Discussion Questions

• Can you name a time when God’s plan did not make sense in the moment, but later you could see his goodness?
• Mary said yes to God, knowing it would cost her. Where has God called you in the past, or where is he calling you now, to an obedience that may come with a cost?
• What would it look like, practically, to say, “Let it be to me according to your word,” in a specific area of your life this week?

This Advent, we turn from David, the shepherd-king who stumbled, to Jesus, the Shepherd-King who stood faithful. We look at Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon, and their responses of faith, trust, and joy. Through the songs and announcements in Luke’s Gospel, we see how God fulfills his promises to David by sending his Son, the true King. In him we find hope, peace, joy, and love.

Discussion Questions:

• Based on our study of David’s life so far, how would you explain what it means to be “After God’s Heart?”
• What does this passage show you about God’s grace? Does his grace move you as it did David (2 Sam 7:18-22)? Why or why not?
• Do you ever feel like a failure because you’re not “doing enough for God?” How does this passage speak to this fear?
• Create a list of all the promises that God has made to you through Christ in the New Covenant. Which ones encourage your heart the most today?

Discussion Questions

• What part of this story surprised or challenged you the most, and why?
• What helps you move toward God again after a moment of fear, failure, or conviction?
• David danced before the Lord with freedom, while Michal stayed trapped in dignity and resentment. Which one do you resonate with more, and why?

Discussion Questions

• Why is the human default to try to live independent of God? Where do you see that in your own life?
• When trials come in your life, what do you most often “strengthen yourself” in? How do you strengthen yourself in the Lord?
• When do you most often “inquire of the Lord?” When are you most tempted to lean on your own understanding?

Bill Krewson

1 Samuel 27:1-12

Discussion Questions

• How is repentance different from confession? Is there an area of your life where you might be confessing your sin but not fully repenting of it? Ask the Lord to reveal this to you.
• Since it is not enough to just turn away from sin, what does it look like to turn toward God?
• What reminders (Ebenezer stones) do you have in your life reminding you of God’s faithfulness and encouraging gratitude, worship and repentance?

Discussion Questions

• What does David’s restraint teach us about trusting God’s timing?
• Why do we often confuse justice with revenge?
• How does remembering God’s mercy toward you shape the way you respond to people who wrong you?

Discussion Questions

• How do you respond to injustice? hopeless, helpless, enraged?
• What kind of court do you hold for the people around you? Who is your counsel?
• How can you rest in the finished work of the perfect son of Jesse this week knowing he is bringing and will bring perfect justice?