1 Samuel 30: Strengthen Yourself In Christ

1 Samuel 30 urges believers to find strength in God through honest self-assessment, gospel wisdom, God’s promises, and Christ-given gifts.

When David stood in the ruins of Ziklag, he faced loss, sorrow, and blame. Yet God restored him, guided him, and used him to bless others. This chapter urges every believer to turn from self-reliance and strengthen himself in God through the gospel of Christ.

Proposition

You should strengthen yourself in God.

By assessing your losses (30:1–6)

The city was burned with fire (1 Samuel 30:1). The people were taken captive (1 Samuel 30:2). They were separated from their loved ones (1 Samuel 30:5). This pictures our condition in sin (Ephesians 2:1–3). Our sin alienates (Isaiah 59:2) and separates us from God (Ephesians 4:18). It puts us under the wrath of God (Romans 1:18). The consequences of sin include fire that cannot be quenched (Mark 9:43). Sin makes us slaves to our old nature (Romans 6:17) and bears the fruit of death (Romans 6:21), loss, destruction, and eternal torment in flames of fire (Luke 16:24). This shows our condition outside of Christ (Ephesians 2:1–3). If we strengthen ourselves in God, we must assess the bitter losses of sin and seek deliverance from Christ.

By consulting God’s wisdom (30:7–8)

David consulted Abiathar through the ephod (1 Samuel 30:7). David inquired of the Lord (1 Samuel 30:8). Paul said the Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). The gospel stands as God’s final wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:21). Christ embodies the wisdom and power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). The gospel reveals how God saves us from the penalty, power, and presence of sin (Romans 1:16–17). It offers deliverance from sin’s bitter losses (Romans 6:22). The gospel declares that Christ died for our sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). This confirms our guilt (Romans 3:23) and shows that Christ satisfied God’s justice in our place (Romans 3:25–26). God now saves all who trust in Christ while remaining just (Romans 3:26). If we strengthen ourselves in God, we must accept God’s wisdom in the gospel of Christ.

By claiming God’s promises (30:8–20)

God’s promise of restoration gave David courage and hope. God promises deliverance from the penalty (Romans 5:9), power (Romans 6:14), and presence (Romans 8:23) of sin through faith in Christ. In Christ we died to sin and rose to new life (Romans 6:4). Count this to be true (Romans 6:11). This frees us from slavery to sin (Romans 6:6). It enables us to yield to the Spirit and bear the fruit of righteousness (Galatians 5:22–23). Our enemies are our sin nature (Galatians 5:17), the world (1 John 2:16), and the devil (1 Peter 5:8). God promises deliverance through Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 8:37). Strengthen yourself in God by claiming His promises and fighting the good fight against the flesh, the world, and the devil.

By sharing our gifts (30:21–31)

David established that those who stayed with the baggage shared in the plunder (1 Samuel 30:24). When Christ defeated our enemies through the cross, He ascended and gave gifts to the church through the Spirit (Ephesians 4:7–10). Every believer receives a spiritual gift to edify the body (1 Corinthians 12:7), and strengthen them in their faith in Christ (Ephesians 4:16). If Christ granted you victory, share your gift. Build up others in their faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Invitation

Sin leaves ruin. Christ restores. He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Change your mind about sin and turn to Christ. Call on the name of the Lord for salvation. Trust His death in your place and His resurrection as your hope. God promises forgiveness, deliverance from sin’s power, and future glory in His presence. Strengthen yourself in God by embracing Christ today.