The Downfall of Saul, Part One

What does it mean to be a man (or woman) after God's own heart? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we consider the answer from 1 Samuel 13.

Sermon Discussion

1. Do you think God’s punishment of Saul in this chapter is fair or unfair? Explain your reasoning.
2. What is one highlight from the sermon and one question that you had after hearing the sermon?
3. Talk briefly about the translation issues surrounding 1 Samuel 13:1. How do we know we can we trust our Bibles?
4. Read 1 Samuel 13:8–14; Psalm 14:1; Proverbs 3:1–12. What is a fool? In what ways is Saul a fool in this passage? In contrast, what does it mean to be wise? What would it have looked like for Saul to show wisdom in 1 Samuel 13?
5. Read 1 Samuel 10:5–8. Compare Samuel’s instructions to Saul’s actions in 1 Samuel 13. Does he follow them? What are the differences? What does this reveal to us about Saul’s folly?
6. Read 1 Samuel 13:14. In light of 1 Samuel 13, what does it mean to be a “man or woman after God’s own heart”? How might you pursue that this week?

Vision Discussion

7. Read Luke 9:23–25. One of our vision points is “We ask big things of people because we expect big things from God.” What are some ways that following Jesus in the church is costly? What are some things that participating in the mission of God will cost you?

Transformation Stories

8. Take some time as a group to share stories of how you have seen God at work in your life or the lives of others. Alternatively, take turns sharing your testimony with your group to celebrate God’s saving and transformative work in your life.