Hey church!
We began this year with a vision for “Leadership and the Lost Sheep”. As we study 1 Samuel together, we’ll ponder over God’s design for leadership. As Israel transitions from judges to kings, questions of leadership take centre stage. Through the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David - we’ll explore how God raises, shapes, and sometimes removes leaders according to His purposes.
Each story in Samuel demonstrates leadership - both good and bad. We’ll see that true leadership requires faith, repentance, patience and perseverance. True leadership is not defined by charisma, strength, or public success, but by humble obedience to God’s word.
Some questions for you to continue to be challenged through this series:
What does it mean for you to serve under God’s authority?
How do you resist the pull toward self-serving leadership and instead serve for God’s glory?
How are you being challenged to lead in your family, church, workplace and community?
THE BIGGER PICTURE and THE BIGGEST PICTURE
Through all the stories, I hope you remember to see the BIGGER PICTURE: that every true leader is reliant on a greater King. God, who is the true authority over all the grandeur and minutiae of our world.
And moreso, we must step back to see the BIGGEST PICTURE. Ultimately, these events point us forward to Jesus - the true King who perfectly trusts, obeys, and serves His Father. As we trace the rise and fall of flawed leaders, we’ll learn to long for and look to Christ, the one leader who will never fail His people.
WHAT HAPPENS in 1 SAMUEL?
Most people remember David and Goliath. But there’s much more to 1 Samuel than that. Every chapter in 1 Samuel has at least one key event. Can you identify what events are represented by these icons?
CHARACTERS IN SAMUEL
Can you recall the characters in the book of 1 Samuel? The characters with more significant narrative stories are outlined in black.
