Giant Serpents and Conquering Kings

1 Samuel 17

Sermon Notes:

Finding Our Place in The Story of Redemption

1. The Raging Giant | 1 Sam. 17:1-11

2. The True King | 1 Sam. 17:26, 32-37, 43-51

3. The Victorious Army | 1 Sam. 17:52-53

Reflection Questions:

1. What did you find helpful or surprising about this new look at a familiar passage?

2. Can you think of more ways that King David points to Jesus from this story?

3. In what areas of your life are you challenged by the call to boldly and joyfully follow Christ?

4. How might the fact of your salvation in Christ embolden you in areas of life beyond your faith?

Who is Jesus? The King of Kings

Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon Notes:

Main Point: Jesus, alone, is the King of kings.

1. The Jewish Heart was not Ready (vv.1-3)

2. Forsaking Plausible Deniability (vv. 3-8)

3. How the Magi were Right (vv. 9-11)

4. How Herod was Right (v.12)

Reflection Questions:

1. What does Herod's antagonism against the messiah teach us about mankind? Sin?

2. What do you make of the star phenomena in Matthew 2? What conceptions are challenged by this miracle?

3. How might we benefit from more precisely meditating on Christ's reign as the King of kings this Christmas?

4. What application to our lives today can be made from the reminder that rulers who rage against Christ, like Herod, will be subjected to the King of kings?

God Provides His King

1 Samuel 16

Sermon Notes:

Main Point: Learn to see how God sees.

1. How Man Sees | vv.1-5

2. How The Lord Sees | vv. 6-10

3. How The Lord Provides | vv. 11-13

4. How Man Provides | vv. 14-23

Reflection Questions:

1. Why is it so easy for us to see the world from our perspective rather than Gods? Especially after God has just demonstrated that his ways are better than our own.

2. What difficulties in life are particularly hard for you to trust God in the midst of?

3. In what ways are you particularly tempted to think you know better than God?

4. What do you think of the idea that there is power in beauty?

5. Do you still struggle with elements from this passage? If so, which ones? Why?

The Need for God's King

Judges 21:25; 1 Samuel 8:4-9:2

Sermon Notes:

Main Point: “God's People Need God's King”

1. A King is the Right Answer

2. Israel Wants the Wrong King

3. The Wrong King Brings Us Closer to the Right King

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some examples of things you are wrong to put your trust in? Why these things?

2. How does Jesus offer a better version of what these worldly objects of hope promise?

3. What might you do daily/weekly/monthly...to help you more consistently place your trust in Christ when you are tempted to turn to other people or things?