06/16/2026 7pm Bible Study

Main message: Godly men need a network of people around them — mentors, friends, challengers and supporters — to grow into the roles God has anointed them for; David’s life shows how God anoints the humble and prepares them by relationships and trials before promotion.

Key points:

• 1 Samuel 16: David is anointed while serving; God looks at the heart, not outward appearance, and anointing often precedes immediate appointment.
• Men need specific relationships around them — the preacher lists seven kinds: a covering (mentor), a confidant (trusted friend), a combatant (opponent/adversary who exposes/presses you), a company (loyal followers), a confronter (one who rebukes/corrects), a comforter (those who sustain you in pain), and a counselor/coach (wise adviser/teacher).
• Examples from David’s life: Samuel as covering, Jonathan (friend) as confidant, Saul as rival/combatant, the 400 followers as company, Nathan as confronter, Shobi/Machir/Barzillai as comforters, and advisers listed in 1 Chronicles as counselors.
• Practical application: evaluate which three relationship types are most important, which you’ve neglected, and which have been most beneficial; intentionally cultivate the relationships you lack.
• General encouragements: keep serving while you wait for God’s timing; surround yourself with people who will both support and correct you.

Scriptures mentioned: 1 Samuel 16, Philippians 2:5, 1 Samuel 15, Genesis 24, Exodus 18, 1 Kings 19, 1 Samuel 18:1–4, 1 Samuel 19, 1 Samuel 20, 1 Samuel 22:1, 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 12, 2 Samuel 15, 2 Samuel 17:27–29, 2 Samuel 15:30, 1 Chronicles 27:32