Cell Group study for the week commencing Sunday 22nd July 2007
DAVID: A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART (2)
Faith In Action
1 Samuel 17: 1-58
The story of 1 Samuel 17 is one of the best known in scripture; David and Goliath. In it we see God
preparing David in that intervening period between his anointing and subsequent appointing as king
over Israel. In it we get a glimpse of why David became known as ‘a man after God’s own heart’
because he was able to see things as they really were from God’s perspective. It is an illustration of
what we learnt last week that people look at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.
Saul and his troops look on helplessly while being taunted by a vastly superior and well equipped
warrior who is seeking a match in Israel; a two man battle to save unnecessary bloodshed across
thousands of troops. Saul’s leadership is being severely tested here and once again he is found
wanting, looking to abdicate his personal responsibilities to place them upon another.
David happens by on an errand from his father only to see first hand the pitiful plight of King Saul and
his army of scared soldiers, his three eldest brothers among them. In assessing the situation, David
comes out with a statement of faith many regard as the ‘high watermark’ of such statements in the Old
Testament—”...and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel” (verse 46). This week we
see what happens when the application of faith follows the anointing from God!
CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER:
1:
Think of times when your courage was called upon. Be prepared to share around the group
instances of where your courage was tested and you rose to the occasion, as well as instances
where your courage failed you for whatever reason. Encourage one another.
CONNECT
WITH THE WORD:
Read 1 Samuel 17: 1-11.
We note that the Valley of Elah is about 20 kilometres or so west of Bethlehem and that there were precedents elsewhere at the time that
events between champions sometimes settled disputes between nations to save the unnecessary shedding of blood.
2:
In what ways was Goliath a physically intimidating foe? Besides his good looks what was one
outstanding physical characteristic of Saul (1 Samuel 9:2)? Who should be facing Goliath?
3:
In verse 10, Goliath clearly states he is defying the ranks of Israel. Who was he really defying?
Whose responsibility was it to challenge Goliath's claims and back up the challenge with faith?
Read 1 Samuel 17: 12-24.
4:
Where was David born (verse 12)? What do we find out about Bethlehem in Micah 5:2? Who
else was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7)? What did God promise about Him in Luke 1:30-33?
What bigger picture do we see unfolding here in the story of David and Goliath?
5:
What three tasks did Jesse set for David in verses 17-19? Did he successfully complete them?
6:
What did David hear for the first time in verses 23? What was the response of the Israelites in
verse 24? The author uses the same word for ‘ran’ in verse 48. How does the use of this
same word illustrate a stark contrast in behaviour?
A study prepared for the Connect cell group ministry of Diamond Valley Baptist Church
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CONNECT
WITH THE WORD:
(continued)
Read 1 Samuel 17: 25-37.
7:
In verse 26 David sees Goliath as a disgrace that had to be removed from Israel. His second
question in this verse is the key to understanding this whole episode. What is it? See how this is
reinforced in verse 36. What does the Lord say to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7? In the light of
this verse, what is David seeing in Goliath here in verse 26?
The Israelites see a formidable man in Goliath but David (like God) sees a man trusting in dead idols with a defiant heart towards God. Here
we see a reason why David is described as a man after God’s own heart!
8:
On the surface, Saul’s words to David appear to be very positive, but in fact they reflect a terribly
sad reality. Why? (See 1 Samuel 15:26 and 16:14).
Read 1 Samuel 17: 38-52.
9:
By refusing Saul’s armour and sticking to his shepherd’s staff and sling, David recognises that he
can do what God requires with what He has already given him. What can we learn from this?
10:
Who did Goliath call on to curse David (verse 43) and who did David call upon in response
(verse 45)? David and the Israelite soldiers both saw this as an unfair fight, but David saw it in
faith while they saw it in fear. Explain the difference in their perspective and how this affected
their response. Who can we always rely on in a spiritual battle?
CONNECT
WITH LIFE:
A:
ANOINTING AND APPOINTING:
11:
Last week we spoke about the time delay God puts in between anointing us for ministry and
appointing us for ministry, and that He uses this time to prepare us for the work He wants us to
undertake. What specific things can you note in this story in David’s preparation to become king?
What life lessons about preparation can we take away from this story of David and Goliath?
B:
FAITH IN ACTION:
12:
The main attribute we see being exercised in this account is David’s complete and utter faith in
God. What he believed actually impacted both what he said and what he did in regard to his
enemies. Who or what are our enemies today? Who opposes the church? Who opposes us
individually? What have we learnt from David to help us fight our enemies? To whom does the
real battle belong?
13:
David’s weapons were a staff and a sling. Gideon’s weapons were pitchers, torches and a loud
shout. Joshua’s weapons at Jericho were walking soldiers led by priests, trumpets and a loud
shout. They all had stunning victories. What weapons do we have at our disposal? What
comfort can we take from Zechariah 4:6, 1 Corinthians 1:27 and Ephesians 6:10-18?
C:
THE MESSIAH—A NEW KINGDOM:
14:
David’s victory over Goliath confirms him as the ‘anointed one of God’ (literally, Messiah) and as
the one who seals victory for God’s people. He did this by faith. The New Testament affirms
Jesus as the ‘anointed One of God’ by whom the world is saved. Where do we fit in?
CONNECT
WITH GOD:
As you spend time in prayer together reflecting upon this account of David and Goliath give God all the
honour and praise for every single victory in your life. Give praise to God for giving David a heart like
God’s heart and ask Him to keep doing the same for you, both individually and as a group. Thank Him
in advance for the ‘Goliaths’ He will bring across our paths and ask him for the faith and strength to
meet each one of them in His name, enabling each of us to grow in our faith.
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