Every success in life flows from the presence and favor of God.
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SERMON NOTES:
1 Samuel 18:1-16
Every success in life flows from the presence and favor of God.
David enjoys great success…
…in friendship. (1-4)
…in battle. (5a)
…in popularity. (5b)
…in reputation. (6-7)
Saul reacts to David’s success with anger, jealousy and hostility. (8-11)
The source of David’s success: God’s favor. (12-16)
How can I enjoy success in life?
study questions:
1. Read verses 1-5. In what ways did David experience favor with others? According to the verses here and 1 Samuel 20, how did David’s friendship with Jonathan prove to be special?
2. Read verses 6-12. How did Saul respond to the successes of David? What caused him to respond this way? How did Saul express his emotions towards David? How did things turn out according to verses 11-12?
3. Read verses 13-16. What happened to David after his intense encounters with Saul? What was the real cause for David’s success? Do you regularly attribute your successes to God’s divine favor in your life? Why or why not?
4. So what? Describe a time when you responded to another person’s successes with a similar attitude to Saul’s? Has there ever been a person in your life who you especially struggled to envy? How should we respond when we struggle with jealousy and envy? How does your view of God impact how you envy others?