July 13, 2004

Rev. Rurel Ausley

David: Shepherd, Psalmist, & King
1 Samuel 16:1-13

1. When you say that someone is distinguished, to what are you referring? What qualities, physical or spiritual, mark someone as distinguished to you? What things does the world say distinguishes someone? What differences to this would the Bible say about someone? David was one who kind of had both…1 Sam.16:12. But to what does the Bible attribute his great successes? (1 Sam.16:13) How do you think this was the key to his life from that point on?

2. Let's note first that David was God's choice, not man's nor Israel's. Why was Samuel being sent to anoint David anyway? (1 Sam. 15:35; 16:1) Read today's Scripture to see what happened. Why did Samuel think Eliab might be the one that the Lord wanted? What mattered to God? (16:7) What did Samuel say as each son came by? Why do you think Jesse had not even bothered to bring young David in?? Why do you think Jesse might not yet know the lesson of 16:7? If you were in charge of choosing the Lord's team who would you be choosing?? What kind of disciples would you have chosen? How does it seem that God delights in taking the unlikely, the weakest, the youngest, or the opposite of whom you or I might pick? How does that give you hope?? God takes us as we are and makes us into something, according to what? (1 Sam.13:14)

3. 1 Sam.13:14 talks about God seeking out someone after his own heart. How do we know when God is passing by looking at us? Maybe, when we least expect it, God is watching, testing, and looking at our lives? What do you think God might be looking for in our lives? When was David "found"? Faithfully taking care of his flock? Killing a lion or bear? How important is it that we be faithful in small things as well as big things?

4. Secondly, note that David's faith was well trained for God's larger service. How well prepared are you for when God wants to promote you? What do you think would be hard about being a substitute quarterback on a football team? Or, for that matter, a substitute on any athletic team? Why do you have to be prepared to play at any minute? How do we stay prepared for what the next hour may bring? In fellowship with God? Our robes pure? Our loins girded with the truth? Our lamps trimmed? How is the faithful fulfillment of the commonplace things of life our best preparation for a great demand that may break into our lives?

5. Lastly, David had the anointing of God's Spirit for His service. How is this what sets us apart? How did the infilling of the Spirit set the early Christians apart? (Acts 2) What is the anointing of God's Spirit? (1 Sam.16:13, Acts 1:8) What difference would this make in the life of each Christian? How does a full surrender of our will enable God to fully control us with His Holy Spirit? Isn't this what God wants to do in us all?