His Will, His Way, His Time
David, Part 4
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
March 23, 2025

HIGHLIGHTS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE MESSAGE

  1. David understood that fulfilling God’s promise required waiting on God’s timing, not taking matters into his own hands, even when opportunities arose to claim what was promised to him.
  2. Throughout David’s journey—from being anointed at age 13 to finally becoming king over all Israel 17 years later—he continually submitted to God’s authority rather than forcing his own agenda.
  3. Submission to God never leaves us hopeless, never leads to regret, and always puts us exactly where we need to be for God’s greater purpose in our lives.


CONVERSATION STARTER

When have you been tempted to “rush” God’s timing or take matters into your own hands? What factors usually contribute to that feeling of impatience?


EXPLORING THE SCRIPTURE

Main Scripture: 1 Samuel 25

Here is a brief summary of 1 Samuel.


Some of us will never understand the extent to which our obedience is vital in the ongoing story of God. We are not always called to know the result of our submission, but we are called to simply be obedient. Consider the responses of each of the following:


Samuel:

  • Samuel also had to learn that it’s God’s will, God’s way, God’s timing. Read 1 Samuel 16:1 and 1 Samuel 16:4. Understanding his past relationship with Saul, why would this have been a difficult task for Samuel (1 Samuel 15:11-12, & 1 Samuel 15:35)?

  • God’s purposes will be accomplished despite us, but as his followers, we have the opportunity to play a part in His plan and story. Although he did not live to see it (1 Samuel 25:1), what did God ultimately accomplish through Samuel’s obedience in this instance? Reference 2 Samuel 7:12-13 and Luke 1:31-33.


David’s men and Abishai:

  • Read 1 Samuel 24:4 and 1 Samuel 26:8. Both David’s soldiers and Abishai incorrectly interpreted the circumstances as the will of God. How are we to know when something truly is or is not within God’s will?
  • Read 1 Samuel 24:6-7 and 1 Samuel 26:9-11. What specific reasons did David give for not harming Saul when he had the opportunity? How does this contrast with the advice his friends gave him?
  • What do these instances teach us about godly counsel? Do many voices mean that it’s the right thing to do? Because we can, does it mean we should? How do we determine whose voice we should or should not listen to?


David:

  • David’s conscience/heart was immediately struck that he should not cut off the anointed of the Lord (1 Samuel 24:5-6, 1 Samuel 26:9-11). What does Romans 2:15-16 teach us regarding how we know what is right and what is wrong?

  • Read David’s response to King Saul in 1 Samuel 24:8-15. What overarching qualities does he display in his response despite the fact that Saul was relentlessly trying to kill him? What can we learn from this?

  • Having chosen not to seize by force what was his by promise, David commits his cause to Him who judges justly (1 Samuel 24:12, 1 Samuel 26:10 & 1 Samuel 26:19). David could have taken the easy way out, but he didn’t. What are the benefits of leaving our circumstances to the Lord instead of taking matters into our own hands (Jeremiah 17:7-8, Proverbs 16:3)?


Saul:

  • In both instances where David spares Saul’s life, David’s humility and grace disarm Saul. Read Saul’s responses in 1 Samuel 24:16-21 and 1 Samuel 26:21 & 1 Samuel 26:25. How does this situation perfectly demonstrate what we are taught in Romans 12:20-21?

  • Despite Saul’s temporary moments of moral clarity demonstrated in these passages, he continued down his own path of destruction, seeking the life of David and continually disobeying the Lord. Read the summary of Saul’s actions in 1 Chronicles 10:13-14. What warning does this provide us?


David waited 15 years from the time he was first anointed by Samuel to the time he became king over Judah. He then waited another 7 years before he became king over all of Israel! David understood that God’s will, God’s way, and God’s timing were perfect.

  • What role does patience play as we seek to follow God’s will and God’s way? Reference Psalm 37:7, Lamentations 3:25, and Isaiah 40:31.

  • After both Saul and Johnathan were killed, David still refused to take the kingdom that he knew was promised to him. Would you have been as patient as him in this instance, knowing that you were God’s anointed? How are we to know when we should act and when we should wait patiently? Reference Psalm 25:3-5, Galatians 6:9, and Hebrews 10:36-39.


Read 2 Samuel 5:1-3. David made a covenant with the people of Israel “in the Lord’s presence.”

  • Why does David do this when he was already king and his word was law?

  • What should the reader understand about David’s character and heart posture toward God at this point in the narrative?

GROUP DISCUSSION

True hopelessness comes when we are left to our own devices. As you reflect on this week’s message, think about how you have handled circumstances in the past:

  • Can you think of a time in your life when the outcomes you were hoping and planning for were seemingly delayed? How did you react to that situation?

  • Are you often tempted to take matters into your own hands when things aren’t working out your way? Have you ever regretted a time that you did this?

  • How did the situation turn out when you acted through your own wisdom, your own strength, and your own desires? How did your actions positively or negatively impact your witness to those around you?

  • Is there anything you would do differently if you were faced with a similar situation in the future? If so, what?


David refused to violate the will of God to obtain the blessings and promises of God. We should consistently be asking ourselves if we want to cut corners and take things into our own hands or entrust them to the Lord.


What does daily submission to God look like from a practical standpoint?

  • What tangible actions should we take each and every day to submit our plans to the Lord?
  • What is the most challenging part of doing this? Who can help you grow in this area?

  • What is one practical step forward you can take this week to cultivate more humility and submission to Jesus in your life?


When we consider our dreams… God is our greatest hope, the greatest power, the greatest reward, and our greatest purpose.

  • Have you ever felt as if you must sacrifice your dreams in order to fully submit to the Lord?

  • How should the above knowledge alter our dreams and re-align our goals?

  • We may not be a king, a prophet, or even a footnote in the scheme of history. But God can use us in His story and for His glory if we are willing. Who specifically might your obedience impact for the kingdom of God this very day?

LIVING IT OUT

  • What current situation in your life requires you to trust God’s timing rather than forcing your own solution? What would genuine submission to God look like in this situation this week?

  • The sermon emphasized that “submission is not giving up your dreams as much as it is God leading you to your dream.” How might God be refining or redirecting your current dreams to align them with His greater purpose?

  • How can your group help one another practice “God’s will, God’s way, God’s timing” this week? What specific actions can you take to support each other in patient submission to the Lord?

PRAYER

He has made everything appropriate in its time… —Ecclesiastes 3:11


Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time —1 Peter 5:6


Therefore, submit to God… —James 4:7


Although he made some really bad choices at times, David learned these spiritual truths and applied them in his walk with God. He realized that, when God makes a promise, He alone decides when and how to fulfill it. God’s promises happen on God’s schedule. David’s place was to submit and wait.


Are you in a place where you wonder about God’s promises? Submit yourself to Him and wait on His timing. Ask the Lord for patience as you wait on Him. Pray also for other believers, that the Lord will remind us to submit ourselves and wait patiently for Him. (Psalm 37:7)


Interested in praying with and for others. Learn more by reaching out to us through prayer@nwbible.org.