31Date of My Bible Study: ______________________

SESSION 3

The King Who Fights for His People

Summary and Goal

After God rejected Saul as king, He directed the prophet Samuel to anoint David, the son of Jesse. In the story of David, we see that God does not judge people based on worldly expectations. David’s battle against Goliath is an example of a king’s trust in the Lord’s deliverance and of God’s faithfulness to accomplish a decisive victory for His people. God’s people needed a warrior-king to defeat the enemy on their behalf, and in the story of David, we see glimpses of the promised King we need, as well as an example of obeying God from a heart on fire for Him.

Main Passages1 Samuel 16:1-131 Samuel 17:20-26,33-37,45-51

Session Outline1. God’s king does not line up with worldly expectations (1 Sam. 16:1-13).2. God’s king trusts in the Lord’s deliverance (1 Sam. 17:20-26,33-37).3. God’s king accomplishes a decisive victory for His people (1 Sam. 17:45-51).

Theological ThemeGod’s people need a warrior-king who will defeat the enemy on their behalf.

Christ ConnectionIn David we see a picture of courageous faith in God’s power. We also catch a glimpse of the bigger story of the Bible and the coming King whom no one would have expected or picked to win the victory, but through His death and resurrection, He is mighty to save.

Missional ApplicationAs God’s people who have been forgiven through the power of the cross, we don’t pursue the nations in judgment but with the message of grace, that all may hear the good news and be swept up into the glorious love and grace of God.

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32 Leader Guide

Introduction Begin by noting the transition from Saul to David. Tell how David, the shepherd boy, was not the king anyone would expect but would go on to be a great man of God (leader p. 34; personal study guide [PSG] p. 28).

People love stories and movies about the “underdog” winning a victory. What is the biggest underdog victory you’ve witnessed?

What emotions and thoughts stir up inside you when you witness a surprising and unexpected victory?

Summarize this session on the story of David, particularly Samuel’s anointing of him and his decisive defeat of Goliath on behalf of God’s people (leader p. 34; PSG pp. 28-29).

1. God’s king does not line up with worldly expectations (1 Sam. 16:1-13).

Using Pack Item 2: Samuel’s Life and the leader content, provide the context for 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (leader p. 35); then read the passage. Highlight Samuel’s evaluation of Eliab and how this differed from God’s standards (leader pp. 35-36; PSG pp. 29-30).

How is the truth that God “looks on the heart” both bad news and good news for you?

Mention how “God looks at the heart” in the case of David and his brothers, meaning we cannot determine God’s choice by outward appearance. Note the pattern of God’s using the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary (leader pp. 36-37; PSG p. 30). Use Pack Item 3: Seeing Jesus in the Kingdom to make this connection between David’s and Jesus’ appearances.

What are some snap judgments we tend to make about others based on their appearance or social status?

How does this account warn us against misjudging others?

Introduction OptionSet the tone for the session by showing the video clip from the movie The Pursuit of Happyness where Will Smith’s character, Chris, must go to an interview for a prestigious job in dirty street clothes. Use the scene to establish the idea that we should not judge people by worldly expectations.

www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/the-pursuit-of-happyness/internship-interview

For Further DiscussionHow do most people measure a successful life?

How does this measure up against God’s definition of a successful life?

The King Who Fights for His People

Session Plan

Session 3

33Session 3

2. God’s king trusts in the Lord’s deliverance (1 Sam. 17:20-26,33-37).

Set the context for 1 Samuel 17:20-26 (leader p. 37), and then read the passage. Highlight David’s motivations by noting his two questions (leader pp. 37-38; PSG p. 31). Contrast David’s concern for God’s glory with the unbelief prevalent among the Israelites as they observed Goliath (leader p. 38).

What are ways we (unintentionally or not) dampen the belief of others in the power of God?

Point out the similarity between Saul’s words and tone and David’s brothers’. Then read 1 Samuel 17:33-37. Referring to Pack Item 4: David’s Enemies (lion/bear), explain why David was unfazed despite the discouragement around him (leader p. 38; PSG p. 32). Emphasize how God uses everyday life to hone our skills in serving Him (leader pp. 38-39).

What “pasture” are you in right now or have you experienced in the past?

What does it look like for you to faithfully trust God through that experience?

3. God’s king accomplishes a decisive victory for His people (1 Sam. 17:45-51).

Ask a volunteer to read 1 Samuel 17:45-51. Show how rather than seeing ourselves as David in this story, we should recognize that we are like the children of Israel praying for our representative fighter to bring the victory for our side (leader pp. 39-40; PSG pp. 33-34).

Why is it important that David waged his battle against Goliath in the name of the Lord rather than in his own power?

Read the quote from Pack Item 5: Our Spiritual David. Identify how the story not only shows that Israel needed a representative to defeat Goliath but also prepares the way for God to raise up another King who would accomplish another decisive victory—King Jesus (leader p. 41; PSG p. 34). Break into smaller groups of 2-3 and allow several minutes for groups to discuss the questions in the table in the PSG. After the group reconvenes, call for some responses (leader p. 41; PSG p. 35).

ConclusionClarify how David’s fighting for his people fits into the Bible’s big picture of a later King—Jesus —coming to achieve the decisive victory for us (leader p. 41; PSG p. 35). Apply the truths of this session with “His Mission, Your Mission” (PSG p. 36).

Point 2 OptionBefore the group meets, enlist a group member to share a testimony of how God has used everyday life experiences to hone his or her skills for how he or she is presently serving Him. Allow 3-4 minutes for this person to share.

For Further DiscussionWhy is it important that we do not see the David-Goliath encounter as mainly an underdog story?

How can we misrepresent the gospel by identifying ourselves with David in the story rather than with the intimidated Israelites?

Christ Connection: In David we see a picture of courageous faith in God’s power. We also catch a glimpse of the bigger story of the Bible and the coming King whom no one would have expected or picked to win the victory, but through His death and resurrection, He is mighty to save.

........................................................

Missional Application: As God’s people who have been forgiven through the power of the cross, we don’t pursue the nations in judgment but with the message of grace, that all may hear the good news and be swept up into the glorious love and grace of God.

34 Leader Guide

IntroductionIn the previous session, we saw how Israel’s first king failed to live up

to God’s standard and the expectations of God’s people. But in the middle of the Book of 1 Samuel, after the prophet Samuel confronted Saul about his disobedience, we see the narrative transition from the story of Saul to the story of David.

We first see David as a shepherd boy—certainly not the king anyone would expect. He would go on to be a great man of God, but his first entrance onto the scene was hardly impressive. In every way, he was—to put it bluntly—ordinary. But he would become the kind of king who trusts in God’s provision for his success and finds victory. And perhaps in one of the most famous Bible stories of all time, David becomes the young champion to bring down a giant.

People love stories and movies about the “underdog” winning a victory. What is the biggest underdog victory you’ve witnessed?

What emotions and thoughts stir up inside you when you witness a surprising and unexpected victory?

Session Summary In this session, we see how, after God rejected Saul as king, He

directed the prophet Samuel to anoint David, the son of Jesse. In the story of David, we see that God does not judge people based on worldly expectations. David’s battle against Goliath is an example of a king’s trust in the Lord’s deliverance and of God’s faithfulness to accomplish a decisive victory for His people. God’s people needed a warrior-king to defeat the enemy on their behalf, and in the story of David, we see glimpses of the promised King we need, as well as an example of obeying God from a heart on fire for Him.

Voices from the Church“The text calls us not to admire David the man and no more, but to ponder what the Spirit of God may do with one person.” 1

–D. A. Carson

The King Who Fights for His People

Expanded Session Content

Session 3

35Session 3

1. God’s king does not line up with worldly expectations (1 Sam. 16:1-13).The story picks up with the prophet Samuel in deep distress because of

the sin of Saul. After all, Samuel had anointed him, and Saul had seemed like such a promising prospect. But the king turned out to be nothing like what Samuel had hoped for. Saul was faithful only to himself, and the king’s sin grieved the prophet.

1 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” 7 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.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

Further Commentary“Saul’s work for God had ended, but God’s work would go on. The Lord had already ‘sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people’ (13:14). This chapter portrays the unfolding of God’s plan as it centered in the person of David. At one level this chapter presents an interesting historical narrative about how one of Saul’s adversaries outwitted the king to anoint a royal rival. But the writer’s intention was clearly to present more than historical fact. This chapter is not so much about Samuel and David as it is about God. It portrays the Lord’s infinite and effortless superiority to all things human. The ways of the Lord confound even the greatest spiritual intellects and frustrate all earthly forces that would stand in his way. This chapter provides one of the most fascinating examples of the Lord’s inclination to choose ‘the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are’ (1 Cor. 1:28). When this story concludes, an unlettered rural shepherd boy has become the Lord’s anointed—‘a brave man and a warrior’ (v. 18) who uses his supernaturally enhanced abilities to overpower even evil spirits.” 2

–Robert D. Bergen

36 Leader Guide

God sent Samuel on a mission to find the next king of Israel. Not surprisingly, Samuel was more than a little reluctant to go out anointing a new king, knowing how passionate the current king was about his own kingdom and name and honor. God’s plan sounded like a recipe for disaster.

But Samuel ordered a consecration for the sacrifice, in which each member of the community offered themselves to God. This was the perfect moment for Samuel to inspect the sons of Jesse, who would come marching by him in succession.

Eliab was the oldest of Jesse’s sons, so he came forward first, looking as kingly as possible. Samuel took one look at him and thought he had found his man—no doubt he was good-looking, tall, and strong. This must be kingly material. God, however, was unimpressed. Eliab’s appearance, height, and stature did not even register as relevant qualities. God never looks down from heaven to judge us by human standards. His criteria are different than what most of us value because He looks to the heart.

How is the truth that God “looks on the heart” both bad news and good news for you?

In one sense, this is good news. Most of us have tried to measure up to the world’s standards, but few people ever feel as if they have been successful. The stress of trying to have the perfect body, a successful career, a conflict-free family—all of these have eluded us. It comes as refreshing, freeing news that God is not particularly concerned with our earthly successes.

In another sense, though, this is problematic. Who among us has the kind of heart that God would want? Our outward appearance may not be top-notch, but if we are honest with ourselves, our heart condition is rarely much better. We spend hours caring for our bodies (decaying as they are) or on our résumés (trivial as they are in light of eternity), but many of us never think about the quality of our hearts. If that is the case, then we are more concerned with the approval of others than the approval of God.

“God looks at the heart.” We are not given specific reasons why Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, and the rest were rejected. Outwardly, they may have seemed qualified, but God weighed their hearts and found them lacking. One by one, Jesse trotted out his sons, and one by one, Samuel shot them down. This is an Old Testament version of Cinderella, as the brothers fruitlessly tried to cram themselves into the glass slipper of Israel’s kingship.

Samuel finally asked about the youngest son. David was a shepherd, which was not a coveted position in Israel. He was also the smallest, perhaps to the point that even his father, Jesse, didn’t think his youngest son could be a king. The text implies that David was outwardly unimpressive, even to those who knew him best; yet he was the one God chose!

Voices from the Church“It is often in our weaknesses that God’s strength is most clearly perceived, and it is often in doing something the world sees as backwards that we are taking spiritual steps forward.” 3

–Trevin Wax

37Session 3

David would go on to lead an extraordinary life, but we must not miss the truth that every extraordinary event in his life happened in spite of his own ordinariness. David had access to the power of an extraordinary God in part because he did not think he was extraordinary in himself. This is in strong contrast to Saul, who was fully convinced of his own greatness, a folly that led God’s Spirit away from him and brought him crashing back down to earth.

What are some snap judgments we tend to make about others based on their appearance or social status?

How does this account warn us against misjudging others?

2. God’s king trusts in the Lord’s deliverance (1 Sam. 17:20-26,33-37). We pick up the story again in 1 Samuel 17, when Jesse sent David out

to visit his brothers on the battlefield. Jesse must not have been impressed with the anointing ceremony because David was still tending sheep while his big brothers were off at war. But as an obedient son, David packed his bags and headed to the front line.

20 And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.

24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

David asked some nearby Israelite soldiers two questions: First, what was the reward for the man who took down the giant? Second, who did the giant think he was, mouthing off about their God? The second question was the more important of the two because it revealed David’s real motivation. He cared about the glory of God.

Further Commentary“David’s words indicate he had not heard the announcement from Saul’s assistant (v. 25). The word ‘disgrace’ is related to ‘defy’ (vv. 10,25-26,36). ‘Uncircumcised’ denotes someone outside God’s covenant. David saw the threat as not merely political (cp. v. 8) but theological. ‘The armies of the living God,’ ironically, were terrified, but to David God’s honor was at stake…Saul rejected David’s bold offer because David was just a ‘youth,’ and because Goliath had been in training as a warrior from his youth. Wild animals such as a lion or a bear were always threats to ‘a lamb from the flock,’ and the shepherd’s fighting ability was the lamb’s only defense. ‘Lions and bears’ (lit. ‘the lion and the bear’) probably best gives the sense of the translation. David was probably describing his various encounters with wild animals rather than identifying two specific incidents. ‘This uncircumcised Philistine’ would suffer the same fate as these animals for his defiance of the Lord. The word ‘rescued’ is the same word that appeared in verse 35; David rescued the sheep, and God rescued him. Now, God would rescue His flock Israel. Encouraged by David’s faith, Saul found the courage to invoke God’s name in the blessing, ‘May the Lord be with you.’ ” 4

–Bryan E. Beyer, HCSB Study Bible

38 Leader Guide

Unfortunately, we see in this story a tragic irony—some of the most discouraging opposition that Christians face comes from the people who should be on God’s side. Goliath was frightening enough, but there were soldiers doing everything in their power to prevent anyone from stepping out in bold faith, such as Eliab, David’s brother (v. 28). Cowardly people of God are often the biggest obstacle to the mission of God.

The real giant in this story was the unbelief that dominated the hearts of God’s people. Perhaps God was just as insulted by Israel’s disbelief as He was by Goliath’s blatant, blasphemous defiance. The same opposition is at work in our churches today. What should be a bastion for godly ambition becomes a place of cowardly timidity and unbelief. Too many times, we are like Eliab, scoffing at other believers’ grand vision to reach their community and their world. How different would our cities be if, instead of responding with Eliab’s cynical spirit, we assumed with David that God was poised to work powerfully?

What are ways we (unintentionally or not) dampen the belief of others in the power of God?

Word got back to King Saul that someone might be up for the challenge of taking on Goliath (v. 31). But as soon as David arrived, Saul took up the same tone with him that his brothers had.

33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

David was unfazed by the discouragement of people around him. He was the anointed king who trusted in God’s power. Besides, he had done his real training in the pasture, and compared to a lion or a bear, Goliath was not terribly impressive.

Maybe there is a reason we are not given a catalog of David’s daily events during his time as a shepherd: they would have been the same every single day. Walk the sheep from here to there. Lead them to water. Retrieve wandering lamb. Sit. Wait. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Voices from the Church“The account of David and Goliath vividly pictures the source of the Christian’s faith—not our own size, strength, or resources, but the power of Almighty God.” 5

–Henry Blackaby

39Session 3

But the pasture was also where David honed some of the most vital skills in his life. It was there that he grew in courage, fending off lions and bears from his helpless flock. It was there that he learned humility, cleaning sheep excrement off of his robes and sandals day after day. No wonder Psalm 78:72 says that David “with upright heart…shepherded [the people] and guided them with his skillful hand.” An upright heart and a shepherding attitude come from the pasture, not the palace.

This is still what God does with us today. Parents who feel unappreciated—changing diapers for unappreciative infants, for example—experience their own pasture but can do so with joy if they realize that in whatever they do, it is for the Lord (cf. Col. 3:23). Businesspeople often work dead-end jobs, unnoticed even by their own supervisors, but if they work with faithfulness where they are, God often does magnificent things. Students, many of whom are eager to get out into the world and “make a difference,” pore over their books, learning material that they may never use. But God is at work in them, forging their character, patience, and integrity. We ought not despise the pasture or resent our suffering—these are God’s laboratories for molding our hearts to trust in the Lord’s deliverance.

What “pasture” are you in right now or have you experienced in the past?

What does it look like for you to faithfully trust God through that experience?

3. God’s king accomplishes a decisive victory for His people (1 Sam. 17:45-51).

45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day

the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

Further Commentary“Among the Hebrews as well as among other ancient people, the belief appears evident that divine judgment could be revealed by single combat. Furthermore, the consensus was that the victorious people in battle possessed the most powerful gods. The text of 1 Samuel 17 clearly indicates the religious nature of the confrontation between David and Goliath. David’s words recorded in 1 Samuel 17:45-47 emphasize that he confronted Goliath in the name of the Lord, whom the Philistine had defied. In similar fashion, Goliath ‘cursed David by his gods’ (1 Sam. 17:43). David viewed the giant’s taunt as an affront to the living God. David acted on faith so that all who witnessed the event would know that there was a God in Israel.” 6

–Janice Meier, Biblical Illustrator

40 Leader Guide

48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.

50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

This is gripping stuff, and the scene qualifies as one of the first DVDs I plan to grab off the shelf when I get to heaven! But other than being a fascinating battle story, what exactly is the main lesson to learn in David’s triumph over Goliath?

Contemporary audiences love to use this story as an analogy about the underdog: No matter the odds, you can do it! Just believe in yourself! Sadly, this misses the point. God does not want us to read this story and come away with a cocky assurance that given the right confidence, we can achieve whatever we set our mind to. Yes, we can glean insight from David’s courage and how he overcame insurmountable odds, but that’s not the main point of the story. If you are to put yourself in someone’s shoes in this story, it would be the people of Israel hoping David would win the battle. You and I are like the children of Israel praying for our representative fighter to bring the victory for our side.

The entire scene of David’s conflict with Goliath is cast in the light of representative warfare. When David took on Goliath, it was not merely one man against another; this was Israel and Philistia squaring off. What’s more, the battle between Israel and Philistia represented the struggle between their gods, as both David and Goliath mentioned in their taunting monologues. Thus, when David won, the rout was on—the Philistines (and their gods) were on the run while Israel (and the one true God) pursued.

David went to the battle line with confidence, not because he found himself particularly worthy but because he saw the battle for what it was—a struggle between the God of Israel and the gods of the world. And when he won, the entire nation of Israel shared in his representative victory, even though they had done nothing to earn it themselves.

Why is it important that David waged his battle against Goliath in the name of the Lord rather than in his own power?

Further Commentary“The main takeaway for believers today involves seeing parallels between what David did and what Jesus does for us today. David, by his confidence in and relationship with God, functions as a representative champion of his cowering people. Christ, similarly, is the representative champion of his cowering people. Both David and Christ win a victory the results of which are imputed to their people. Christians today are not meant to read the story of David and Goliath and mainly identify with David, but with the people who need saving. Reflecting on the rescue that our true and final champion, Jesus himself, has won on our behalf, our hearts are moved to worship and to greater trust in him.” 7

–V. Philips Long, Gospel Transformation Bible

Voices from Church History“Our spiritual David, Jesus Christ, in his divine righteousness has taken away our sin and slew death with his eternal life…That is the joyous gospel with which the Holy Spirit comforts all repentant and troubled hearts.” 8

–Dirk Philips (1504-1568)

41Session 3

We stand in a situation similar to Israel’s, in need of a representative to save us from evil. Humanity’s greatest and most fundamental problem—the problem behind all of our problems—is our alienation from God due to our sin. And just like Israel, there is nothing that any of us can do about that. In fact, there is nothing that any of us, of our own accord, even desire to do about this.

We are like the hoards of Israelites hiding in our tents, ignoring the threat of Satan, sin, and death. What we need, like Israel, is a representative to take on evil on our behalf. This story prepares the way for God to raise up another King who would accomplish another decisive victory—King Jesus. No one would have expected or picked Him to win the victory, but through His death and resurrection, He is mighty to save, and one day He will come and finally slay the serpent and rescue people from sin and death.

What are some similarities between the story of David and Goliath and the work of Christ?

What are some differences between the story of David and Goliath and the work of Christ?

ConclusionThrough the life of David, we see God’s chosen king who honors God

and fights for his people. When we step back and look at the big picture of the Bible, we see how God later sent the ultimate King. We would have overlooked Him with our own eyes, but God sent Him for our redemption, the King who achieved a decisive victory for us. This is the King who now sends us out on mission for His kingdom with a message of hope for all who are still trapped in sin and in need of salvation.

CHRIST CONNECTION: In David we see a picture of courageous faith in God’s power. We also catch a glimpse of the bigger story of the Bible and the coming King whom no one would have expected or picked to win the victory, but through His death and resurrection, He is mighty to save.

99 Essential Christian Doctrines52. Christ as King

God has always been King over His kingdom from eternity past, whether in heaven or on earth. Yet some of His creatures in both realms have rebelled against Him, leaving destruction in their wake. To restore His broken world, God promised a King who would deliver His people and restore all of creation. The promise of a coming King finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ and looks forward to its perfection when Jesus returns for His bride, the church.

Voices from Church History“Having trust in Christ, consigning everything to the God of powers, regarding God alone as all that is highest…This is the faith that has prevailed over all weapons.” 9

–Paulinus of Nola (354-431)

42 Leader Guide

Get expert insights on weekly studies through Ministry Grid at MinistryGrid.com/web/TheGospelProject. Grow with other group leaders at the Group Ministry blog at LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry.

Study Material

- “The God Who Reigns”—Chapter 5 from The God Who Is There by D. A. Carson

- “David and Goliath—Christ-Centered Preaching”—A conversation with Ed Stetzer, Jon Akin, Eric Hankins, and Trevin Wax; find a link to this article at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources

- Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including “The Philistines at War,” can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project.

References1. D. A. Carson, For the Love of God, vol. 1 (Wheaton: Crossway, 2006), 25.2. Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, vol. 7 in The New American Commentary (Nashville: B&H, 2002) [eBook on WORDsearch].3. Trevin Wax, Holy Subversion (Wheaton: Crossway, 2010), 127.4. Bryan E. Beyer, in HCSB Study Bible (Nashville: B&H, 2010,), 472, n. 17:26; n. 17:33; n. 17:34; n. 17:36; n. 17:37.5. Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God Day-by-Day (Nashville: B&H, 1998), 290.6. Janice Meier, “Goliath: One-on-One,” Biblical Illustrator (Summer 1992): 25-26.7. V. Philips Long, Gospel Transformation Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), 366, n. 17:1-51.8. Dirk Philips, Concerning Spiritual Restitution, in Early Anabaptist Spirituality: Selected Writings, trans. and ed. Daniel Liechty (New York: Paulist, 1994), 236.9. Paulinus of Nola, Poems, 26:150, quoted in Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, ed. John R. Franke, vol. IV in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Old Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2005), 273.

The King Who Fights for His People

Tip of the WeekFind a Group Project

For most of us, projects tend to find us. But if you are looking for the right project for your group, begin with the group members. Ask them to list things they would like to do in your community and to describe the needs they would like to meet. Ask what role they would see themselves playing in meeting those needs. Also scan the community for potential projects. Every community has different needs and opportunities. Here are some places to start: hospitals, local schools, local colleges and universities, public servants, community organizations/events, counseling centers, and support groups.

Sermon Podcast

Danny Akin: “Heroes: David”

Find a link to this at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources

Additional Resources

WRITERS

The Gospel Project®Adult Leader Guide ESVVolume 4, Number 4 Summer 2016

Eric GeigerVice President, LifeWay Resources

Ed StetzerGeneral Editor

Trevin WaxManaging Editor

Daniel DavisContent Editor

Josh HayesContent and Production Editor

Ken BraddyManager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies

Michael KelleyDirector, Groups Ministry

Send questions/comments to: Managing Editor, The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102; or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com.

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The Gospel Project®: Adult Leader Guide ESV (ISSN 2330-9377; Item 005573550) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2016 LifeWay Christian Resources.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All Scripture quotations marked (HCSB) are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Unit 1: J. D. Greear is the lead pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. He’s the author of Gospel, Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart, and Jesus, Continued…: Why the Spirit Inside You Is Better Than Jesus Beside You. J. D. holds a PhD from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife, Veronica, have four children.

Spence Shelton lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife, Courtney, and their four children. Spence and his family were sent by The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham to plant Mercy Church in the fall of 2015. He holds a BSBA from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MDiv from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Unit 2: Greg Breazeale (sessions 7-12) resides with his wife, Heather, and three sons in Austin, Texas, where he is the North Campus pastor at The Austin Stone Community Church. He holds an MDiv from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a DMin in Expository Preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Keith and Kristyn Getty (session 13) are writers of modern hymns that teach Christian doctrine sung in globally-accessible melodies. Some of their best known hymns include “In Christ Alone,” “Speak, O Lord,” and “The Power of the Cross,” all three co-written by Keith with Stuart Townend. Their hymns are sung in churches around the world, in fine concert halls of Europe and North America, and on US network and public television and the UK’s BBC. Keith and Kristyn live between Northern Ireland and Nashville with their three young daughters.

About the Writers