3.30.25: Weeks 14, 1 Samuel
Key Verse for 2025 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely.[1] 1 Timothy 4:16
Opener: This week, we will read 1 Samuel, which tells an important part of Israel’s history. At the beginning, Israel is just a loose group of tribes without strong leaders. Though God would allow for Israel to have a king, their request for one was a mistake because they wanted to be like other nations. They chose Saul to be their first king, but he wasn’t the best choice in God’s eyes; he was chosen for his looks rather than his character. Eventually, God picks David, the youngest son of Jesse, to be the true king, leading him from being a shepherd to a great leader.
On Sunday, Trace provided an overview of the first 24 chapters of 1 Samuel, focusing on the early establishment of the kingdom in Israel. There is a lot of material there, but he wanted us to concentrate on three main points in this section: A Bad King, A Good King, both of which point to A Better Future King.
Discussion: Read the passages below and discuss the questions.
A BAD KING: Read 1 Samuel 8:4-7.
Q1: What is happening here? Why did Samuel become upset when Israel requested a king? Why did God say they were rejecting Him?
Note: Israel’s mistake wasn’t asking for a king; it was their reason for wanting one. They needed to remember that God was their true King. God chose them, freed them from Egypt, made them a nation, guided them in the wilderness, and brought them into the Promised Land.
Q2: How does this passage reflect a shift in Israel’s trust in God versus trust in human leadership?
A BAD KING/A GOOD KING: God gives them what they want, a king “like all the nations,” in Saul, son of Kish – A Bad King. And Saul quickly proves that he is, indeed, a king like “all the nations.” – He has a crisis of belief moment and he fails to trust God – He offers an unlawful sacrifice, makes a rash vow, and disobeys the Lord’s clear command for battle – In all of this, Saul proves that he is a self-governing king – A king who fights his battles, his way, for sake of his name – It causes great suffering for Israel, and it costs Saul the kingdom.
Now read 1 Samuel 13:13-14.
Q1: Why was Saul’s failure considered a serious offense before God? What does it mean that God sought “a man after His own heart”? How does this contrast with Saul’s leadership?
Q2: How do we sometimes justify disobedience by relying on our own judgment rather than waiting on God?
Q3: In what ways can we strive to be people “after God’s own heart” in our daily lives?
A GOOD KING Goliath taunted the Israelites for forty days as they feared to fight back. David, a shepherd, brought food to his brothers and witnessed Goliath’s insults. Unlike the others, David responded in faith David responded with faith – Because David believed that no man, however great he might be by world’s standards, could stand against the promise-keeping power of the Lord of Hosts – In his crisis of belief moment, David chose to believe God – By faith, David was ready to fight. Now Read 1 Samuel 17:34-37; 45-47.
Q1: How did David’s trust in God differ from the fear shown by Saul and the Israelites?
Q2: What do David’s words in verses 45-47 reveal about his understanding of God’s power and purpose?
A BETTER FUTURE KING: David, as good a king as he was, was merely a type and shadow of a better, future King. A good king from the line of David (Luke 3:31) – God anointed this King with His Spirit (Matt. 3:16, Luke 4:18, Acts 10:38). He was the “Anointed One” (John 4:25-26) – the Mashiach – the Messiah – Jesus, the Christ.
Main Takeaway: A Bad King and A Good King all pointed toward A Better, Future King. Jesus is that King! “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15). When you choose to walk in his ways, you will experience moments of crisis in faith. Will you view these moments as an opportunity to connect with Christ and join him in his work, or will you choose your own path?
Crisis of Faith: We, like Saul and David, are faced with our own “Crisis of belief moments.” Will we align ourselves with the One True King of the Universe—the king of God’s people?
Application: Read the following verses: Mark 1:15; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; John 7:27-29. In light of these verses, share your answer to the following question:
Q1: Would you, like David, respond in faith to your challenges, or will you retreat in fear? Be honest.
Q2: Will you trust in God’s power, promises, and preparation? How do you see God’s power, promises, and preparation at work in your life today? Share your answer with the group.
[1] The New International Version (1 Ti 4:16). (2011). Zondervan.