Reflect on the Text
*Note: Why do we do this first? We always want to start with the Bible itself. The goal is to meditate on the Word and read it with an ear sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Look for words or phrases that stand out through logic, repetition, layout, etc.
Read 1 Samuel 22:1-2; 2 Samuel 23:8-17. What stood out to you? What did you find interesting and/or important? What was challenging or caused you to have questions?
Reflect on the Sermon
INTRODUCTION
- What is the best community you have ever experienced? Why was it so good?
- Summarize the Big Idea of the sermon in one phrase or sentence (Note: this is not the same as listing the main points). In other words, if someone woke you up at 3am on Monday morning and asked, “What was the sermon about on Sunday?” what would you say in the midst of your sleepy haze?
THE WELCOMING COMMUNITY
- What kind of people did God send David in 1 Samuel 22? Brandon said, “The church is not a museum for saints, it is a hospital for sinners. The church is the island of misfit toys (from Rudolph).” What does that mean? Do you see yourself as a misfit toy?
- Brandon said, “Into this community God calls us to welcome anyone and everyone, no matter what their race, ethnicity, social status, life experiences, political affiliation, sexual orientation, religious background, or any other number of qualifiers you can think of. No one is too different, no one is too strange, no one is too broken.” What groups of people today are typically not welcomed into the church? Who is someone you might be hesitant to welcome into the church? What was the point of the Toby Keith song, “I Love This Bar”?
- At Seven Rivers we will allow people to belong before they believe. What does that mean in your own words?
THE GROWING COMMUNITY
- Discuss the following quote from Anne Lamott: “Grace meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.”
- How did the community around David grow between 1 Samuel 22 and 2 Samuel 23?
- Living life in this fallen world requires courage. What is something you need courage for in your life? How do you get true courage?
- How do the three mighty men demonstrate their love and affection for David? How can you grow in true love and affection for your brothers and sisters in Christ?
THE WORSHIPING COMMUNITY
- Brandon said, “Worship itself is not unique. Everyone worships something.” Explain. What definition did Brandon give for worship? Do you agree?
- In your own words, why did David pour out the water his men retrieved for him?
- How do we understand Jesus and the Lord’s Supper better because of this story of the three mighty men?
Final Reflections
- How has your understanding, appreciation, and love for God and the gospel grown as a result of this study?
- In what areas of faith and practice are you feeling convicted by the Holy Spirit to act as a result of this study?
