CONNECT:  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?

WARM-UP  Question

1. Has God ever used a sequence of ‘God-incidences’, that worked together, to teach you about himself?

READ 1 Samuel 9:15-27

1. After a number of ‘God-incidents’ Saul just-so-happens to meet Samuel. What does he do for Saul?
2. In v.21, how does Saul see himself? What might God be showing us about Saul’s call in this passage?
3. Do you feel like you have an interesting life? How might God be working through the humble details of your witness on your frontlines to accomplish his good purposes?

READ 1 Samuel 10:14-27

1. After seeing a number of God’s prophecies fulfilled and being filled by the Spirit of God Saul meets his uncle. What do v.14-16 tell us about Saul? What do v.17-19 tell us about God?
2. Why is Saul hiding? What do v.23-24 tell us about the people and their relationship with God?
3. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Does Saul fit God’s model for a king? Why/why not?
4. Saul’s kingship comes from God, everything does. How might this affect how we live on our frontlines?

READ 1 Samuel 11:1-11

1. What is Nahash trying to do to the people of Jabesh-Gilead? Who ends up saving them?
2. How has taken Saul from cowering with the bags to uniting the warriors of Israel and leading in battle?
3. Read 1 Samuel 11:13-15. What do these verses tell us about the rise of Saul and about our lives?

READ 1 Samuel 12:19-25

1. In 1 Samuel 12 Samuel makes his farewell speech and then God sends a storm to affirm his messenger’s words. What is Samuels final advice to the people in this public address?
2. What final message would you like to send future generations?

APPLY: If you had to summarise what you’ve learned so far from 1 Samuel, for someone who isn’t yet a Christian, what would you say?

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On Your Frontline This Week: Have you thought about how can you be distinctive on your frontline? This is a helpful article:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/4-ways-christians-can-stand-out-at-work/

Audio and Video 

• ‘Long Live the King’ by Megan-Curlis Gibson
• ‘1 Samuel 10’ by Ted Lavenoth
• ‘A King under God’s Rule’ Dominic Steele
• ‘Saul’s Victory and Unfaithfulness’ by Jen Wilkin
• ‘God’s Sovreignty in Saul’s anointing’ by Steve Estes
  

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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