Discussion Guide
Share the Experience
 In what particular area (role) of life are you the most comfortable? Feel free to define ‘comfortable’ in
your own context. Everyone should take no more then five sentences. Be brief so everyone can share.
 Can you describe one experience in that role for the group to better understand your choice? Again,
everyone should take no more then five sentences, so everyone can share.
Share the Scripture
 Let’s look at two testimonies of God’s power through David and Peter. Both men had amazing
experiences with God. Describe them each below:
 David - 1 Sam. 34-36
______________________________________________________________
 Peter - Luke 8:5156 ______________________________________________________________
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Read I Sam. 17:37 & Acts 9:32-35. What effect did our Lord have on these two men in the moment &
future? [Answer from each of these categories: their view of God; how the Lord involves them; their
security; idea of providence; Lordship of Christ; grace; etc.]

If you had similar experiences, would you describe them so simply, un-assumedly, and without
boasting? Explain.

Read 1 Sam. 15:11-24. Saul cared about protecting his reputation and name. He lied, made excuses,
rationalized, etc. We too use these same tactics to protect ourselves. Contrast David’s response to
Goliath in 1 Sam. 17:41-45. What was David’s central concern? How do you know this?

Where do you generally struggle most when thinking of being God’s instrument? Everyone take just a
minute to share.
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
lack faith experience(s) to often trust God in
difficult moments
lean towards self preservation
Often don’t recognize moments to step out in
faith
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too sheltered in my relationships/roles to have
encounters
haven’t viewed my faith as an extension of God’s
plan (as an instrument)
Other? __________________________________
What connection(s) can we draw from our experiences with God, knowing His character/attributes,
and our future security in all situations? What should we learn from David & Peter via these verses?
Share the Mission
 Who are you praying about inviting to Dickens Caroler’s? ___________, ____________, __________.
If you can not attend, ask the group to share some names for you to be praying over.

Who will you contact this week with an invite? _________________________.

As a community, pray for:
1. the names your community desires to reach (from above list).
2. the boldness to be God’s instruments this holiday season. Pray specifically for each other by
name in the group.
3. the openness to be missionally accountable as a group.
4. to experience God’s love individually and as a group, so it’s the foundational motivation that
moves us.
November 15, 2015
I Samuel 17: "Developing a Strategy for Sharing"
Pastor John Bennett
Seven traits of David that employers are looking for:
1. __________________________ - vs _____________
2. __________________________ - vs _____________
3. __________________________ - vs _____________
4. __________________________ - vs _____________
5. __________________________ - vs _____________
6. __________________________ - vs _____________
7. __________________________ - vs _____________
Moving from security to sharing.
Saul was an impressive man, but David was an impressed man.
The Lord was impressed with David when no one else noticed.
Lions and Bears aren’t as impressive as our Lord.
Be more impressed with God then yourself. That’s the battle worth fighting.
Two Principles or sharing.
Our experiences with Christ establishes our courage for the next encounter.
We share to honor our Father’s good name. If our message and mannerisms don’t match, don’t speak.