I. Intro
Big Idea: Submitting to the Lord’s anointed frees us from entangling comparisons.
II. A Covenant
A. Jonathon submitted to the Lord’s anointed. 1 Samuel 18:1-4
B. Saul refused to recognize David’s anointing. 1 Samuel 18:5-16
III. Loved
A. David lived humbly by God’s grace. 1 Samuel 18:17-23
B. Saul planned to destroy the Lord’s anointed. 1 Samuel 18:24-30
IV. Escaped
A. Saul made a resolution. 1 Samuel 19:1-8
B. We must act. Matthew 10:34-36; 1 Samuel 19:9-17
V. The Spirit of God
A. God’s truth prevails. 1 Samuel 19:18-21; Ephesians 6:12
B. God humbles His adversaries. 1 Samuel 19:22-24; Psalm 59:12-13,17
​The Next Step
§ What’s something from 1 Samuel 18:1-19:24 you found challenging, encouraging, or confusing?
§ Why do you think God wants us to refrain from envying or comparing ourselves to others?
§ What was remarkable about Jonathon’s willingness to make a covenant with David?
§ What happened to Saul when he refused to acknowledge his failure and David’s success?
§ Do you think it was ok for Michal to lie to her father? Why or why not?
§ Read Romans 12:9-11 and John 13:34-35. How can honoring and loving one another help the world to know what it means to fellow Jesus?
§ What’s a specific way you can respond to 1 Samuel 18:1-19:24?

I. Intro
Big Idea: Christ is our Champion.
II. Assembled
A. We’re engaged in a representative battle. 1 Samuel 17:1-11
B. It’s easy to remain among the ranks of the fearful. 1 Samuel 17:12-19
III. Champion
A. The honor of God is worth defending. 1 Samuel 17:20-27
B. Remember the LORD rescues. 1 Samuel 17:28-37
IV. Armor
A. Remember your identity. 1 Samuel 17:38-44
B. David knew Goliath was in trouble. 1 Samuel 17:45-47
V. Plundered
A. Our Hero overcame. 1 Samuel 17:48-53
B. God is calling many sons and daughters to glory. 1 Samuel 17:54-58; Hebrew 2:9-10; 2 Peter 1:3

​The Next Step
§ What do people often think the story of David and Goliath is about?
§ How do people in our culture demonstrate their belief that our strength delivers us?
§ What’s some evidence that Saul was trusting in his own resources when he was challenged?
§ What are some clues in 1 Samuel 17:1-58 that David knew his victory would come by God’s power?
§ What can happen when we defend or stand up for the gospel? What’s the result when we don’t?
§ How can focusing on our identity as God’s people help us overcome our fears?
§ What’s something going on in your life that you need to trust to God for His glory?

I. Intro
Big Idea: God sees us according to His heart.
II. In Peace
A. God inspired Samuel to tell a half-truth to fulfill His purpose. Genesis 49:10; 1 Ruth 4:18–21; 1 Samuel 16:1-5
B. God’s heart is full of us. 1 Samuel 16:6-7; Ephesian 1:11-14
III. Chosen
A. God chose David to fulfill His purposes. 1 Samuel 16:8-12
B. When God calls, He also empowers. 1 Samuel 16:13; Psalm 51:11; Matthew 11:28-30
IV. Tormented
A. The LORD allowed Saul to struggle spiritually. 1 Samuel 16:14; 1 Kings 22:19–23; Job 1:12
B. David got to see what a Godless kingship looked like. 1 Samuel 16:15-18
V. Pleased
A. Saul’s acceptance was a step toward David’s kingship. 1 Samuel 16:19-22
B. God’s presence matters in our lives. 1 Samuel 16:23

​The Next Step
§ If you were forced to deliver an abbreviated version of Sunday’s message on 1 Samuel 16:1-23, what would you make sure to focus on?
§ Why do you think Samuel feared that Saul would kill him?
§ What difference does it make that our life with God is about His heart being focused on us before it is about our hearts being focused on Him?
§ How can the reality that God’s heart is focused on us affect the way we see others?
§ Why do you think God allowed Saul to be tormented by an evil, or harmful spirit?
§ Through God’s Spirit David had a musical ministry of deliverance to Saul. What are some ways believers can have a similar positive influence on those around us?
§ What’s a specific way you can respond to 1 Samuel 16:1-23?

I. Intro
Big Idea: God saves us as we take responsibility for ourselves. Hebrews 6:4-6; 1 John 2:19
II. Destroyed
A. In love, God judges sin. Exodus 17:8-16; 1 Samuel 14:48,15:1-3; Ezekiel 18:32
B. Limited obedience is total disobedience. 1 Samuel 15:4-9
III. Regret
A. Our sin grieves God. 1 Samuel 15:10-12; 1 Timothy 2:4
B. Sin blinds us. 1 Samuel 15:13-21
IV. Obey
A. True repentance sets aside personal consequences. 1 Samuel 15:22-25
B. Getting caught may not be the worst thing. 1 Samuel 15:26-30
V. Death
A. God judges justly. 1 Samuel 15:32-33; Psalm 9:8
B. The worst news can lead to good news. 1 Samuel 15:34-35

​The Next Step
§ What’s something that stood out to you from 1 Samuel 15:1-35 as striking, meaningful, or unsettling?
§ Why do you think our culture struggles to view God as a just judge?
§ In what ways can our partial or superficial obedience be destructive?
§ How can coming clean despite the consequences deliver us?
§ Read 1 Corinthians 4:2-5. What difference can it make to have Christ as our judge?
§ Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-13. How can we be sure our repentance is genuine?
§ What’s something you need to turn away from or turn over to the Lord?