MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. What did you know about the life of David before this sermon series began? What are you hoping to learn about him during this series?
2. Do you like underdog stories? Share a time when you saw someone overcome opposition to do great things.
3. David was a man after God’s own heart and yet also a deeply flawed man. Does it surprise you that, despite his flaws, God used him in mighty ways? Why or why not?
4. Read 1 Samuel 8:6-9. Why did the people want a human king to rule over them like the other nations? How do we do this today?
5. Read 1 Samuel 16:1. Why did God allow Saul to become king only to remove him? What significance is there that God has selected a new king?
6. Read 1 Samuel 16:6-7. What qualities might people consider necessary for a king? What qualities does God look at?
7. Why does God instruct Samuel (and us) to look beyond the physical attributes of a person and to carefully consider their character, integrity, and spiritual walk when choosing our leaders?
8. Read 1 Samuel 16:8-13. David had been overlooked by Jesse, but God didn’t overlook him. Describe a time in your life where you felt overlooked by others. How does knowing God never overlooks us provide encouragement during these times?
9. Read Psalm 78:70-72. In what ways would being a shepherd prepare David for being a king? How might God be preparing us for now for what He will do through us later? Describe a time when you witnessed this in your own life or the life of someone else.
10. Describe faithfulness. What does faithfulness look like when lived out daily?
11. Character and integrity are created and formed in the mundane when no one is watching. Describe a time when your character was formed when no one was watching.
12. Why do you think the story of David is important today?
13. Describe attributes in David from this story that ultimately point to Jesus. How is Jesus the greater David?

Live It Out:

1. We look at the surface, but God looks at the heart. God’s criteria for a king isn’t just skin deep. We live in a world that judges by the outward. What steps can you take to focus on in order to see others as God sees them? Pray to God, asking for Him to renew your mind (Romans 12:1-2).
2. We look for impressiveness, God looks at faithfulness. What God is developing in us while we’re waiting in obscurity is as important as what God wants to do through us. What can you do today to glorify God even as He is preparing you for what’s next? Identify ways in which you can be faithful in the small things.
3. We look at what is, God looks at what can be. You might not feel like you are qualified to serve and make a difference for the Lord. God isn’t looking for impressiveness; he is looking for faithfulness. What steps can you take this week to be wholeheartedly devoted to Him? Pray to Him, asking Him to strengthen you for all that He has called you to do.

Reading Plan:
Monday: 1 Samuel 8:1-9
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 8:10-22
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 16:1-7, Acts 13:22
Thursday: 1 Samuel 16:8-13
Friday: Psalm 78:70-21, Luke 16:10
Saturday: 2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 139