Heroes: David
1 Samuel 17
Connect:
Share how you have seen God in the Highs and Lows of your week.
Discuss how resolutions made last week in “growing more like Jesus” worked themselves out— what did God do in and through you (Phil 2:13)? Celebrate those together!
Prayer:
Pray that God would lead your discussion time and bring fresh insight, conviction, and hope through your time together.
Read:
Review: Remind the group of the focus of this series:
o This series takes us through the lives and lessons of selected people from Biblical history
o This week’s message dealt with David and lessons learned from this “man after God’s Own heart”
Someone tell the story of David and Goliath in their own words, recalling as much detail as needed from 1 Samuel 17.
Reflect:
Share about a time that you had to fight your own fears when honoring God through your words/actions.
Discuss this choice: “Let life happen to us or shape our future by engaging in a God-honoring life.”
Read 1 Sam 17:10-11 and 17:26. These are 2 very distinct responses! Discuss the following questions:
o Goliath was challenging someone to come alone to fight him— in front of everyone, pitting strength and skill man-to-man — every morning, every evening for 40 days! What do you think was the long term effect of that on the Israelite army?
o The same threat provoked a “righteous anger” in David’s heart— where did that come from and what did it look like?
o Scott quoted the book “Why Men Hate Going to Church” in saying that church is seen as a “woman’s destination” because we have lost the sense of risk, adventure and courage associated with standing boldly for God here, now, where and when we are. Men, how are you doing with that?
Read 1 Sam 17:28, 33. Discuss this passage.
o Why did David’s reaction infuriate his older brother? Talk about the differences between Eliab’s faith (tested over 40 days) and David’s.
o Saul saw a youth, a shepherd, when he saw David; David was s shepherd who had chased down a lion and a bear… and won. In what way did David’s faithfulness in the fields prepare him for fighting on the battlefield?
o Scott’s point here was, “A hero knows where his power lies.” There are times where courage comes out as resting in God’s sovereignty (Is 30:15, Ps 46:10), and times like this where the same faith comes out as action that changes everything! How does knowing WHERE your power lies help you discern WHAT to do in a situation?
Compare Goliath’s view of the situation (17:42-44) with David’s view (17:45-47)
o How did David’s youth challenge Goliath’s prideful boast— why did David inspire not only anger but also mockery?
o David spoke to Goliath prophetically, literally telling him what was going to happen next with no power to accomplish it in his own strength. Why did he do that?
Read 1 Samuel 17:51-52. Discuss the passage.
o How does courage of one person inspire courage in others? Why/How does that work?
o Scott told the story of Rosa Parks, the black woman who refused to give up her seat on a bus, who later said, “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” How does a phrase like that confront the “moral neutrality” of our culture (where right vs wrong is increasingly subjective)?
Respond:
o We all have spaces in life where a God-acknowledging “hero” is needed. Break off into pairs and share with each other where God is calling you to acknowledge Him, and then act differently.
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