
GROUP DISCUSSION #1
Why did the people of Israel want a human king when they had God for their King?
Israel suffered for choosing to follow a human king, and for trying to merge worldly nationalism with citizenship in the Kingdom of God. How do you see that happening today?
What do you think it means when we say “Your kingdom come” in the Lord’s Prayer?
TABLE DISCUSSION
- Read LUKE 17:20-21 & JOHN 18:35-36. How can the kingdom of God be here in our midst, and not of this world at the same time?
GROUP DISCUSSION #2
How can you relate the idea of “a kingdom” to today’s world? Think in terms of workplace, schools, families, and organizations–what makes them like a kingdom?
What differences do you see between the leadership of David and Saul? Can you see those attributes (both positive and negative) in leaders around you?
Who is a leader you trust and why?
What characteristic of Jesus’ leadership could you apply to improve your own leadership practice?
KEY POINTS
Kingship in Israel was never ideal because it contradicted God’s sole rule of Israel.
Saul’s self-promotion forced God to replace him with David, a man who sought God’s heart.
The reason Jesus was the rightful king is that he deflected authority back to God, the only true king of Israel.
ACTION STEPS
Kingdoms are made of leaders and followers–both are crucial. Ask a friend which one you are and what three characteristics you best represent?
Pick a leadership characteristic of Jesus that you want to implement in your life. Write it on a piece of paper and put it someplace you will see it each day this week!
TO DO THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY
After reading the essay, would you say that you are on track to be the kind of leader God is looking for?
THURSDAY
Memorize 1 SAMUEL 16:7.
FRIDAY
Read 1 SAMUEL 15–16. What positive characteristics of David do you have, and which do you need to work on?
MONDAY
Based on JUDGES 21:25, 1 SAMUEL 8:1–18, and 1 SAMUEL 13:14, what habits should you work on to be God’s man or woman?
TUESDAY
“Take this essay to a friend or mentor. Read the three fatal flaws of Saul and the four characteristics of Jesus’s leadership. Ask your friend or mentor to point out your greatest strength in imitating Jesus and your greatest risk of turning out like Saul.”