This is week 3 of an 8 week study of David. The Bible says David was a man after God's own heart. What does that mean? David is a complex man; David is a servant and a leader, a sinner and a redeemed child of God, an instrument of God's creative purposes. God looked at David, out in the foothills of Bethlehem tending sheep, and God says, "There's my man".

How do you determine whether God is leading you to do something? In Samuel 24, all signs seem to be saying it's time for David to take his place on the throne of Israel. Yet David rejects this wisdom. How do we make decisions? Ask God for the wisdom to know what is right and grace and strength to follow His leading.

Some of these questions are taken from the Life Guide Bible Study on 1 & 2 Samuel.

Our readings for this week: 1 Samuel 24.

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30am or go to our FB page to link to Youtube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to think about:

1. What feelings and struggles do you think David experienced in this passage?

2. What factors might have convinced David that it was God's will for him to kill Saul (vv.1-4)?

3. We often rely on circumstances and the advice of friends when making important decision. To what extent are these reliable guides?

4. Why do you think David places such importance on respecting the Lord's anointed (vv. 6, 10)?

5. What arguments does David use to convince Saul  of hid innocence(vv. 8-15)?

6. How does Saul respond to David's words (vv. 16-22)?

7. What do David's actions force Saul to conclude about David?

8. David could have killed Saul and seized the throne of Israel. Instead he relies on God both to avenge him and to establish him as king. Although the outcome would appear to be the same in both cases, how would it be different?

9. How can we know when to take matters into our own hands and when to leave them in God's hands?

10. In what area or areas of your life do you need God's guidance today?