CONNECTION GROUP LEADER GUIDE – APRIL 28, 2013
Pt. 10: SAUL
ICEBREAKER: The lesson this week is on making choices. Go around the room
and ask a multiple choice question like:”Where do you prefer to vacation,
the mountains or the beach? Which mountains or which beach do you
like?” Say “The Israelites had some choices to make, too. Let’s look at the
Key Scripture this week.”
KEY POINT: Israel chose a king over God. At the time, their choice made
sense to them. They looked at the evidence and made a decision. That
decision was informed by 3 wrong choices. They chose power over purpose;
circumstances over salvation; options over obedience.
KEY SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 8:1-22
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. Why did the Israelites ask for a King?
2. Why did this displease God?
3. How did God’s choice of a King contrast with the way the world would
pick a leader?
4. How was the choice of Saul different from the selection of David?
5. As Samuel transferred leadership to Saul what events did he recall to
the people?
TRANSFORMATIONAL QUESTIONS
1. In what ways can you relate to the Israelites’ desire to be like the other
nations?
2. Do you have an understanding of God’s purpose for life? What is it?
3. How does that focus your daily life?
4. Have you ever felt un-qualified to be used by God? Why?
5. How does the way God picks people to use influence your availability to
Him?
6. Who do you choose to be your King? Is it apparent to those around you
daily?
KEY TAKEAWAY: Samuel gave the people some advice. If you obey God,
then things will go well. But, if you disobey God, then things will continue
going badly for you.
Kid’s Corner
These are recommended resources for you to use with the kids in your group.
Choose whatever is appropriate for your group.
Bible Basis: 1 Samuel 1:1-22, 21;3:1-10
Key Verse: The Lord has filled my heart with joy. He has made me strong.
1 Samuel 2:1 NlrV
Bible Point: God answered Hannah's prayer. God hears me pray, too.
Tell the Story: Tell the story of Hannah, utilizing whatever method you choose.
Explore More: Teachers, you may choose any of the following or use other
optional coloring pages if you prefer.
Option 1: Bible Verse Target
Stuff You Need: Target PowerPoint slide and projection equipment
or large piece of butcher paper and marker; beanbags
Project the Target slide on a blank wall where it is safe to throw
beanbags. (Or draw a target and hang it on the wall. Write the
words of the Bible verse in the circles of the target.
At the bull’s-eye, write, “God hears me pray.”) Say, When God answered
Hannah’s prayer, her response was to say, “The Lord has filled my heart
with joy. He has made me strong.” (1 Samuel 2:1) Hannah knew
the joy that came from knowing that God listened to her prayer.
Explain that children will take turns tossing beanbags at the Bible
verse target. Read the words written in the target. Whenever anyone hits the
bulls eye everyone will say together, “God hears me pray.”
After the game, gather for a discussion.
•
Why was Hannah’s heart filled with joy?
•
Tell me about some prayers that God has answered for you.
Option 2: God Hears me pray
Stuff You Need: God Hears Me Pray Activity Sheet, pencils
Give an activity sheet to each child. Instruct the children to get into pairs
and work together on this prayer. Have the pairs write a prayer to God
asking for strength and thanking him for that strength. They can be very
specific. The prayer can be decorated and hung or shared with the group.
Option 3: Hannah’s promise to God
Promise Necklace—write a promise on a necklace so students can read it
and remember their promise to God.
Stuff you need: string (thick fishing wire or yarn can work well), uncooked
pasta, colored noodles work well (noodles must have a hole in them), safety
scissors, hole punch, construction paper, markers, stencils (optional)
1. Cut a circle large enough to write a few words or a sentence on.
(You can utilize stencils to help cut large shapes.)
2. Have students write down a promise to God, just like Hannah
promised God. While students are writing, you can use this time to
cut a section of string for each student. They should be long enough
that, when tied, the necklace will fit easily over their heads.
3. Use a hole punch to put a hole in the top of the circle.
4. Have students push the string through the hole, so their medallion
ends up in the middle of their piece of string.
5. The remaining string can be decorated with the noodles. You might
need to help students thread the string through the holes.
6. Tie the necklaces.