serving God Above All Else
Ultimately, the key to navigating all relationships and circumstances—whether in submission, exaltation, friendship, or opposition—is to remember that our lives are lived in service to God. Our goal is to honor Him in every relationship and situation, regardless of how others act or what recognition we receive. Even when others fail to keep up their part, or when our sacrifices go unnoticed, we are called to do the right thing anyway, knowing that our service is ultimately for God and not for human approval. [01:09:43]
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 do you need to shift your focus from seeking human approval to serving God wholeheartedly, regardless of recognition or response from others?
Quotes
Be the one that's encouraging and honoring and lifting up the other people there. Here's what I found: you will always come out better when the company is successful or when the boss is successful because the blessings come to the whole company when that happens. Why not be a contributor in a positive way to it instead of someone who's tearing it down? [00:40:16] (25 seconds)
Are you that kind of friend? To the people God has around you in your life? Are you celebrating their wins, their victories, their accomplishments, without jealousy, without trying to criticize and tear down? Without going behind the scenes and saying, well, you know why they got that, right? [00:52:02] (18 seconds)
A second mark of true friendship is a loyal defense, even when they're not in the room. Will you take up for them when they're not there? Look at 1 Samuel 19. A little bit later, verse 4 and 5. Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul, his father, and said to him, Let not the king do wrong to his servant David. He's not wronged you. What he has done has benefited you greatly. [00:52:39] (26 seconds)
When's the last time you showed up for your friends in a really hard situation? I say this all the time, and it's true. You don't even have to have the right words to say. If you just show up, that means a lot. If you're just there for them, when you're going through the hard thing. [00:59:05] (19 seconds)
People will often oppose you when you start accomplishing what God has called you to do. To be the person that God has called you to be. I'll say, well, why are you getting so involved in church? And why are you giving up your time and serving? And why don't you come with us for this on Sunday instead of going to church on Sunday? They're trying to get you away from that thing that God's calling you to in your life. [01:02:49] (22 seconds)
The number one thing David was determined to do was be God honoring with his life. And the Bible tells us, vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. You let God take care of that part. Your part is to be faithful to God and to keep treating everybody with dignity and respect the way God has called you to. Even when there's sharp disagreement, even when there are attacks coming your way. [01:05:10] (30 seconds)
The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have and it will never be enough but give your best anyway. And the final analysis is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. Who are you serving? With your life. That's the key. [01:07:59] (26 seconds)
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