07.01.07
Small Group Plan - July 1, 2007
“What He Really Wants”
Small Group Plan
July 1, 2007
Dear Group Leader…
Saul’s leadership went through several descending stages:
Stage One: Impatient Warrior (1 Samuel 13)
Stage Two: Shortsighted Commander (1 Samuel 14)
Stage Three: Careless Leader (1 Samuel 15)
Saul’s downward spiral highlights what is most important to God. What God really wants is our obedience. Nothing fancy. Just seek and follow His will.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· What makes a true “hero” today?
· What would cause your heroes to lose your admiration?
· Who has been a simple, quiet hero in your life? Explain.
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Samuel’s Arrival – 1 Samuel 15:13
When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.”
· Why does Saul greet Samuel in this way?
· Do you think Saul is anticipating a reaction from Samuel? Explain.
Samuel’s First Rebuke – 1 Samuel 15:14-15
14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” 15 Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.”
· How does Saul’s response change?
· How does his cover-up have a “religious” veneer? Why?
· How does Samuel feel about confronting Saul (Vs. 10-11)?
Samuel’s Second Rebuke – 1 Samuel 15:17-21
17 Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. 18 And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; make war on them until you have wiped them out.’ 19 Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?” 20 “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. 21 The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”
· How would you characterize Saul’s attitude now?
· What were Saul’s motives for sparing Agag and the spoils when God had said destroy it all?
· What happens to a conscience that regularly rationalizes sin?
Samuel’s Third Rebuke – 1 Samuel 15:22-25
22 But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” 24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the LORD’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD.”
· Why does Saul’s tone change?
· Why does Samuel compare Saul’s disobedience to idolatry?·
· How could someone with Saul’s physical presence be afraid of people?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· How do you feel when you need to confront someone?
· How would you explain the power of “peer pressure?”
· How can it damage faith?
· What is wrong with “partial confession?”
· Why is “full confession” more powerful and healing?
· What are our common ways of blaming others for our mistakes?
· Why do we do it?
Close in humble prayer, asking for God’s strength to be obedient?