4/27 - “David and Saul,  a Contrast of Kings”

SearchforSignificance Texts: 2 Sam. 1-4; 1 Chr. 1-6; Psalm 6, 8‐10, 14, 16, 19, 21, 43‐45, 49, 84‐85, 87  Especially 1 Sam. 17:28-37; 2 Sam. 5:9-12;  1 Sam. 10:20-24; 1 Sam. 18:6-12; N.T. Mark 10:45; Matthew 20:25-28

IN A NUTSHELL:  “Saul though humble in the beginning quickly took to heart the saying “There is no one like him among all the people” 1 Sam. 10:24. He quickly became the model of a secular, fearful, selfish leader.  In contrast to that is King David though weak at times a leader known to be “after the heart of God.” (1 Sam. 13:13-14) Saul operated out of fear, David out of Faith, Saul rebelled against God, David repented, Saul was cruel, David was kind and benevolent.”

Ice Breaker: At what age did you begin noticing the tension of establishing a self-image?  What were the greatest influences?

CONNECTING WITH THE TEXT:

  1. Contrast the difference between David and Saul as they are described in these passages:
  2. David, 2 Sam. 7:8-16  -  Saul, 1 Sam. 10:23-24
  3. Acts 13:22                               1 Sam. 18:6-8
  4. 2 Sam. 7:29                             1 Sam. 15:23
  5. 2 Sam. 9; 1 Chr. 19:2              1 Sam. 20:30-34; 22:11-19
  6. 1 Sam. 26                                 1 Sam. 14:44; 18:9
  7. 2 Sam. 12:13; 24:10                1 Sam. 15:10-31
  8. 1 Sam. 17; 1 Chr. 18                 1 Sam. 17:11; 18:12
  9. Ps. 4:8; 37:11                           1 Sam. 16:14
  10. Who or what defined David’s self-image?  Saul’s?

REFLECTING ON YOUR LIFE: 

  1. How would you rate your character on these issues? 1 poorly – 5 excellent
    1. Needing God’s praise rather than man’s,  1 – 3 - 5
    2. Kind hearted rather than cruel,  1 – 3 - 5
    3. Forgiving rather than bitter,  1 – 3 - 5
    4. Repentant rather than “hiding” from the truth,  1 – 3 - 5
    5. Courageous rather than fearful,  1 – 3 - 5
    6. At peace with God rather than fearful of Him,  1 – 3 - 5

CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH:

  1. How does a church build up, or tear down a person’s self-image?
  2. How should a Christian address another Christian that is hurting their self-image?

 ONLINE RESOURCES:

NEXT WEEK:

Title “Moving the Ark – Motives Matter ”

Texts:  2 Sam. 6:1-11; 12-16; 1 Chron. 13:1-14; 15:1-24; Romans 12:1-2

In a Nutshell: The joy of including God in our victories is not enough in our worship.  Arrogance cost dearly, fear may lead to humility or to alienation!  David tried to bring the Ark to Jerusalem twice; first time was tragic, second time was glorious!  Trying to find your significance in a furnishing rather than in your relationship with God is tragic.

Parents with your Children: Children often struggle with the story of God striking Uzzah down for trying to “save” the ark from falling off the cart.  As parents discuss ways to help your children understand how David’s casual attitude about God’s ways and will was more important than the Ark breaking. http://www.gotquestions.org/Uzzah.html

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