Dharius Daniels - I Need Some Oil

Well, like I said, I’ll teach you in a series. That means I take one subject and I spend several weeks exploring and explaining what the Bible has to say about it. Today, we’re starting a series called «Oil Change,» and I want to read a few verses of scripture from the book of 1st Samuel. This book captures the ministry of a man named Samuel. In 1st Samuel, chapter 16, beginning at verse 10, we’re going to dive into our lesson today. This is my fifth time delivering this sermon this weekend—once last night in Orlando and three times today. But this I know: each service has its own personality. So if you like a little bit of litmus, then you come to the 9:00 service. If you prefer medium litmus, then you go to West Hampton at 10:15. But if you like the whole turn-up, you’re at the right service–11:30! Make some noise!

The Bible says, in 1st Samuel 16, that Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, «The Lord has not chosen these.» So, he asked Jesse, «Are these all the sons you have?» He answered, «There’s still the youngest.» «But he is tending the sheep.» Samuel said, «Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.» So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health, had a fine appearance, and handsome features. Then the Lord said, «Rise and anoint him, for this is the one.» So Samuel took the horn of oil—everybody say «oil"—and anointed him—everybody say «anointed.» He anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day—this is the part you missed—he anointed him in the presence of his brothers. Those who got there before him and looked down on him had to watch him get what they thought they deserved. God will do it in the presence of your enemies. From that day on, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.

I want to use this scripture to teach from the subject: «I Need Some Oil.» Clap your hands if you’re ready for God’s word today! Family, as I prepared for this preaching presentation, I recalled an experience I had during my time at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi—1701 North State Street. It was an experience I had with my first car. It might not mean much to you, but it meant a lot to me. It had about 200,000 miles on it when I got it, but it worked for me. It got me from point A to point B, and that was good enough. I’m talking about my maroon 1999 Toyota Camry! Yeah, for everybody 21 and younger, I know you’re thinking, «What is that? They don’t even make them anymore!» Don’t worry about it. Just know that you couldn’t tell me anything about this car. I loved this car. I washed this car so much, I was surprised the paint didn’t come off. I washed and waxed it faithfully. I know some of you used to use Armor-All on your tires, but I’m from the Dirty South, where we used something called Black Magic. I would spray that Black Magic on those tires, and they would shine.

Growing up, we drove fast; here it is, just slightly transforming the norm—just a little something to break from the hardcore jazz and bring a little excitement. Let the windows down; let the music play! I had a cell phone, but I also had a beeper on my belt. I loved my car, and one day, I was driving home to drop it off. My roommate, a fraternity brother, was driving behind me to bring me back to college for a fellowship event we wanted to attend that night—a Friday night fellowship event I absolutely couldn’t miss! So I’m driving, and all of a sudden, the car starts jerking a little bit, then it makes popping noises, and then it starts smoking.

My roommate, who was driving behind me, pulls up beside me, flags me down, and tells me to pull over. I pull into a gas station, and we pop the hood—well, I mean, we just look confused because we didn’t even really know what to do. Then all of a sudden, we pop the hood, acting like we knew what we were doing. We’re both looking, confused. I didn’t have a cell phone, only a beeper, so I needed to call my dad. Therefore, I had to move the car close to something called a payphone. I got a quarter, put it in the payphone, and dialed my dad’s number, trying to explain what was going on with the car. He told me to check all these things under the hood, and I was checking stuff I didn’t even understand—spark plugs, fan belts, alternators—I had no idea what any of it was. After a while, he paused for a minute.