Study Guide: The Spirit of Samuel and David and The Blood of The Giants Pt.2
Title: The Spirit of Samuel and David and The Blood of The Giants Pt. 2
Sermon Summary: In this powerful message, we’re challenged to embrace the honor of suffering for God’s kingdom. The story of Joseph serves as a poignant reminder that obedience often leads through trials, from the pit to slavery to prison, before reaching the throne. We’re called to offer a ‘sacrifice of praise’ even in our darkest moments, just as Paul and Silas did in jail. This praise isn’t just words; it’s a demonstration of unwavering faith that can shake the foundations of our circumstances. The message urges us to separate our hatred for sin from the sinner, emphasizing God’s desire to reconcile even the most lost souls. As we grapple with our own struggles, we’re reminded that our willingness to suffer for Christ not only transforms us but can lead to the salvation of others. This teaching invites us to see our trials through God’s eyes – not as punishment, but as opportunities for growth and impact.
Key Points:
- Willingness and obedience are crucial in serving God
- Suffering for Christ is an honor, not a burden
- True spiritual growth comes through embracing anguish for others
- Balance is needed between experiencing God’s anguish and maintaining joy
- Intercession for the younger generation is vital
- Hate the sin, not the sinner
- The importance of building “walls” (spiritual protection) around families and individuals
- The danger of spiritual complacency and the need for constant repentance
- The role of spiritual authority and the importance of submission to it
Scripture Reference:
- 1 Samuel 15:17-23 (Obedience is better than sacrifice)
- Romans 8:18 (Present sufferings compared to future glory)
- Hebrews 13:15-17 (Offering sacrifices of praise and submission to leaders)
Small Group Guide: The Honor of Suffering and Obedience
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
- True obedience to God often involves suffering, but it’s an honor to suffer for His name.
- We need to develop a spirit of anguish over the state of the church and lost souls.
- Praising God in difficult circumstances can lead to breakthrough and transformation.
- We must hate the works of darkness, not the people caught in them.
- Intercession and prayer for others, especially young people, is crucial.
Discussion Questions:
- The speaker emphasizes that it’s an honor to suffer for God’s kingdom. How does this perspective challenge our typical views on suffering?
- Reflect on the story of Paul and Silas praising God in prison. How can we cultivate an attitude of praise in difficult circumstances?
- The sermon mentions the importance of “anguish” in prayer. What do you think this means, and have you experienced it?
- How can we balance having anguish over sin and the state of the church without falling into condemnation of others?
- The speaker talks about hating the works of darkness but not the people. Why is this distinction important, and how can we practice it?
- What struck you about the emphasis on praying for and mentoring young people? How might this apply to our community?
- The sermon touches on the concept of “willing obedience.” What does this mean to you, and how can we cultivate it in our lives?
Practical Applications:
- Commit to spending time in prayer this week, asking God to give you His heart for lost souls and the church.
- Identify an area of suffering or difficulty in your life. Practice offering praise to God in that situation daily for a week.
- Choose a young person in your life or community to pray for consistently over the next month.
- Reflect on any areas where you might be harboring hatred towards people rather than their actions. Ask God to help you separate the two.
- Look for an opportunity to mentor or encourage a younger believer this week.
- Examine your life for areas where you might not be fully obedient to God. Ask for His help in being “willing to be made willing.”
- Practice offering sacrifices of praise to God, especially in challenging situations, and note how it affects your perspective.
Scripture for Reflection
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
Closing Prayer
Father, thank you for the honor of participating in Your work, even when it involves suffering. Help us to be willing and obedient, to offer sacrifices of praise, and to intercede for others, especially the younger generation. Give us Your heart of anguish for the lost and Your love for all people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discussion Questions
How can we cultivate a spirit of anguish for the lost and hurting, as described by David Wilkerson, while maintaining a balanced spiritual life?
In what ways might our modern church culture be resembling the lukewarm attitude that the speaker warns against, and how can we combat this tendency?
How does the concept of ‘willing obedience’ differ from mere compliance, and why is this distinction crucial in our spiritual walk?
What are some practical ways we can build ‘walls’ around our families and communities to protect them spiritually, as mentioned in the sermon?
How can we reconcile the idea of God’s love with the necessity of spiritual warfare and confronting darkness, as exemplified in the speaker’s experiences?
In what ways might we be unconsciously treating God as a ‘charity’ rather than approaching Him with the reverence and honor He deserves?
How can we develop a deeper understanding of Christ’s suffering to better appreciate the honor of suffering for His name’s sake?
What does it mean to ‘hate the works’ but not the person, and how can we apply this principle in our daily interactions and spiritual battles?
How might our approach to ministry and spiritual growth change if we truly embraced the concept of being ‘crucified with Christ’ as described by Paul?
In what ways can older believers take responsibility for mentoring and interceding for younger generations, as emphasized in the sermon?
Day 1 The Honor of Suffering
Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Devotional: In our walk with God, we often encounter trials and suffering. Today’s passage reminds us that suffering for Christ is not something to be ashamed of, but rather an honor. Reflect on times when you’ve faced challenges because of your faith. How did you respond? Peter encourages us to rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that we are participating in Christ’s sufferings. Today, ask God for the strength to view difficulties as opportunities for growth and to glorify Him, even in the midst of pain. Remember, our temporary sufferings pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits us.
Day 2: Obedience and Sacrifice
Reading: 1 Samuel 15:10-23
Devotional: Obedience to God is a crucial aspect of our faith journey. In today’s reading, we see King Saul’s failure to fully obey God’s commands. Samuel’s powerful words remind us that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Consider areas in your life where you might be offering sacrifices to God but not fully obeying His will. Are there any compromises you’ve made? Take time to pray, asking God to reveal any areas of partial obedience in your life. Commit to full obedience, trusting that God’s ways are higher than our own, even when we don’t fully understand them.
Day 3: The Heart of Intercession
Reading: Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 6:18-20
Devotional: Intercessory prayer is a powerful act of love and spiritual warfare. Today’s passages highlight the importance of persistent, Spirit-led prayer. The transcription emphasized the need for anguish in prayer, especially for the younger generation. Spend time today interceding for young people in your life or community. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers and give you God’s heart for them. As you pray, be open to feeling God’s anguish for the lost and struggling. Remember, our prayers can make a significant difference in the spiritual battles around us.
Day 4: Embracing God’s Love in Suffering
Reading: Romans 8:35-39
Devotional: Today’s powerful passage assures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love. In the face of trials, persecution, or personal struggles, we can hold fast to the truth of God’s unwavering love. The transcription touched on the theme of suffering as an honor and a way to know Christ more deeply. Reflect on how your challenges have drawn you closer to God. How has His love sustained you in difficult times? Take a moment to thank God for His constant presence and love, even in your darkest moments. Let this assurance empower you to face whatever lies ahead with confidence in His love.
Day 5: Becoming God’s Throne
Reading: Revelation 3:19-22
Devotional: The transcription spoke about believers becoming God’s throne on earth. Today’s reading from Revelation includes Jesus’ invitation to open the door and let Him in, promising that overcomers will sit with Him on His throne. This beautiful imagery speaks to the intimate relationship God desires with us. Consider the areas of your life where you may be keeping the door closed to Jesus. What would it look like to fully surrender and allow Him to reign in every aspect of your life? Pray for the courage to be an overcomer, fully yielded to God’s will, so that you can be a vessel of His presence and authority on earth.
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for key themes discussed:
Mentioned/Alluded to:
- Romans 8:20 – “For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope”
- Mark 3:33-35 – “Who is my mother, or my brethren? … Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”
- 1 Samuel 15:17-23 – Samuel rebuking Saul for disobedience
- Hebrews 11:4 – “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain”
- Hebrews 13:15-17 – “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually…”
- Acts 16:25-34 – Paul and Silas in prison
- Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me”
- John 16:33 – “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
- Philippians 4:19 – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
- Matthew 23:37 – “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…how often would I have gathered thy children together…”
- 1 John 3:8 – “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
Relevant verses for key themes:
- On suffering and anguish:
- Romans 8:18 – “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:5 – “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”
- On obedience:
- 1 Samuel 15:22 – “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
- John 14:15 – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
- On intercession:
- 1 Timothy 2:1 – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men”
- James 5:16 – “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
- On spiritual warfare:
- Ephesians 6:12 – “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
- On repentance:
- Acts 3:19 – “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out”
- 2 Corinthians 7:10 – “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
Chapter 1: The Call to Willing Obedience
0:00 – 15:00
We are called to be willing and obedient, understanding that suffering is part of our spiritual journey.
Chapter 2: The Spirit of Samuel and Building God’s Throne
15:00 – 30:00
The Spirit of Samuel prepares the way for God’s throne, emphasizing the need for obedience over sacrifice.
Chapter 3: Anguish in Intercession and Ministry
30:00 – 45:00
True passion for Christ comes from a baptism of anguish, leading to powerful intercession and ministry.
Chapter 4: Balancing Anguish with God’s Love
45:00 – 60:00
We must balance the anguish for souls with God’s love, avoiding condemnation while maintaining conviction.
The Spirit of Samuel and David and The Blood of The Giants Pt. 2
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