With the beginning of this series, we set the tone for who David is, introducing his life, and exploring the beginnings of his calling from God.
Sermon Outline
“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” (1 Samuel 16:13)
Why David?
- The pursuit of God
- The ideal of David
- The challenges of David
- The opportunity with David
King Saul in the Background
- Saul’s selection as Israel’s first king and good beginnings
- Saul’s eventual failings
- Saul in the background of David’s early story
Lost in the Sheep Fields and Matters of the Heart
- Samuel’s meeting with Jesse and evaluation of the sons of Jesse
- God reframes Samuel’s perspective
- David brought in from the fields and is anointed by Samuel
Beginning the Pursuit of God
- Seeing Who We are In Light of God’s Evaluation
- Beginning our pursuit of God from the heart
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- When have you felt such anticipation for something that it felt like your insides were about to burst?
- This week we begin a new sermon series, “The Pursuit of God: The Life of David.” This week we introduce the series by looking at David’s beginnings in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that passage aloud.
- Background: The story of David begins as the story of Israel’s first king, Saul, is already beginning to go off the rails. Saul began well, but did not obey God wholeheartedly, even turning aside from the prophet Samuel’s guidance. You can read the background of Saul’s story in 1 Samuel 8-15.
- This story begins with God calling Samuel to anoint a new king. What stands out to you from the very beginnings of the story in 1 Samuel 16:1-5?
- What do you notice about Samuel’s natural assessment of Jesse’s sons and God’s assessment of people in verses 6-11?
- Why do you think David might have been left out in the sheep fields when Samuel visited?
- Have you ever felt passed over or left out like David? What do you think God might want to speak to you about that incident or that situation even now?
- What captures your attention about the description of Samuel’s encounter with and anointing of David in verses 12-13?
- What is one thing God speaking to you personally through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.
Dig Deeper:
- Memorize 1 Samuel 16:7 or Philippians 3:14-16.
- Take some time to meditate on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 this week. Perhaps you might want to draw, paint, letter, or sketch aspects of these verses to help you. Write your own prayer back to God as part of your reflection. Share this with a friend.
- Explore some or all of these resources:
- Bible Project video: “David the Priestly King”
- American Bible Society, “Key Events in David’s Life”
- Tim Mackie, “David: What’s the Big Deal?”