This is for the end of April
Discussion questions:
1. What was going on generally during the time of the Judges? What was God’s experience during those years? (2:10-19)(6:7-10)(10:6-16)
2. Do you see any moments that God might have enjoyed during the time of the Judges? (Example: 5:1-5)
3. Get on your phone and google images of “David from Bible”. Choose the one that most represents the picture of David you have in your head.
After everyone finds one, pass the phones around and see the different mental images. Discuss the idea that many see David as a “soft” artist (harp player). He is actually quite a mans-man. He kills animal while still a youth, he wins battles like no one has ever seen before, he inspires other very strong men (his mighty men) to follow him with absolute loyalty. After discussing or reading the above, ask:
Does your view of David match with this? How might you have pictured him different than his story would indicate? Where do we get the “soft” picture?
4. Why do you think David is called “A man after God’s own heart?” (1 Sam 13:14, Acts 13:22).
5. What do we know about God’s heart? (Exodus 34:6)
6. How do we see these qualities (from Ex. 34:6) in David? Try to think of examples of ways you see these qualities in stories from David’s life:
Compassion
Mercy
Slow to anger
Filled with unfailing love
Faithful
Lavish love to future generations
Forgiving
Does not excuse guilty
(Example: He showed love to future generations by honoring Mephibosheth)
7. How is David’s relationship with God (at least what we see) different and new from what we have seen before this time? Hopefully they have notices the level of intimacy is more passionate. (See Ps. 16 & 18: 1-3,19)
8. Notice David’s attribution style (what he attributes things like victory, and wealth to) in the following verses: (Psalm18:29-50 & 33:16-22 & 2 Sam. 5:12).
9. What do you think God’s experience was during this time? How do you think He felt?
10. In Psalm 30:6 it says “David found strength in the Lord His God.” This was after Ziglag was destroyed, his family was taken away as captives, and His loyal men wanted to kill him (because their families were taken captive too). What do you think he did to find strength in God?
11. What do you do to find strength in God?
David consistently:
Acknowledges God as his strength.
Acknowledges God as the giver of all good things.
Rejoices in God.
Finds deep satisfaction in God.
Thanks God.
Longs for God’s presence.
Notices God’s attractive attributes and names them.
Remembers what God has done.
11. Which of these things are the most natural for you to do? Which is one is awkward for you?
12. How do these things bless God? What emotions do you think God experiences when we do these things?
Whole Bible Challenge 