The King Beneath the Tangled Crown (Part 6: Fugitive)
Shepherd. Outcast. Poet. Giant-killer. Warrior. Fugitive. King. Sinner. Man after God’s own heart. Welcome to our new series, an in-depth exploration of the life—and many hats—of David.
Warmup: Have you ever had to run from someone, or from something? What was that like?
Read 1 Samuel 24:1-7.
1. Try to place yourself in David’s position here. Would you have done what David did, or follow the advice of his men to take Saul out?
2. What stands out to you most about David’s actions in the cave? Why do you think this detail matters in the larger story?
3. How did David’s relationship with God help him to discern the difference between the voices of his men and the voice of God? How does becoming familiar with scripture help us to do the same?
Read 1 Samuel 15:24-28.
4. In his sermon, Shawn contrasted David and Saul by saying: “David shepherds the people toward what’s right; Saul is shepherded by the people toward what is wrong.” Talk about how the two passages you read above demonstrate this difference.
5. David chose faithfulness over outcome. What does faithfulness look like for you right now — even if the outcome remains uncertain?
6. In the sermon, Shawn pointed out that David accepted God’s timing. Talk about a time when you have accepted God’s timing. What is the most difficult part for you of waiting on God?
7. When have you been tempted to “secure” something God promised, rather than wait for God to fulfill it? What did that feel like in your body or emotions?
8. What practices help draw you closer to God’s heart so that you can be like David, shepherding those around towards what is good, right, and of God?
(*Video available after Sunday services)
