Influence of God's GlorySample

The Holy Spirit’s Power to Lead

Most theologians believe David was about fifteen years old when Samuel announced he would be the next king. But David was thirty when the nation Israel acknowledged his full authority. The transfer of God’s ruling power from Saul to David is made very clear in Scripture. It is important to study this transition with a knowledge of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament.

The Holy Spirit did not come to permanently “indwell” a believer until the Pentecost experience described in Acts chapter 2. Before that time, the Holy Spirit “came upon” a believer but could be taken away because of sin or because of God’s will. That is why David prayed in Psalm 51, “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” God’s transfer of power takes place in 1 Samuel 16 and is proven in 1 Samuel 17. Scripture makes it very clear that the source of godly leadership is the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

1. When are you most aware of God’s power at work in your own life? What hinders and enables his power?

2. Consider the story of David and Goliath as an illustration for the truth of 1 Samuel 16:13. Why is this passage a crucial lesson for every generation of God’s people? How should the story strengthen and impact your faith journey today?