CONNECT: What situation do you need to bring before God this week?

WARM-UP  Question

1. If you had to pick a leader from anywhere in the world today to rule Australia, who would you choose and why?

READ 1 Samuel 8:1-9

1. What cycle is repeating itself in v.1-3 (see 1 Samuel 2:12-17)? Why were the elders so anxious?
2. Why is Samuel so offended by the people’s request for a king? 
3. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Did the people want the type of king described in Deuteronomy?
4. How are the people rejecting the LORD as their King? Why does he tell Samuel to ‘listen to them’?
5. In what ways do we reject the LORD as King over us today? How can we stop doing this?

READ 1 Samuel 8:10-18

1. Make a list of the things Samuel says a king will do. How do rulers today perpetuate this cycle of taking? 
2. What experiences of kings have the people of Israel had in their history? Should they know better?
3. The people wanted a king to bring justice to their land. What will this kind of king bring?
4. Summarise: 1 Samuel 14:52; 2 Samuel 15:1; 2 Chronicles 2:17-18; 1 Kings 21:5-16; 1 Kings 9:10-14; 1 Kings 12:1-16. How do Israel’s future kings fulfil Samuel’s prophetic warning?
5. How is Jesus better than the ‘kings’ and ‘functional saviours’ look to to save us today?

READ 1 Samuel 8:19-21

1. Why do you think the people ignore Samuel’s warning and insist on having a king?
2. What do you make of the way the people speak with Samuel and then Samuel speaks with the LORD? Does it seem like the people have a personal relationship with the LORD? 
3. Why do you think the Lord decides to give the people a king? Is the LORD abandoning his people or is there justice and mercy in his actions?
4. How can 1 Samuel 8 influence how we speak and relate with God?

APPLY This Week:  As we disciple those around us, how can we correct misconceptions and speak into people’s doubts about whether to make Jesus king of their lives?

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On Your Frontline This Week: Almighty God, KING of Kings and LORD of Lords we thank and praise you that you are a merciful king who forgives us when we reject you and saves us when we enslave ourselves to sin. Help us to trust you, obey you, and please enthrone yourself in our hearts by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Audio and Video 

• VIDEO: ‘The People’s Choice of a King’ by Jamie Child
• VIDEO: ’We want to be like everyone else - 1 Samuel 8’ by Scott McKay
• VIDEO: ‘The Rejection of God as King’ by Ray Galea
• VIDEO: ‘Putting down roots’ by Tim Mackie
• ‘The Siren Voices’ by John Stott 
• ‘The Once, Not Future’ King’ by Russel B Smith
  

Key Resource

• “1 Samuel For You” by Tim Chester is an excellent introduction to 1 Samuel that will be suitable for people reading at a range of levels. The guide includes helpful discussion of the content of 1 Samuel, along with plenty of practical and devotional application. Watch an introduction to the book by Tim Chester. 

Other Helpful Books, Articles, and Courses

• “1 and 2 Samuel: Hope for the Helpless” by Andrew Reid (“Reading the Bible Today Series”) 
• “1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart” by Dale Ralph Davis (“Focus on the Bible Series”) 
  

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