Verses Used:

• 1 Samuel 8:6-20
• 1 Samuel 9:1-2
• 1 Samuel 16:1-3
• 1 Samuel 16:7
• Acts 13:22
• 2 Kings 17:13-14
• 2 Chronicles 26:19-21
• Jeremiah 29:10-14

Takeaways:

• This series of The Great Big Story is to cover themes from this story arc like:
• God has a plan to redeem and restore what is broken and seems hopeless
• God’s story is bigger, and better, than the one we try to write for ourselves
• Even when the world goes wrong, God’s story keeps going right
• God’s promises don’t depend on perfect people - just willing ones

Scene 1: Three Kings

• In this scene, this wasn’t just wanting leadership - it was rejecting God as King.
• King Saul Leadership Lesson: Charisma without character collapse.
• King David Leadership Lesson: God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance.
• King Solomon loved the ladies, he worshiped idols, and he drifted from obeying God.
• King Solomon Leadership Lesson: You can be the wisest person in the world and still act like a fool.

Scene 2: The Prophets

• The Prophet’s Job Description included: Speaking on God’s behalf; Exposed idolatry, injustice, and empty religion; Called the people to repentance; Announced judgment and hope.
• The prophets reveal God’s heart - patient, pursing, holy, and unwilling to let His people destroy themselves.
• We often settle for religious activity instead of real obedience.
• The Prophets remind us that God wants our hearts, not our habits. God still sends warnings because He cares.
• God invites you to come home. The prophets show us that God pursues us even when we stop pursuing Him.

Scene 3: The Exile

• Sometimes God has to bring correction, and discipline before he can bring new life. Sometimes things need to be broken down before they can be rebuilt.

Discussion Questions:

• Why do you think Israel wanted a human king instead of God being their king?
• Why would God choose a king that he knew would fail?
• Do you see exile as an act of cruelty or love to the people of Israel? Why?
• We talked about the Prophets calling the people’s attention back to God. How have you seen God get someone’s attention in our day?

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