Message: A Tale of Two Kings

Speaker: Tim Bounds

Service Date: January 13, 2019 Plain Print Version

Share a story of God's faithfulness in your life.

There was a Benjamin, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. Kish had a son named Saul, as handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and he was a head taller than anyone else. 1 Samuel 9:1-2

Samuel anointed Saul as king. No one was surprised because of his social standing or his appearance. He was the kind of man the people wanted for a king.

Read 1 Samuel 10:17-24 and 1 Samuel 13:1-14 and 1 Samuel 15:2-15

DISCUSSION

If Saul was such an impressive guy, where did he go wrong? Why did he miss the mark?

Read 1 Samuel 15:22-23

DISCUSSION

What does it mean in our lives to obey is better than sacrifice? 

How does trust figure into choosing obedience over sacrifice? 

What would a life totally surrendered to God look like?

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20

DISCUSSION

How does the deep desire to obey him develop in our lives? 

Contrast the lives of Saul and David. Both were anointed by God to be king. How did the way they trusted and obey God play out in their lives?

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Oh the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.           Psalm 40:1-2, 4

David was resting on the foundation of God's faithfulness.

DISCUSSION

In what way do you need to trust that God will be faithful to you?

Reflect

We can't do it for you. Don't do it alone. Take a step. What is your next step towards trusting God more fully?