Life Group Discussion Questions: Sunday, July 5, 2009
! Samuel 16:1-13

What does it mean?

1. What are the major ideas of the first fifteen chapters of I Samuel?
2. Why did God reject Saul as king over Israel?
3. Why does the LORD get after Samuel for grieving over Saul’s rejection?
4. When Eliab appeared, who was it that thought, “surely the LORD’S anointed is before him”?  Why is this significant?
5. God looks at the heart.  What does that mean?
6. The biblical author suggests God sees differently than we see.  How is it different?
7. What is the significance of David not being present when the interaction with Samuel began?
8. What did God like about David’s heart?
9. Why does the author mention that David was, “ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome”, if we are supposed to look at people’s hearts?

How does it apply?

1. When you first meet someone, what do you tend to first notice about them?
2. Have you ever had someone misjudge your heart?  What happened?
3. What criteria do you use to evaluate your own heart?
4. Are there some external appearances that you find it difficult to see past?
5. What do you do to try and see some else’s heart, rather than making an assessment based upon external factors?
6. What have you found that has helped transform your heart into one after God’s heart?

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At RCC, we are determined to enjoy God together.  He is glorified when we enter into his presence with joy and thanks.  In that place, we are transformed.  Those of us who stand in commitment to Jesus are also committed to following him as disciples, or as some have called it, apprenticeship.  This is the essence of discipleship.  We want to become like him.

Our hope and prayer for each group is authentic interaction.  We need to be real with each other.  We learn by sharing.  We learn in dialogue.  When this happens, you’ll find a compelling connection with the people you see on Sundays.  You’ll look forward to your meeting time.  You’ll be eager to get together because you find meaning and purpose and joy there.  It is an irresistible experience.  It will be the highlight of your week.  Others will see you and admit – they want it, too.

Everyone is looking for loving acceptance.  Some hesitate because they feel they aren’t good enough.  Some have been disappointed.  Some claim they don’t need it.  We know better.  We are all on a journey.  Help is available; supporting each other mandatory.  As we experience life together in this context, we’ll find we have an evangelistic influence we never imagined possible.  We aren’t winning the argument, or proving that we know better.  We are simply letting our light shine.  Others who never even considered commitment to Jesus are drawn to him as never before.