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Week 1

A Heart after God’s own Heart

1 Samuel 16:1-13 

This week explores God's unique method of selection. While everyone (including the prophet Samuel) looked at David’s older brothers—the strong, tall, and experienced men—God looked past the outward appearance to the young shepherd's heart and character. We discuss the often-invisible work God does in our lives and how we can maintain faithfulness and integrity when no one is watching, knowing that God values the unseen heart over outward display.

April 12th Notes

Public Perception vs. Obedience

…So, God gave them Saul. He was the 'People’s Choice'—tall, handsome, and looked exactly like what a king was 'supposed' to look like. But Saul had a fatal flaw: He cared more about public perception and outward religious appearances than he did about actual obedience.

In what areas of your life are you tempted to prioritize looking the part over actually being obedient to God's instructions?

How can we shift our focus from seeking human approval to seeking God's heart in our daily decisions?

The Danger of Outward Appearances

But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart' (1 Samuel 16:7).

Think of a person or situation you may have recently judged based on outward appearance. How might God's perspective of that person or situation be different from your own?

What ‘resumé’ items or outward achievements are you currently leaning on for your sense of worth, and how can you practice valuing your heart's posture instead?

Faithfulness in the Preparation

…God never wastes a season. Maybe you’re sitting here today and you feel like you’re in a 'back pasture' season. You’re doing the laundry, you’re filing the paperwork, you’re working the job that no one notices, and you’re wondering, 'Does this even matter?' God used David’s time as a shepherd to prepare him for the task of being a King.

What current unseen role or menial task are you tempted to view as a waste of time or a distraction from your ‘real’ calling?

How could God be using the specific challenges of this season to ‘tune your heart’ and prepare you for the responsibilities He has planned for your future?

Radical Repentance vs. Deflection

…When Saul’s disobedience and sin was called out, he had a reflex: Deflect and Deny. He blamed the people, he made religious excuses, and he tried to protect his image... But look at David. When the prophet Nathan confronts him... David doesn't call his lawyers. He doesn't blame Bathsheba... David is undone. He shows 'Radical Repentance.' He takes the mask off."

When you are confronted with a mistake or a moral failure, is your first reflex to ‘deflect and deny’ or to ‘confess and repent’? What keeps you from being fully transparent?

What masks of perfection do we try to wear to hide our struggles from others and from God? How does the knowledge of living Coram Deo (before the face of God) change the temptation to try and hide our sins and struggles from God?