week of 6/5

Unit 10  Session 1

SAUL, THE PEOPLE'S KING

1 SAMUEL 7 - 10

God is the one true King, and He alone is able to lead His people as they need.

God raised up Samuel to judge His people and to call them to repentance. Under Samuel's leadership, Israel experienced freedom from the surrounding nations, restoration of land, and revival in worship. During his lifetime, Samuel traveled throughout the nation to ensure people were faithful to the covenant the Lord had made with them. But when Samuel was old, his sons, whom he had appointed as judges, proved to be wicked leaders who took advantage of the people (1 Sam. 8:3). So the Israelites, in their discontentment, demanded to have a king like the nations around them.

Points to consider:

✞   An earthly kind is demanded by the people.

     * What are some of the lures of the world that

      attract and tempt God's people?

     * Why should we view all sin as an implicit

      rejection of God as our rightful King?

✞   An impressive king is anointed for the people.

     * How does Saul's anointing as king compare

      to a believer's qualification for service?

✞   A reluctant king is presented to the people.

     * What are some ways you have experienced

      God's discipline?