First Church of Christ

Graduation Sunday---“Remember Where You Came From”


Part 1: David’s Humble Beginnings
• Shepherd Boy…
• Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 16:11-13 – Samuel anoints David…
• Courage and Faith…
• Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 17:34-36 – David recounts defending his sheep.


Part 2: Rise to Prominence
• Defeating Goliath…
• Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 17:45-50 – David confronts and defeats Goliath.
• Service in Saul’s Court: Discuss David’s role as a musician and armor-bearer.
• Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 16:21-23 – David enters Saul’s service.
• Deepening Friendships: The friendship between David and Jonathan…
• Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 18:1-4 – Jonathan’s covenant with David.

• “To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root.”– Chinese Proverb.


Part 3: Trials and Tribulations
• Persecution by Saul… David faced Saul’s jealousy and relied on God…
• Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 19:9-10 – Saul tries to kill David.
• Moral Failings: Address David’s affair with Bathsheba...
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 11:2-5 – David’s sin with Bathsheba.
• Repentance and Forgiveness: Emphasize David’s genuine repentance…
• Scripture Reference: Psalm 51:1-2 – David’s plea for mercy and cleansing.


Part 4: Legacy and Reflection
• David’s Legacy: David is remembered as a man after God’s own heart, not because he was perfect, but due to his repentance & faith. Finishing the race!
• Scripture Reference: Acts 13:22 – God describes David as a man after His own heart.






Application to Graduates and Congregation: Encourage reflection on personal journeys, acknowledging humble beginnings, and recognizing God’s role.

• Scripture References:
• Jeremiah 29:11 – God’s plans for a hopeful future.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting in the Lord for guidance.

Never forget where you came from.

1. Remember Who Got You Here (Gratitude and Humility)

Application: Take time today to thank God for bringing you this far, and thank the people who have poured into your life. The world will tell you to chase success, but true greatness comes from gratitude and humility.
• Proverbs 22:4 – “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”

2. Know Where You’re Going (Keep Your Eyes on Jesus)

Application: As you move forward, stay grounded in Jesus. Surround yourself with the right people. Stay in God’s Word. When life gets overwhelming, remember where you came from and who you belong to.
• Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

3. Stay Humble, Stay Faithful, and Trust God’s Plan

You will face moments where pride could lead you to think, I’ve got this. But humility reminds us, God’s got this.

Some of you have big dreams—praise God for that! But in your success, don’t forget the God who gave you those dreams. And if things don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged—God’s plan is always better.
• Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Final Challenge:

Graduates, as you leave this season of life, remember:
• Stay humble—give God the credit.
• Stay grateful—appreciate where you came from.
• Stay focused—keep your eyes on Jesus.