Week 5: Leaves & Fruit
God’s love empowers us to live beyond our ordinary human abilities. We see a supernatural strength and grace displayed in the life of David, who refuses to lift a hand against his king, despite having been ruthlessly hunted by him.
David’s story is evidence that our lives are capable of producing abundant fruit, when we remain closely connected with God.
This week we will be studying what it means to be empowered by God’s love.
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 26
Opening Question:
What part of this passage stands out most to you?
Core Question 1:
What surprising things do people do in this passage? Based on ordinary human behavior and thinking, how do you think this scene would usually play out?
Core Question 2:
What does David’s choice cost him? What benefit does his decision have on others?
Core Question 3:
What are the differences between Saul and David’s ascendency to the throne? How do you think David’s difficult experiences have prepared him to become King of Israel?
Concluding Question: Make It Personal
What have your life circumstances made you uniquely capable of doing? How have you ascended to a higher position by going the way of humility or pain. How did love empower you to do this?
Following Jesus
Like David, Jesus follows a difficult path to the throne. His is a journey paved with sacrifice—empowered by love.
After praying in Gethsemane, what does Jesus endure physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?
What does God ultimately accomplish through Jesus’s death and resurrection?
On Your Own
This week we will be studying David’s ascension to the throne.
We will also be considering the spiritual practice of giving, and how our gifts and service to others flow from the nourishment we ourselves receive from the love of God.