Sunday Sermon Outline on Grace and Mercy

We have all required a quick Sunday Sermon on grace and mercy as a reminder to God's people of the importance of demonstrating fruit of the spirit. In this post, we provide a outline overview on the amazing grace and mercy shown by King David to someone who most believe did not deserve it.

Of course, this sermon outline is reformatted for Google indexing at the content style, and sub-section format we use is not accceptable for search indexing. However, here is the actual preaching outline for free download.

Below is more of a "script" style presentation out of, as was said, necessity yet outlines allow for an on the spot move of the Holy Spirit as we receive revelation when teaching God's people.

Nevertheless, in 2 Samuel 16:5-13 & 2 Samuel 19:15-20, we find an incredible lesson on grace and mercy.

Picture this: King David, once the vibrant warrior who danced into Jerusalem after defeating Saul, is now trudging along a dusty road, far from the throne he once claimed. His son Absalom has stolen the kingdom, and David—well, he seems defeated.

That word "seems" is crucial here. The mighty king who once slung a stone to topple a giant now appears weak, vulnerable, a shadow of his former self. But here’s the thing: even when God allows you to walk through the fire—or maybe even takes you through it—appearing weak to your enemies is just that, an appearance.

It’s not the full story.

Enter Shimei, a man with a big mouth and an even bigger grudge. This guy’s from the house of Saul, still bitter that David took the crown all those years ago. Funny how the loudest critics often wait until you’re down to start swinging.

When David was strong, Shimei didn’t dare step up. But now, with David looking beaten, Shimei hurls insults, throws stones, and kicks up dust like he’s got nothing to lose.

What’s wild is that David, even as king, had shown mercy to Saul’s family despite Saul’s attempts to kill him. Shimei’s grudge is personal, but it’s also misplaced.

Fast forward to our second scene in 2 Samuel 19:15-20. Absalom’s rebellion is crushed, his life snuffed out, and David’s on his way back to reclaim his throne. Guess who’s first in line to greet the restored king?

That darn Shimei!

The tables have turned, and suddenly, the guy who was cursing David needs mercy from the very man he disrespected.

Back when Shimei was mouthing off, David could’ve had him struck down. His men were ready to do it—eager, even. But David said, “No, let him be.” That restraint, that mercy, sets the stage for a powerful lesson.

Here’s the big idea: when God turns the tables in your favor, don’t strut around like you’ve just scored the winning touchdown. Be merciful. Because that same table can flip right back on you. Jesus Himself said it in Luke 6:28: “Bless those who curse you, and do good to those who mistreat you.”

David didn’t need to lift a finger against Shimei—his men would’ve handled it. But he didn’t send them out to “do his dirt.” And here’s a word of caution: be careful when you’re tempted to let someone else settle your scores.

Even Christians fall into that trap. Stay tuned to the Holy Spirit instead.

Think about this, too: sometimes you’re invited—or even pressured—to sit at a table that’s not meant for you. A table of compromise, maybe, or one that pulls you away from God. Look at Daniel in chapter 1.

The king offered him meat and wine that would’ve defiled him, but Daniel refused. He didn’t just say no—he asked for ten days to prove God’s way was better. That’s bold faith. Often, for God to turn the tables in your favor, you’ve got to reject what the world’s offering, no matter how tempting it looks.

The enemy’s whole game is to drag you away from Christ, and one slick move is getting you to lash out at the Shimeis in your life.

Point #1: Let the Holy Spirit Turn the Table, Not You

We’ve all had those moments where we want to scream, “They’re about to see the real me—bless the name of Jesus!” But here’s the truth: the Holy Spirit needs to do the turning, not us.

When we’re stuck, it’s easy to lose sight of how much we need God to keep pruning us. Sometimes, what we think should stay in our lives is exactly what He needs to cut away. Look at the Bible—countless figures faced moments where change seemed impossible.

Ananias doubted when God sent him to help Paul, the church’s biggest persecutor (Acts 9:13). Jeremiah pressed on despite Jerusalem’s fall and his own fears. The women at the cross wept but stayed, and they were the first to see the risen Jesus.

Radical commitment, even through doubt, is how you serve God.

Point #2: God Turns Tables to Show His Love, Not to Show Off

When God steps in, it’s not about rubbing it in someone’s face. Too often, we’re quick to say, “That’s what they get!” or “God’s exposing them now!” But Romans 5:8 flips that script: “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

If we’re honest, we all deserve the backhand of justice. Yet David didn’t take petty revenge on Shimei. He didn’t just spare him—he blessed Shimei’s family, too. (Though, side note: Solomon, David’s son, later dealt with Shimei differently.)

The point?

When God turns the tables, it’s about His love, not our vendettas. Lord, help us be that merciful.

Point #3: Stay at God’s Table, No Matter What

Here’s the kicker: you’ve got to stay at the table God’s prepared for you, even when the menu’s tough to swallow. Too often, we push back our chairs and storm off when life doesn’t serve what we want.

But Psalm 23:5 promises, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Esther stayed the course, risking her life to save her people (Esther 4:16). John the Baptist kept preaching, even to his death.

Jesus could’ve walked off the cross—people dared Him to—but He stayed, fulfilling His purpose. That table has everything you need: healing, forgiveness, purpose. Don’t add or subtract from it.

Hang in there, saints—God’s turning the tables in His time.