BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER WHAT IS GRACE? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it. God promised David that future kings of Israel would come from David’s family, and David’s kingdom would last forever. God kept His promise by sending His Son, Jesus, as one of David’s descendants. Jesus is our King who will rule over God’s people forever MEMORY VERSE READ THE STORY:
David is described in the Bible as a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). Though at times David showed the depth of his depravity, he also demonstrated a sincere faith in the Lord through his love for Him. In 2 Samuel 6, we see David love God with full abandon as he danced before Him. David demonstrated his love for God in many ways. David wrote songs, played instruments, and danced for the Lord. We also see how David’s prayers showcased a profound love for God. In 2 Samuel 7:18, after David heard from the Lord through Nathan, we find the beginning of an incredibly humble prayer of thanksgiving to God. David’s first response to the great things God had promised Him was to say, “Who am I, Lord GOD, and what is my house that you have brought me this far?” David didn’t stand up taller or display an attitude that suggested he deserved God’s blessing. He actually did just the opposite. David recognized he simply didn’t deserve the good things God had promised to do. God’s promise to David was ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ. And like God’s covenant with David, the gospel story is one of grace. We have done nothing to deserve the good gift of salvation. And God also continues to fulfill His promise to complete the good work He began in us through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. When you think about God’s great work in your life or when you read His Word and recall His precious and very great promises, what is your response? Do you find yourself believing you deserve it and wish there was more? Or do you rightfully understand that God alone has brought you this far, leading you to respond in praise and thanksgiving? This week, take the time to remember some of the great things God has done in your life; how He saved you and others. Remember how He has given you victory over sin. Remember the things you’ve seen God do in the lives of friends and family members. Humbly thank God for what He’s done, and boldly ask Him to continue to work—not because you deserve it but because you desire to see, know, and love God more. GOSPEL APPLICATION
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BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER WHAT IS GRACE? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it. The Israelites were not strong enough to fight Goliath, the mighty Philistine warrior, on their own. God gave David power to defeat Goliath. David reminds us of Jesus, who came to save us from our greatest enemies: sin and death. Jesus, the ultimate hero, saves us from our sin and gives us eternal life. MEMORY VERSE READ THE STORY:
The name of the Lord is holy and set apart. For those who follow Christ, the name of God is one which ought to be esteemed above all other names. In 1 Samuel 17, Goliath, the giant warrior of the Philistines, showed little regard for the God of the Israelites. He mocked not only the armies of Israel, but their God as well. Though Goliath had his own gods by whom he cursed David, he did not count the God of Israel to be of any value. When Goliath mocked the Israelites, the power of God was unleashed through the most unlikely of people. The Lord used David to shout His fame and declare to all the earth “that Israel has a God” (1 Sam. 17:46). The power of God is revealed in every instance in Scripture where the name of the Lord is used. When God-fearing prophets, priests, and ordinary people call on the name of the Lord, we see time and again the power of God on display. When David encountered the giant, he said, “I come against you in the name of the LORD of Armies, the God of the ranks of Israel” (1 Sam. 17:45). David knew the power of God’s name. And God acted for His glory as He won the battle for Israel. The power of the name of God is seen most notably in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:9-11, “For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus perfectly exalted the name of God through His sinless life and how He loved others. Jesus demonstrated the power of God’s name through His death, burial, and resurrection. The same power is ours through Christ, and helps us to live for the glory of God’s name. GOSPEL APPLICATION
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER WHAT IS GRACE? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it. Samuel anointed David, setting him apart to be the next king. God’s choice for Israel’s king was surprising; David was the youngest in his family, but God saw David’s heart for the Lord. When Jesus came to earth, He seemed like a surprising choice for a king. Jesus is the perfect King who saves us from our sin and reigns forever. MEMORY VERSE READ THE STORY:
At some point we have probably encountered the underdog rising to a position of prominence or victory. We see this in sports, in business, and in other situations. In a similar way, the Lord often uses unexpected people to display His glory. The Bible tells us that God chooses to use what is “weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor. 1:27). And Isaiah 55:9 says, “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” While we may look at current circumstances or outward appearances to determine a particular outcome, God’s ways are always better because only He holds all wisdom. In 1 Samuel 16, we find an example of this. God chose to use David, a young shepherd with musical talent, to lead Israel. David’s outward appearance and young age may not have fit with the cultural standard of a king, but God saw David’s heart. God’s choice was not based on visible characteristics, but rather on the invisible character of the heart. Similar to David, Jesus was not a King the people expected. Rather than come to earth in power, prestige, or prominence, Jesus came in humility. He did not have an impressive physical stature, yet His heart was fully set on obeying His Father and loving others through self sacrifice. Like David, God looks at our hearts and desires that we follow after Him. Regardless of our physical stature, age, or occupation, God desires to use us for His glory. And He wants us to grow in Christlikeness so that our gifts can be used for His kingdom purposes. Who would have thought that David’s ability to play the lyre would get him into Saul’s inner circle? God did. It was His plan all along. And it is His plan to use us in great ways too. God is faithful to use the gifts He’s given us. May we have hearts that are willing to serve Him for His glory and our joy. GOSPEL APPLICATION
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December 2023
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