The background for 1 Chronicles 12 is that King Saul had rebelled against God and had taken his own life. David, God’s chosen King was now gathering support from the many tribes throughout the land. The list in this chapter describes some of these who became loyal to David. As you read the chapter you will find qualities that stand out like courage, loyalty, skill, etc. When you get to verse 32 you will find that what is highlighted about these men of Issachar is that they understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do.
Q1: Why is this quality seen as being rare and/or valuable? (You can rightly assume it is both unique and valuable since Scripture highlights this quality of this tribe).
Q2: What is the difference between having information and having understanding? How has the internet age made it possible to have a lot more information but at the same time, less actual understanding?
Using the notes from the sermon review the R/A model.
Q3: How would you describe your leadership style at work, home, school, etc.? How are you consistent and how are you inconsistent in different settings? How does your mood, or emotions, or other factors influence your ability to Read with clarity or Act with courage?
Q4: What are some things you need to work at/grow in in order to grow your R/A?
Q5: What does it look like when you are “performing” or struggling with being a people pleaser? No one is immune from this; how do you combat it? How have you experienced victory or defeat in this area recently?
Q6: How do you balance being careful to not “perform” while remaining teachable and appropriately caring about what others have to say?
Q7: If you do struggle with passivity, what does it look like for you? Is it different in different settings. What do you think drives your passivity? Fear, laziness, past failures, etc.?
Q8: How does performing or passivity negatively impact your ability to Read with clarity and Act with courage?
Read James 1:5-8: “Believe and not doubt” is not merely about believing God will give wisdom but belief in scripture is most often tied to active obedience not merely believing facts. James makes this very clear in his letter. God will not grant wisdom to someone who has no intention of doing anything with that wisdom.
Q9: Is there an area of your life where you need wisdom but you are not fully surrendered to obeying God? Perhaps you want to be fully surrendered but you are afraid or have some doubts. If this is where you are right now, please be honest, others may be encouraged to hear of your struggle.
Pray: Ask God for wisdom and for courage. Ask for this in specific areas of your life. (Evangelism, Moral purity, Marriage issues, Children, Work, physical issues)