Study Guide: The Spirit of Samuel and David and The Blood of The Giants
Title: The Spirit of Samuel and David and The Blood of The Giants
Sermon Summary: This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, obedience, and aligning oneself with God’s heart. The pastor discusses the story of Samuel and Eli, drawing parallels to modern spiritual leadership and personal growth. He stresses the need for believers to identify with their true, God-given identity rather than the flesh, and to actively pursue a deeper relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and studying scripture. The sermon also touches on the balance between understanding one’s divine nature in Christ and the necessity of continuous repentance and spiritual growth.
Key Points:
- The importance of repentance and its role in spiritual growth
- The contrast between the “flesh” identity and the true identity in Christ
- The significance of the “four pillars”: prayer, fasting, studying, and giving
- The concept of spiritual authority and responsibility in leadership
- The balance between God’s love and the fear of God
- The power of prayer and faith in overcoming challenges
- The importance of allowing others to grow through their own trials
Scripture Reference:
- 1 Samuel 3 (The calling of Samuel and God’s judgment on Eli’s house)
- John 8:12 (“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”)
Small Group Guide: The Spirit of Samuel and David and The Blood of The Giants
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
- Repentance is crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with God’s will.
- There are two “yous” – the flesh you and the real you created by God.
- We must hate the works of darkness, not people or ourselves.
- God’s correction is an act of love to help us reach our full potential.
- Prayer is the foundation for all spiritual disciplines and hearing from God.
Discussion Questions:
- The pastor emphasized the importance of repentance. How do you understand repentance, and why is it so central to our faith?
- Reflect on the concept of two “yous” – the flesh and the spirit. How have you experienced this internal conflict in your own life?
- The sermon mentioned “righteous jealousy” in the story of Hannah. How can we distinguish between selfish desires and godly ambitions?
- How does the idea that “God is waiting on the elect to save the elect” challenge or inspire you?
- The pastor shared personal experiences of spiritual encounters. How do these testimonies impact your view of God’s interaction with His people today?
- Discuss the balance between seeing ourselves as children of God and recognizing our need for continual repentance and growth.
- How can we practically apply the concept of “hating the works of darkness” without hating people or ourselves?
Practical Applications:
- Four Pillars Challenge: Commit to engaging in the four pillars (prayer, fasting, study, and giving) more intentionally this week. Start with focused prayer and let it guide your practice of the other disciplines.
- Heart Check: Take time each day to examine your heart. Are you operating from God’s heart or the “flesh heart”? Journal your reflections.
- Repentance Journey: Participate in the “seven days of repentance” mentioned in the sermon. Set aside specific times for prayer, fasting, and reflection on areas where you need to align more closely with God’s will.
- Identity Affirmation: Write down positive affirmations based on your identity in Christ. Speak these over yourself daily to combat negative self-talk or condemnation.
- Intercessory Prayer: Choose someone in your life who may be struggling and commit to praying for their faith to “fail not” this week.
Closing Prayer
Thank God for His love, correction, and the potential He sees in each of us. Ask for His help in walking out the practical applications and growing in repentance and faith.
Discussion Questions
How does the concept of ‘two yous’ – the flesh you and the God-created you – impact your understanding of spiritual growth and overcoming personal struggles?
In what ways can we balance accepting God’s love and grace while also taking seriously the need for repentance and spiritual correction?
How might the story of Samuel and Eli challenge our perspectives on spiritual authority, obedience, and God’s willingness to work through unexpected vessels?
What does it mean to have a ‘heart after God’s own heart’ like David, and how can we cultivate this in our own lives?
How does the speaker’s emphasis on repentance align with or differ from your current understanding of its role in spiritual life?
In what ways might we be ‘burying our talents’ in our spiritual lives, and how can we actively work to multiply them instead?
How can we discern between righteous ‘hate’ of sin and destructive attitudes towards ourselves or others?
What does it mean to be an ‘overcomer’ in a biblical sense, and how does this concept apply to our daily lives and challenges?
How might the idea of ‘praying from God’s heart’ change our approach to prayer and our expectations of God’s response?
In what ways can we balance taking spiritual responsibility for others while also allowing them the space to grow and overcome challenges on their own?
Day 1 The Power of Repentance
Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 3:19-20
Devotional: Repentance is a powerful act of humility and transformation. It’s not merely feeling sorry for our mistakes, but a complete change of heart and direction. When we truly repent, we align ourselves with God’s will and open the door for His grace to flow into our lives. Today, reflect on areas in your life where you may need to repent. Are there attitudes, behaviors, or thought patterns that are hindering your spiritual growth? Ask God to reveal these to you and give you the strength to turn away from them. Remember, repentance is not about shame, but about embracing God’s love and allowing Him to recreate us in His image.
Day 2: Overcoming Through Faith
Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6, Romans 8:37-39
Devotional: Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It’s not just believing in His existence, but trusting in His character and promises even when circumstances seem dire. The transcription mentions how God can work miracles and overcome seemingly impossible situations. Today, consider the challenges you’re facing. How can you apply your faith to these situations? Remember, faith is not the absence of doubt, but the choice to trust God despite our doubts. Pray for God to increase your faith and help you see your circumstances through His eyes.
Day 3: The Heart of God
Reading: 1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:9-10
Devotional: God looks at the heart. While we often focus on outward appearances or actions, God is concerned with our innermost being. The story of David in the transcription reminds us that God values a heart that is willing to repent and turn to Him. Today, examine your own heart. Are there areas where you’ve been focused on outward appearances rather than inner transformation? Ask God to give you His perspective and to align your heart with His. Remember, a heart after God’s own heart is one that is quick to repent, eager to obey, and always seeking His presence.
Day 4: Walking in the Light
Reading: John 8:12, 1 John 1:5-7
Devotional: Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world, promising that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness. This light represents truth, purity, and God’s presence in our lives. The transcription mentions the “light of life” and how following Jesus leads us out of darkness. Today, consider areas of your life where you may be walking in darkness – perhaps areas of sin, doubt, or fear. Invite Jesus, the Light, into these areas. Ask Him to illuminate your path and give you the courage to step out of darkness and into His marvelous light.
Day 5: God’s Presence in Suffering
Reading: Romans 8:18-28, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Devotional: Suffering is a reality in this fallen world, but it doesn’t mean God has abandoned us. The transcription touches on how God can use our trials to strengthen us and reveal His power. Today, reflect on the challenges you’re facing. How might God be working through these difficulties? Remember that God doesn’t always remove our suffering, but He promises to be with us through it. Ask God to give you His perspective on your trials and the strength to endure. Trust that He is working all things together for your good and His glory, even when you can’t see it.
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some suggested relevant verses for key themes:
- 1 Samuel 3 – The calling of Samuel and judgment on Eli’s house
- Matthew 3:2 – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
- Mark 1:15 – “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel”
- Luke 13:3 – “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”
- Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ”
- Acts 8:22 – “Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours”
- Acts 17:30 – “God commands all people everywhere to repent”
- Acts 26:20 – “They should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance”
- Revelation 2:22 – “I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works”
- Revelation 3:3 – “Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent”
- Malachi 1:2-3 – “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated”
- Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Talents
- John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”
- Genesis 3 – The Fall of Adam and Eve
- 1 Corinthians 15:26 – “The last enemy to be destroyed is death”
- Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
- Obadiah 1:21 – “Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion”
- Psalm 91:7 – “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you”
- Proverbs 23:7 – “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he”
- 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”
- John 7:38 – “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them”
- Philippians 2:12 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”
Chapter 1: The Call to Repentance
0:00 – 30:00
We are called to repent and return to God’s perfect will.
Chapter 2: The Story of Samuel and Eli
30:00 – 60:00
The biblical story of Samuel and Eli illustrates the importance of spiritual accountability and obedience.
Chapter 3: Overcoming the Flesh and Embracing Our True Identity
60:00 – 90:00
We are encouraged to overcome our fleshly nature and embrace our true identity in Christ.
Chapter 4: Spiritual Growth and Responsibility
90:00 – 120:00
We are called to follow Christ and walk in the light of life.
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