Sermon Title: After God's Heart and Help
Sermon Text: 1 Samuel 19-20, & 2 Samuel 9
Preparation Question: How can the most difficult times in our lives teach us the most?

Four ways God prepared David to have His help and heart in his life:

1. God prepared David for His provision by occasionally removing him from his loved ones and his life of ease and comfort.

2. God prepared David for His protection by occasionally removing him from what was friendly, familiar, and seemingly safe.

3. God prepared David for knowing and showing His compassion by allowing him to experience injustice.

4. David was prepared to be a man after God’s heart because he practiced faithfulness and committed to integrity.

Response Questions

1. How did David having to leave his home and family benefit him later? When is a time you've had to be distanced from something or someone against your will and you later realized God used it for your good?
2. We talk about David being a man after God's heart, but how do we see the heart of God in Jonathan and how do his actions toward David inspire you?
3. What are some things we can learn by how Saul treated David and by how David treated Mephibosheth?
4. How come David's many imperfections did not disqualify him from being considered by God as a man after His heart?
5. How will you actively depend on the Lord and pursue His heart this week?