The Evangel Dean Basic Training Resource Handbook

A PPENDIX • 261

on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

The eldest son, Eliab, impresses Samuel as a suitable candidate, but his appearance is deceptive, as Saul’s had been. The Lord sees not as man sees becomes an important maxim (cf. 1 Chr. 28:9), which illuminated the prophetic vision of the servant of the Lord, “marred beyond human semblance”, “despised and rejected by men” but declared to be supremely great (Isa. 52:14; 53:3). There is a corrective here to merely superficial judgment (italics mine).

~ Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries . 1 and 2 Samuel. 1 Sam. 16:6-10.

3. The Lord searches and knows the heart of all people, and relates to them on the basis of what he chooses and wills (1 Kings 8.39; 1 Chron. 28.9; Ps. 7.9; Jer. 11.20; 17.9-10; Acts 1.24).

4. Allow the Holy Spirit to use whomever he selects for whatever reason he may choose

Moses – a murderer! (cf. Exod. 3.11-15)

Paul – a religious persecutor! (cf. Phil. 3.6-7 with Acts 8.3)

IV. Testing the Categories: Concepts, Case Studies, and Controversial Candidates

1 Sam. 16.7 – But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

A. How can people with a shady background and no formal training lead the church of God? Unlikely choices for church planting among the poor? Discuss the viability and desirability of selecting any one of the following to lead a church plant effort in the city.