Who is the Father? – Preaching

Preaching Outline on 1 Samuel 17:55-58 – “When Saul saw David going out to confront the Philistine, he asked Abner, the commander of the army, ‘Whose son is this young man, Abner?’ Abner replied, ‘As surely as you live, O king, I do not know.’ The king ordered, ‘Find out who his father is.

Introduction to I Samuel 17:55-58

The story of David facing the giant Goliath is one of the most inspiring and well-known in the Bible. It reveals not only David’s courage and faith, but also a curious question from King Saul: “Whose son is this young man?” This question goes beyond social curiosity or the patriarchal culture of the time; it carries a deep spiritual meaning.

When David defeated the giant and brought back Goliath’s head as proof of his victory, Saul and all those present were impressed by the heroic act. They wanted to know where such courage, skill and strength came from. In other words: Who is this young man’s Father who has given him such ability?

This question still echoes today. Who is the Father who gives us strength, identity and victory?

DEVELOPMENT

THE CONTEXT OF THE TEXT: THE BATTLE AND DAVI’S FAITH

Israel was facing a crisis: the Philistine army, led by Goliath, was challenging God’s people. Goliath was a feared warrior, and no Israelite dared face him.

• David’s courage: While everyone was paralyzed by fear, David, a simple shepherd, came forward to fight. He didn’t rely on his own strength or human weapons, but on the power of God. He declared:
  “You come against me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45).
• David rejected human weapons: Saul offered David his armor, but David rejected it. Instead, he used what he had mastered – his sling and five smooth stones. This teaches us that God uses our natural abilities to manifest His power when we trust in Him.
• David’s victory: With a single stone, David defeated the giant, proving that “the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47).

After the victory, Saul wanted to know who David’s father was. This question revealed his quest to understand the origin of David’s power and courage.

THE FATHER FIGURE IN PATRIARCHAL CULTURE

In the biblical context, the figure of the father was central. The father was more than a material provider; he represented the family’s identity, authority and legacy.

• Identity and origin: To ask “Whose son are you?” was to ask about someone’s origin and heritage. In David’s case, by answering “I am the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite”, he was identifying his lineage and hometown.
• The role of the father:
  • Give the family a name.
  • Passing on teachings and moral and spiritual instruction.
  • To provide security, sustenance and inheritance for their children.

In a spiritual sense, the heavenly Father is the one who gives us identity, sustenance and victory. Just as David had full trust in the God of his fathers, we are also called to trust in the heavenly Father, from whom comes all power and empowerment.

JESUS, THE SON WHO REVEALS THE FATHER

David, like many events and characters in the Old Testament, is a type of Christ, pointing to the work and person of Jesus. Just as David knew his earthly father well, Jesus knew his heavenly Father deeply and revealed him to the world.

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem, like David: Jesus is called the “Son of David” and was born in the same town, Bethlehem, which means “house of bread”. He presented himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35), capable of satisfying humanity’s spiritual hunger.
• Jesus taught us to pray to the Father:
  Jesus always emphasized the intimate relationship with the Father. When teaching his disciples to pray, he began with “Our Father in heaven”.
• Jesus was in the Father’s business: At the age of 12, Jesus said to Joseph and Mary: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). From a young age, Jesus demonstrated that his mission was to do his Father’s will.
• The Father’s promise: Jesus promised to prepare a place for his disciples:
  “In my Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:2).
• Unity with the Father: Jesus declared:
  “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). He is the perfect reflection of the heavenly Father.

THE CHURCH AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FATHER

Just as Saul and Abner didn’t know David’s father, there are many today who don’t know their heavenly Father. But the Church, as sons and daughters of God, has the privilege and responsibility of revealing the Father to the world.

• Jesus called us sons:
  “I will not leave you orphans; I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Comforter” (John 14:16-18). As children, we have a Father who loves us, cares for us and strengthens us.
• Our identity in the Father: Just as David identified himself as “son of Jesse the Bethlehemite”, we must identify ourselves as children of God, born of Him, redeemed by Christ.
• The great victories come from the Father: The Church’s conquests don’t come from our own strength, but from the training that the Father gives us. He is the one who sustains, guides and prepares us for spiritual battles.
• The proof of victory: Just as David brought Goliath’s head as evidence of his victory, we must also bear witness to the victories that God gives us, awakening in others a desire to know the Father.

THE HUMAN SOUL THIRSTS FOR THE FATHER

Saul’s question – “Whose son is this young man?” – reflects the universal search for belonging and identity. Just as the prodigal son found joy in reconciling with his father, every human soul only finds peace and purpose when it reconnects with the heavenly Father.

• The Father gives us a spiritual inheritance.
• It gives us security and identity.
• He restores us when we are lost.

Jesus came into the world to reconcile humanity with the Father. Only through Christ can we approach the Father and enjoy his presence.

Conclusion

Just as David confidently declared that he was “the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite”, we are called to declare that we are children of God. Our lives must reflect the identity of our heavenly Father, so that others may also desire to know Him.

The question remains: “Who is the Father?” For those who know the heavenly Father, the answer is clear: He is the Almighty, the God of love and justice, who gives us identity, strength and victory.

Preaching Outline on 1 Samuel 17:55-58 – “When Saul saw David going out to confront the Philistine, he asked Abner, the commander of the army, ‘Whose son is this young man, Abner?’ Abner replied, ‘As surely as you live, O king, I do not know.’ The king ordered, ‘Find out who his father is.

More Preaching Outlines

• The stones of the brook – I Samuel 17:40
• I Samuel 17:45-50 – The process of a battle
• The Importance of Forgiveness – Matthew 6:14