Favor of the Lord

SUMMARY

This sermon explores the story of King Saul from 1 Samuel 13:8-15, focusing on how fear can lead us to make decisions based on our own logic rather than trusting God's timing and direction. Pastor Lori contrasts Saul's response to being confronted with his disobedience with King David's response when confronted by the prophet Nathan. The key difference is that David repented and sought after God's heart, while Saul made excuses and sought only God's favor. The sermon emphasizes that we are not meant to navigate life's challenges alone but need community to help us discern God's will and seek after His heart rather than just His blessings.

INTRO PRAYER

Gracious God, as we gather together in community today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be vulnerable and honest with one another as we seek Your heart together. Give us the courage to face our fears and trust in Your perfect timing. We pray that You would speak to each person here in the way they need to hear from You today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

ICE BREAKER

What's something you had to wait for recently that felt like it took forever? How did the waiting make you feel?

KEY VERSES

1 Samuel 13:8-1
Psalm 51:10

QUESTIONS

1. Why do you think Saul chose to offer the sacrifice himself instead of continuing to wait for Samuel? 

2. How do you typically respond when you're in a situation that requires waiting on God's timing? 

3. What's the difference between seeking God's favor and seeking God's heart, as mentioned in the sermon?

4. Can you think of a time when fear led you to make a decision you later regretted? What did you learn from that experience?

5. How does having a community of believers help us make better decisions and seek after God's heart?

6. What are some practical ways we can tell the difference between acting out of fear versus acting out of faith?

7. The sermon mentions that David repented when confronted, while Saul made excuses. Why is our response to being corrected so important?

8. How can we cultivate hearts that truly seek after God rather than just seeking His blessings in our lives?

LIFE APPLICATION

This week, identify one area of your life where you've been operating out of fear rather than faith. Instead of trying to handle it alone, reach out to a trusted friend or mentor in your faith community. Ask them to pray with you and help you discern what seeking God's heart looks like in that specific situation. Practice waiting on God's timing rather than rushing to fix things yourself.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Fear can cause us to make decisions based on our own logic rather than trusting God's timing and directionThere's a crucial difference between seeking God's favor (asking Him to bless our plans) and seeking God's heart (asking what He wants us to do)How we respond when confronted with our mistakes reveals whether we're truly seeking after God's heartWe are not meant to navigate life's challenges alone - God gives us community to help us discern His willGod consistently chooses and works through the underdog, showing His heart for the broken and marginalized.

ENDING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of fellowship and learning together. Help us to be people who seek after Your heart rather than just Your blessings. When we face moments of fear and uncertainty, remind us to turn to You and to our community rather than taking matters into our own hands. Give us humble hearts that are quick to repent when we fall short, and help us to support one another as we grow in faith. May we be a church that has Your heart for our city and for those who need Your love most. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.