Southview Baptist Church
Pursuing the Heart of God | Selflessness In Action
This week, Pastor Nathan Wakefield continues our sermon series, Pursuing the Heart of God. In 1 Samuel 20:1-42, we learn that understanding the depth of Jonathan and David’s friendship can inspire us to cultivate relationships marked by selflessness, where we look out for one another’s interests above our own, reminding us that true love often involves sacrifice and vulnerability. Video of the worship service is available beginning Sunday at 9:30 AM at https://southviewbaptist.org/live.
Locations & Times
Southview Baptist Church
3434 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE 68502, USA
Sunday 9:30 AM
1. Willing — Selflessness demands that we be willing — willing to listen, willing to act, and willing to support (1‑9).
• David was at a breaking point — His plea reveals fear, exhaustion, and desperation.
• Jonathan was willing to act — His response shows compassion and loyalty that transcends convenience or comfort.
• Christ is the ultimate model of willing selflessness — On the cross, Jesus submitted to the will of the Father for our sake.
Action: Carefully consider…what does it look like for you to be truly willing in your relationships — to listen, to act, and to support even when it costs you something?
• David was at a breaking point — His plea reveals fear, exhaustion, and desperation.
• Jonathan was willing to act — His response shows compassion and loyalty that transcends convenience or comfort.
• Christ is the ultimate model of willing selflessness — On the cross, Jesus submitted to the will of the Father for our sake.
Action: Carefully consider…what does it look like for you to be truly willing in your relationships — to listen, to act, and to support even when it costs you something?
2. Vulnerable — Selflessness demands that we make ourselves vulnerable to others (10‑17).
• David exposed his fear — He openly shared his dread of Saul’s rage, refusing to hide behind toughness or pride.
• Jonathan surrendered control — He expressed trust in God’s sovereign plan, even if it meant losing the kingdom.
• Jesus embraced vulnerability — In the Garden Christ grieved, sweated blood, and showed us that holiness is not stoic, but honest and surrendered.
Action: Who can you be vulnerable with this week? Invite someone into the deeper parts of your life — your fears, your hopes, your struggles.
• David exposed his fear — He openly shared his dread of Saul’s rage, refusing to hide behind toughness or pride.
• Jonathan surrendered control — He expressed trust in God’s sovereign plan, even if it meant losing the kingdom.
• Jesus embraced vulnerability — In the Garden Christ grieved, sweated blood, and showed us that holiness is not stoic, but honest and surrendered.
Action: Who can you be vulnerable with this week? Invite someone into the deeper parts of your life — your fears, your hopes, your struggles.
3. Heroic — Selflessness demands that we accept risk on behalf of the other (18‑34).
• Jonathan supported David — His words demonstrate theological understanding and values.
• Jonathan boldly confronted his father — He challenged Saul’s rage, knowing full well the cost.
• Christ took our place at the cross — Jesus bore our shame and wrath, not out of obligation, but out of love.
Action: Determine to stand in the gap for someone else, even if it costs you comfort, reputation, or safety.
• Jonathan supported David — His words demonstrate theological understanding and values.
• Jonathan boldly confronted his father — He challenged Saul’s rage, knowing full well the cost.
• Christ took our place at the cross — Jesus bore our shame and wrath, not out of obligation, but out of love.
Action: Determine to stand in the gap for someone else, even if it costs you comfort, reputation, or safety.
4. Faithful — Selflessness demands that we persevere in commitment (35‑42).
• Jonathan fulfilled his promise — He followed through, even when it hurt. His loyalty was not conditional.
• David received the truth with grace — Their parting was painful, but filled with mutual honor and love.
• Christ remains faithful to us — His love never fails, and He calls us to that same kind of enduring commitment to others.
Action: Where do you need to grow in faithfulness—to a friend, a spouse, a church member? Ask Christ to strengthen your loyalty to others.
• Jonathan fulfilled his promise — He followed through, even when it hurt. His loyalty was not conditional.
• David received the truth with grace — Their parting was painful, but filled with mutual honor and love.
• Christ remains faithful to us — His love never fails, and He calls us to that same kind of enduring commitment to others.
Action: Where do you need to grow in faithfulness—to a friend, a spouse, a church member? Ask Christ to strengthen your loyalty to others.
5. Why should I? Because Christ did it first!
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Text a dollar amount to 84321 to set up and use Text-to-Give.
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https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ministrycentered.churchcenterListen to the Podcast
Listen to the sermon and find out more about Southview by visiting our website. Sermons are normally posted on the following Monday and are available via the website or whichever app you enjoy listening to podcasts on, such as: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, and many more.
https://southviewbaptist.org/podcastWatch the Worship Service
In addition to the audio for this sermon, we livestream our service beginning at 9:30 AM on Sundays, and it is available for replay anytime at the conclusion of the service.
https://southviewbaptist.org/live