1Samuel 17 / Leader Guide week of 11-23-08

Small Group Leaders Guide
November 23, 2008

Series: Go Big
Message: Take On A Giant
1Samuel 17

Getting Started:
1. Who’s the tallest person you know?

Going Deeper:
2. As you read through this chapter, what do you think David’s perspective is of the battle between the Philistines and Israel? Why do you think he looks at it that way?

• According to verse 26, David sees the battle as one between uncircumcised Philistines and the armies of the living God.
• David sees this battle as belonging to God Himself. (See verse 47) I wonder if some of the battles we fight are God’s and we haven’t realized.

3. In verse 33 Saul makes a judgment about David’s fighting ability. Continue reading through verse 37. How does David correct Saul? Do you think there are foundational differences between David’s and Saul’s perspective of the battle? Describe them.

• David tells Saul about all the times God helped him in the past. He also points to the armies of Israel as being God’s army.
• David gives credit to God, not only for past deliverances but for the one he anticipates here as well.

4. In verse 11, fear strikes Saul and the armies of Israel. How has fear kept you from taking on a challenge? Read Philippians 4:7. Do you think God calls us to face giant obstacles through our fear or in the absence of fear?

5. In verses 38-40, Saul dresses David in armor and gives him a sword for battle. Was this helpful for David? When you have faced giant challenges in your life, have you ever fought a battle with the “wrong gear?” Describe what happened.

6. Read Romans 8:31-39. There’s no question here. Just read Romans 8:31-39.

• Romans 8:31 What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

7. Why did David have such great faith? Read verses 34-37. How has God’s past work in your life increased your hope, expectation and faith in Him?

Putting it into practice:
8. Are you facing a giant right now? Share with your small group and pray for each other.

Quote Of The Week:
Jesus holds the answers to all of the everyday problems that you face. I am talking about an acceptance and belief in Jesus, heaven, and God. I guess you can deal with your problems on your own without these beliefs, but it’s much, much tougher. With those beliefs, you realize how insignificant the budget deficit debate is in comparison with the big picture.
--Rush Limbaugh