DAVID: RISE FALL REDEMPTION. - New Life Church · 2017-01-27 · SESSION 2: Giant Killer SESSION 3: Friend SESSION 4: Outlaw SESSION 5: Sinner SESSION 6: Legend DR. TROY H. JONES

It is a fascinating story for our day and age, with epic battles, sinister villains, and larger-than-life heroes. Ultimately, it is the story of one man on his life journey. Following his rise, his fall, and redemption from the shepherd’s fi elds, to the palace throne, and into legend. We will see what it means to be only human and a person after God’s own heart.

SESSION 1 : Shepherd

SESSION 2: Giant Killer

SESSION 3:Friend

SESSION 4: Outlaw

SESSION 5: Sinner

SESSION 6: Legend

DR. TROY H. JONES

Dr. Troy Jones is the lead pastor of New Life Church in the Pacifi c Northwest. New Life is a growing multisite church known for straightforward biblical teaching, innovation, and reaching people who are checking out Jesus for the fi rst time.

Dr. Jones has eff ectively led New Life in signifi cant paradigm shifts launching multiple campuses, and having a strong infl uence in the community and world. Under his leadership, New Life has more than doubled in size.

He is the founder of the Recalibrate Group that helps established churches reach their fi ll kingdom potential.

Troy and Jana Jones have been married for 26 years, have two daughters, one son-in-law and twin grandbabies. Dr. Jones received a B.A. from Northwest University and a Doctorate of Ministry from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

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STUDY GUIDE

D R . T R O Y H . J O N E SB R I A N A . J E N K I N S

BRIAN A. JENKINS

Brian Jenkins serves as the Discipleship Pastor at New Life Church. Committed to seeing people fi nd the reality of God in their lives, Brian carries a passion for the Bible and is a gifted communicator and teacher.

Brian has served as a discipleship pastor, teaching pastor, and church planter. The son of an Air Force offi cer, he has lived and worked in various church and cultural contexts and possesses a keen understanding of ministry within cultural change.

He started Jenktank Creative to help leaders, churches, and businesses fi nd their voice in culture and signifi cance in society. He is also a contributor and coach for The Recalibrate Group.

Brian and his wife Kelly have been married for 16 years, with three incredible children. Brian has a BA from Central Bible College, a Master of Divinity from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and is a candidate for a Doctorate of Ministry from AGTS.

B y : D r . T r o y H . J o n e sB r i a n A . J e n k i n s

D A V I D :R I S E F A L L R E D E M P T I O N

Copyright © 2017 by New Life Church

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Published by New Life Church.

Copyright and use of the curriculum template is

retained by New Life Church.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotes

are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW

INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973,

1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by

permission. All rights reserved worldwide.{

C O N T E N T SIntroduct ion 4

Using This Workbook (Read This First ) 5

SESSION 1

Shepherd 6

SESSION 2

Giant Ki l ler 14

SESSION 3

Friend 22

SESSION 4

Outlaw 30

SESSION 5

Sinner 38

SESSION 6

Legend 46

LIFE GROUP RESOURCESFrequently Asked Quest ions 55

Host Tips 56

Life Group Roster 58

Life Group Prayer Journal 59

Life Group Calendar 60

Serving with Your Group 61

Notes 63

4D A V I D

I N T R O D U C T I O N “I’m only human.”

Is it a declaration of confi dence, an affi rmation of existence, or a resignation to failure? All too often in life, we reach for the stars, have great expectations, and exert tremendous pressure on ourselves to do more and be better.

“A man after God’s own Heart.”

In this words, we read endorsement, friendship, love, and pride. It is the language of alignment and a sentence of validation. One might expect this verse to be said over a real saint, fl awless and pure, with no hidden motives, secret sins, or personal agendas.

There are other words used to describe the focus of this study: King. Friend. Poet. Warrior. Rebel. His is one of the greatest success stories in all the Bible, from shepherd boy to national hero, from hero to outlaw, and from outlaw to King. It is a story too big for Hollywood and too scandalous for the church.

But other words could be attached to our hero: Murderer. Madman. Adulterer. Liar. Instead of lofty praise, we read scathing indictments. Our hero rose to the highest heights only to fall to greatest depths. This is the story of David.

It is a fascinating story for our day and age, with epic battles, sinister villains, and larger-than-life heroes. Ultimately, it is the story of one man on his life journey. Following his rise, his fall, and redemption from the shepherd’s fi elds, to the palace throne, and into legend. We will see what it means to be only human and a person after God’s own heart.

Throughout the six sessions, you’ll get to focus on practical, real-life application of what God is saying to you. At the end of each study, you’ll fi nd daily devotions and ways to go deeper. As you study together here, you’re joining the larger church family--in services, in homes, in coff ee shops, and even online--who are all discovering what the life of David means to them.

In addition to the written study, this curriculum incorporates a short video teaching for each session from our Teaching Team. DVDs can be picked up in the lobby, or you can watch each video online at www.nlchurch.com/david.

5D A V I D

1 Notice in the Table of Contents there are two sections: (1) Sessions and (2) Life Group Resources. Familiarize yourself with the Life Group Resources. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

2 If you are hosting or co-hosting this Life Group, the Life Group Resources section will give you some hard-learned experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to eff ective Life Group facilitation.

3 Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Life Group Resources section.

4 Enjoy your Life Group experience and have fun together.

5 Pray before each session—for your group members, for your time together and for wisdom and insights.

U S I N G T H I SW O R K B O O K

6D A V I D

We exist in a culture of image, celebrity, and fame. Our societal addiction to social media places likes above loving and friend counts above friendship. Image is everything, and fi lters combined with strategic posting allow us to communicate a life of success and fulfi llment.

But that’s not always true, is it? The image we offer to the world often contradicts our reality, and we betray our deepest feelings and truest thoughts. We value the image above all, and we elevate heroes who can meet our shallow need for celebrity and lifestyle. David would do well in our world.

Rugged and handsome, he was hiding in the shepherd’s plains of Ancient Israel. The King was a failure, rejecting God and losing control of his power. The prophet was sent to fi nd a new king, and he was told where to look. He never suspected the king was waiting among the sheep.

SHEPHERD1

GETTINGSTARTEDIsrael was in turmoil, with a failing king and surrounded by enemies. The struggling nation was only one generation removed from the rule of the Judges, godly men and women who would appear on the scene to guide Israel and then return to obscurity. Instead, they demanded a king so they could be like other nations. God answered their request and gave them Saul, a stubborn, ill-equipped, ambitious man with little patience and trust for God’s command. His time had come to an end, and the prophet Samuel was tasked with fi nding his replacement.

1 What makes someone a good spiritual leader? What qualifi cations do we look for?

2 Why do we tend to focus on superfi cial things? What challenges does this create in life?

7D A V I D

WATCH IT

S CRIPTURE1 SAMUEL 16:6-13 (NIV)6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fi ne appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.

• You can pick up a DVD in the lobby at any campus.• Watch online at nlchurch.com/david.• Watch on the NL Mobile App or AppleTV (latest model) nlchurch.com/app.

HOST NOTE:After watching the video, ask someone to read the scripture below. Then use the rest of the SOAP guide to lead and direct discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, it may be helpful to ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

8D A V I D

O BSERVATIONIn this fi rst look into David’s life, the prophet Samuel is on a quest to fi nd the new king. Sent by the voice of the Lord, David’s anointing is not unlike Saul’s. In secret, calling forth a young man with no royal pedigree, we see God’s value in demanding His choice, not the preference or whim of man’s opinion. No matter his thoughts on David, God reminded Samuel that while man judges superfi cially, as in the case of Saul, God judges the heart.

HISTORICAL NOTE

Ancient Kings were often anointed with oil as a sign of their endorsement by the gods. It was a historical reminder that the person had been chosen divinely rather than by human wisdom. It symbolized the transferral of power from God to the individual and demonstrated that the person was claimed or marked by God.

1 Samuel’s fi rst act in fi nding a new king was to hear from God. He went to Jesse’s home full of doubt and fear. How can fear affect how we hear from God?

2 God warned Samuel not to pay attention to the outward characteristics but rather trust in His will. What are outer values we often look for in leaders?

3 Where was David found? What does this say about his commitment and humility?

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9D A V I D

A PPLICATIONWhen you apply something, you put it into practice. It’s one thing to read the Bible; it’s another thing to live it out. A practical application of what you just observed from today’s study can help you discover just how much impact the Bible can have on every situation you may face!

In this section, discuss together ways you can apply what you’ve learned from the teaching and the Bible study. Then, think about some practical ways you can live out what you’ve learned.

1 Both Samuel and Jesse miss out on who God wants to pick to be king. This is because they focus on outward appearances and assumptions. What can happen when we make this mistake?

2 David is famously found in the fi elds, tending his sheep. What does this say to you? Why is it important to take care of the little details of life?

3 The Bible says that from that day forward, the Spirit of God never left David. What can we do to stay aware of God’s presence in our lives?

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10D A V I D

H O S T N O T E :Before you end this session, take a moment to pray for each other as a group. Use the Life Group Prayer Journal on page 59. Use the space below to write out your prayer for the week.

P RAYER

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11D A V I D

GOINGDEEPERIf you feel God nudging you to go deeper, take some time before the next meeting to get further into His Word. David was known for his epic poems and songs we now call the Psalms. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own and write your refl ections in a S.O.A.P. journal or in this study guide.

READ PSALM 23:1-6

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overfl ows.

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

12D A V I D

DAILYS.O.A.P.

D E V O T I O N A L S

DAY 1

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 23:1-3

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,3 he refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

DAY 2

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 121:1-4

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

DAY 3

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 138:1-3

1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise.2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame.3 When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me..

13D A V I D

USING S .O .A .P .Use the following space for your daily S.O.A.P. devotionals. S.O.A.P. is an acronym that stands for:

S – Scripture O – Observation A – Application P – Prayer

Use these daily SOAP devotionals to journal your prayer time.


DAY 4

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 113:1-4

1 Praise the Lord.Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord.2 Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.4 The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.

DAY 5

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 89:1-2

1 I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.2 I will declare that your love stands fi rm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

14D A V I D

Everyone loves an underdog. The very name of this story defi nes impossible odds. David versus Goliath. The scrappy upstart defeats unstoppable juggernaut. This story contains everything Hollywood craves: adventure, a handsome hero, and archetypal villain, and a dramatic conclusion.

David is once again picked out of obscurity, simply following his father’s wishes, when his duty and piety drive him right into the arms of one of the Bible’s biggest bad guys. We begin to see David’s humanity as his brashness and temper sometimes fuel his righteousness.

He stands up to his older brothers; he outshines his king; he defi es the giant. David’s path to becoming a legend is beginning to unfold, and the fi rst step walks towards a nine-foot monster with nothing but a shepherd’s weapon.

GIANT KILLER2

GETTINGSTARTEDThe story of David and Goliath demonstrates our greatest fears and obstacles. It is a living, breathing metaphor for overcoming tremendous odds and certain defeat to see a miraculous outcome. Its language is used in sports, war, and business, but ultimately, it is a story of faith, and what it takes to see incredible things happen in our lives.

1 Share a time when you faced an impossible situation. How did people respond to your faith?

2 How do you deal with discouragement? What keeps you going forward in tough times?

15D A V I D

S CRIPTURE1 SAMUEL 17:41-50 (NIV)

41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your fl esh to the birds and the wild animals!” 45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defi ed. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. 50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

WATCH IT• You can pick up a DVD in the lobby at any campus.• Watch online at nlchurch.com/david.• Watch on the NL Mobile App or AppleTV (latest model) nlchurch.com/app.


16D A V I D

O BSERVATIONAfter having been anointed as king, David returns to his father’s fl ocks and his duties as a shepherd. Arriving on the battlefi eld to bring food to his brothers, David sees the Philistine champion Goliath defying the armies of Israel and blaspheming the name of God. Although just a young boy, David is fi lled with righteous indignation and challenges both the audacity of the giant and the cowardice of his countrymen. His journey to the throne has offi cially begun.

HISTORICAL NOTE

In ancient military strategy, soldiers were valuable resources and army commanders did not like to lose them unless necessary. Instead, each army would select its greatest champion and send them out to combat each other. Whichever champion won, his forces would declare victory. The battle of David and Goliath provides insight into this fascinating historical detail.

1 The moment David begins to talk about taking on Goliath himself, people started to doubt him. How does he respond? How can other people’s doubt affect our faith?

2 Throughout the story, David is invoking the name of God and encouraging others to be strong. How can we be a source of encouragement to others in diffi cult times? What does this reveal about David?

3 Read David’s war speech in 1 Samuel 17:45-47. Why is David defying Goliath? What does he promise the giant?

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17D A V I D

A PPLICATIONWhen you apply something, you put it into practice. It’s one thing to read the Bible; it’s another thing to live it out. A practical application of what you just observed from today’s study can help you discover just how much impact the Bible can have on every situation you may face!In this section, discuss together ways you can apply what you’ve learned from the teaching and the Bible study. Then, think about some practical ways you can live out what you’ve learned.

1 Notice how David reacts to his critical brothers in 1 Samuel 17:29. What lessons can we learn from his answer?

2 David refused Saul’s armor because it would not fi t him. What could be a more signifi cant lesson here? What does it reveal about David?

3 Rather than soldiers’ weapons, David used his shepherd’s sling to defeat Goliath. Think about your personal gifts and talents. How can you give those to God to use?

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18D A V I D

P RAYERH O S T N O T E :Before you end this session, take a moment to pray for each other as a group. Use the Life Group Prayer Journal on page 59. Use the space below to write out your prayer for the week.

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19D A V I D


READ PSALM 9:1-10

A psalm of David.

1 I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.

4 For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.

5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.

6 Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies, you have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished.

7 The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.

8 He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.

9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

20D A V I D

DAY 1

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 111:1-4

1 Praise the Lord.I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.2 Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.

DAY 2

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 91:1-4

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will fi nd refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

DAY 3

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 80:19

19 Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

DAILYS.O.A.P.


21D A V I D




DAY 4

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 6:1-3

1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.2 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.3 My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?

DAY 5

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 57:2-3

2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.


22D A V I D

Every great hero has a sidekick. Batman has Robin. Superman has Jimmy Olsen. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Companions in life allow us to share not only the great experiences but to share the burdens of life and weights they carry.

Friends increase our joy in triumph and lessen the pain of tragedy. David’s exploits are well known, even legendary, but lesser known are his relationships. The Bible tells us very clearly of his greatest friend, Jonathan.

The tragic reality was that David’s greatest friend was the son of his greatest enemy, Saul. But despite the sometimes violent clashes between the young rebel and the broken king, David and Jonathan’s friendship continued throughout their lives and even beyond Jonathan’s death.

FRIEND3

GETTINGSTARTEDDavid and Jonathan’s friendship is one of the great connections in the Bible. It is an incredible tale of devotion and friendship, of two people committed to bringing out the best in each other. Jonathan prevented David’s death at the hands of Saul, and David would eventually wind up caring for Jonathan’s children. Their friendship is an essential part of David’s enduring legacy.

1 Who has been a great friend to you? What does their friendship mean to you?

2 What does it mean to be a great friend? How can friendships shape us?

23D A V I D


12 Then Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the Lord, the God of Israel, that I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know? 13 But if my father intends to harm you, may the Lord deal with Jonathan, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away in peace. May the Lord be with you as he has been with my father. 14 But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, 15 and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” 16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.” 17 And Jonathan had David reaffi rm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.



24D A V I D

O BSERVATIONA few decades after David’s death, his son Solomon began to record his thoughts and teachings. Assembled with other wise sayings and pithy quotes, the collection became known as the Proverbs. In his refl ections on relationships, the wise king wrote, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) One can’t help but wonder if he was refl ecting on the stories his father told him about his best friend, Jonathan. David and Jonathan’s friendship withstood trial and adversity and is a shining example of the power of friendship.

HISTORICAL NOTE

As Saul’s son, Jonathan stood to inherit the monarchy from his father. Under normal circumstances, David would have been his greatest rival, and Jonathan’s family, David’s most dangerous threat. But we see the extraordinary nature of these two princes, when later in life, after Jonathan’s death on the fi eld of battle, David cares for his son Mephibosheth, rather than isolating or even having him killed. (2 Samuel 9)

1 After reading the passage, how would you describe David and Jonathan’s friendship?

2 In what ways was the friendship expressed?

3 What can we learn from this great friendship?

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25D A V I D

A PPLICATIONWhen you apply something, you put it into practice. It’s one thing to read the Bible; it’s another thing to live it out. A practical application of what you just observed from today’s study can help you discover just how much impact the Bible can have on every situation you may face!In this section, discuss together ways you can apply what you’ve learned from the teaching and the Bible study. Then, think about some practical ways you can live out what you’ve learned.

1 David and Jonathan are one of the great friendship stories of the Bible. What does it mean to be a great friend?

2 What lessons are found in the story of David and Jonathan? How can we apply those to our lives?

3 Why are friends necessary in life? What do they accomplish in us?

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26D A V I D


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27D A V I D


READ PSALM 55:1-3, 16-19, 22-23

1 Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;

2 hear me and answer me.My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught

3 because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked;for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger.

16 As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me.

17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

18 He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

19 God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change—he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.

22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous be shaken.

23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay;the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days.But as for me, I trust in you.

28D A V I D

DAY 1

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 123

1 I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven.2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.3 Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt.4 We have endured no end of ridicule from the arrogant, of contempt from the proud.

DAY 2

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 119:49-50

49 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

DAY 3

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 8:3-8

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fi ngers,the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?5 You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet:7 all fl ocks and herds, and the animals of the wild,8 the birds in the sky, and the fi sh in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

DAILYS.O.A.P.


29D A V I D




DAY 4

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 25:6-7

6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.

DAY 5

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 148:1-6

1 Praise the Lord.Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above.2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created,6 and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away.


30D A V I D

When we think of a king, we think of power and strength, dignity and composure. Kings are meant to rule and guide people. Israel’s king, however, rarely met these expectations. Insecure and petty, Saul was tormented by his inner demons and became increasingly threatened by the emerging young hero, David.

Saul would often turn violent in his mistrust of David, eventually driving him into exile in the wilderness. Haunted and alone, left to the whims of a progressively unhinged King, David found his home with the outcasts and unloved of society, the broken and bereft.

David reached out to God, as he often would, silencing the chaotic noise of fear and doubt. Through his songs and his words, he once again found his strength and refuge in God.

OUTLAW4

GETTINGSTARTEDWhile we often focus on David’s great calling and his tremendous victories, we must remember he faced great hardships as well. Saul’s violent rejection of David caused him to become an outlaw, living in the wilderness while being hunted down by Saul’s men. In this time, he found great refuge in worship, communicating who God was to him, what God had done for him, and being open and vulnerable towards God.

1 Share a particularly diffi cult time in your life. How did your faith and spirituality help you through it?

2 What spiritual or Christian song means the most to you and why?

31D A V I D


David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.

PSALM 57:7-87 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

8 Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.



32D A V I D

O BSERVATIONNow on the run from Saul’s jealous rage, David fi nds himself taking refuge in the caves of Adullam, near the Philistine border. Rather than wallow in pity or self-defeat, he begins to gather an army around him. Starting with his father’s household and brothers, he soon surrounded by the downtrodden and outsiders of the kingdom, people the Bible describes as “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented.” What a crew! But just like God chose him, he knew not to look at the outward appearance, but instead at what he could see in his men’s hearts.

HISTORICAL NOTE

The Bible tells us that while hiding in these caves, David composed the 57th Psalm. He writes, “I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” You can easily imagine him looking out of the cave’s opening, seeing the birds of prey fl y overhead, thinking how at that moment, God’s strength, care, and protection were all just like the safety and refuge of that cave.

1 David was on the run for his life and could still command the respect of people. What lessons had he learned through his experiences that gave him such leadership skill?

2 We know that there is a direct connection between the events of 1 Samuel 22 and the poetic writings in Psalm 57. David makes worship a priority even in hardship. How do you defi ne worship? What does it mean to you?

3 In Psalm 57:7, David seems to be commanding his soul to worship and to awaken. Why must we make a commitment to worship in diffi cult times? How does worship help us?

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33D A V I D



1 According to 1 Samuel 22, David fi nds refuge with the downtrodden. How can community help us in adverse times?

2 What can we learn from David’s reaction to adversity? What role does worship play in our spiritual strength?

3 In times of diffi culty, how do you connect to God?

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34D A V I D


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35D A V I D


READ PSALM 57:1-11

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge.I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me.

3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

4 I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet—

I was bowed down in distress.They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves.

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

8 Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

36D A V I D

D A Y 1S . O . A . P .

PSALM 37:3-4

3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

DAY 2S . O . A . P .

PSALM 51:10-12

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

DAY 3S . O . A . P .

PSALM 34:4-7

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

DAILYS.O.A.P.


37D A V I D




DAY 4S . O . A . P .

PSALM 119:73-76

73 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have affl icted me.76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

DAY 5S . O . A . P .

PSALM 150:1-6

1 Praise the Lord.Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.Praise the Lord.


38D A V I D

The ancient Greeks told the story of Achilles, a nearly invincible warrior whose only weakness could be found in a small spot on his heel. During the heat of the battle of Troy, an arrow struck the great hero in the exact spot of his weakness, and he eventually succumbed to the wound. The ultimate hero defeated by the smallest weakness.

David is now King, beloved and infl uential, standing at the heights of accomplishment. He unifi ed the kingdom, defeated the Philistines, and now seeks to establish peace and prosperity for God’s people.

Then, in a series of weak moments, foolish decisions, and selfi sh actions, he fi nds himself undone. One sin leads to another, escalating from passing glance to adultery, murder, and cover-up. Broken before the prophet of God, he must face his darkest hour and gain his greatest victory.

SINNER5

GETTINGSTARTEDDavid’s sin with Bathsheba carried horrifi c consequences. Like it so often does, sin took David farther than he intended to go and it cost him far more than he considered. Sin carries the distinctive ability to both injure and distract us, so that when we are caught in its grasp, we are both destroying ourselves and oblivious to the destruction occurring in our lives.

1 Why is sin so destructive? How can we overcome sin?

2 Why is repentance necessary? What does forgiveness mean to you?

39D A V I D

S CRIPTUREPSALM 51:10-12 (NIV)10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.



40D A V I D

O BSERVATIONLike many indiscretions, it started out easily enough. A lazy day, idle time, and a passing glance. What developed from there altered the course of the Kingdom of Israel and eventually cost David all the peace he had gained. Like so many of us, his attempts to hide his sin only made things worse, resulting in the death of a loyal subject and the humiliation of a king. The story of David and Bathsheba begins innocently enough in 2 Samuel 11, but only ends after the divine rebuke of a prophet. From there David composes the 51st Psalm crafting the greatest expression of contrition, regret, repentance, and hope ever written. In this one song, we can read the entire arc of David’s rise, fall, and redemption.

HISTORICAL NOTE

2 Samuel 11 begins both innocently and ominously, “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war…” referring to the gap between the early rains and the harvest, it was the natural time for military campaigns in the ancient world. Although David would have been required to go, his generals could handle it; the author seems to indicate that his idleness and perhaps hubris were setting the stage for the scandal to follow.

1 Take time to read Nathan’s prophecy and rebuke of David in 2 Samuel 12. How does the prophet use David’s arrogance against him? What is David’s reaction?

2 How does David attempt to cover up Bathsheba’s pregnancy? What do you think is driving his continual sinful choices?

3 Read Psalm 51 again. Does it capture repentance for you? Why or why not? Have you ever felt the way David does? What can we do to fi nd the forgiveness he is seeking in this Psalm?

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41D A V I D



1 Why do you think David lost focus and fell into sin with Bathsheba? Could it have been prevented?

2 What can we learn from David’s failure?

3 What is a path to repentance? What does repentance look like?

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42D A V I D

P RAYERH O S T N O T E :Before you end this session, take a moment to pray for each other as a group. Use the Life Group Prayer Journal on page 59. Also, pray for our Global Impact Focus this week.

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43D A V I D


READ PSALM 32:1-11

1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me;my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found;surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.

7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understandingbut must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

44D A V I D

DAY 1

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 119:1-5

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—3 they do no wrong but follow his ways.4 You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

DAY 2

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 127:1-2

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.2 In vain you rise early and stay up late,toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.

DAY 3

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 24:1-2

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;2 for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.

DAILYS.O.A.P.


45D A V I D




DAY 4

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 9:1-2

1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

DAY 5

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 28:1-2

1 To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me.For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.2 Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help,as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.


46D A V I D

How does one sum up a life like David’s? How do you quantify a legacy of conquest and devotion, of success and failure, and of war and poetry? Perhaps the most human of all Bible characters, David’s legacy is a contradiction, a paradox of vice and virtue that epitomizes the tensions that only grace resolves.

David leaves a unifi ed kingdom, centralized power, relative peace, and an artistic culture that would fl ourish for generations. He has been hero and outlaw, shepherd and king. Befriended by his enemy’s son and betrayed by his own, David demonstrates humanity in its entirety. He will be remembered by Paul centuries later, when, in Acts 13:22, while recounting the history of Israel, he calls David by his historic title, “A man after God’s own heart.” This is perhaps the greatest of accolades, not because of his perfection, but rather his humanity.

LEGEND6

GETTINGSTARTEDLooking back on our lives, we begin to see the whole of our stories unfolding. We see how different events shaped us, and how things we thought were setbacks, God used for our benefi t. We examine the legacy we leave for others, and the faith lessons we hope to teach. Our investment in the lives of others helps our faith story continue.

1 Who is someone who has impacted your faith? What is their legacy in you?

2 What great lesson of faith would you hope to pass on? What one verse could defi ne your faith?

47D A V I D


These are the last words of David:

“The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High,the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs:

2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.

3 The God of Israel spoke. The Rock of Israel said to me:‘The one who rules righteously, who rules in the fear of God,

4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning,like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’

5 “If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part;surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire.



48D A V I D

O BSERVATIONHe is known for many things. Shepherd. Giant-slayer. Outlaw. Poet. Warrior. Rebel. Friend. King.

David is a living symbol of the contradictions and paradoxes that each of us carries. Our outward appearance is distracting from what’s going on inside. We seek to follow righteousness and all too often, fi nd ourselves back in sinful behaviors and attitudes. We are, as Paul would say centuries later, jars of clay, a mix of dirt and divinity, and none more so than King David.

HISTORICAL NOTE

The Bible records the fi nal writings of David. In 2 Samuel 23, he refl ects on his life and what he accomplished. At the top of the list is “The Spirit of the Lord spoke to me.” David saw his greatest mission as being a conduit of worship, expressing who God is, what He does, and His love for us. He was open, honest, and vulnerable, and showed us all the way to God’s heart.

1 What was David’s greatest success?

2 What was his biggest failure?

3 What one lesson have you learned from David’s life?

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49D A V I D



1 Why is it important that we view David as a regular person, just like us?

2 What can we learn from David’s life and legacy?

3 After going through this study, what does it mean to you to be a person after God’s own heart? How do you plan to live your life aligned with God’s will?

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50D A V I D


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51D A V I D


READ PSALM 28:1-9

Of David.

1 To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me.For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.

2 Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help,as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil,who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.

4 Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work;repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.

5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord and what his hands have done,he will tear them down and never build them up again.

6 Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9 Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

52D A V I D

DAY 1

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 91:14-16

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

DAY 2

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 139:13-14

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

DAY 3

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 25:4-5

4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

DAILYS.O.A.P .


53D A V I D




DAY 4

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 34:1-3

1 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.2 I will glory in the Lord; let the affl icted hear and rejoice.3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

DAY 5

S . O . A . P .

PSALM 119:33-36

33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I fi nd delight.36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfi sh gain.


54D A V I D

Resources to make your Life Group experience even better!

LIFE GROUP

RESOURCES

55D A V I D

FREQUENTLY ASKEDQUESTIONSWhat is the fi rst thing we should do as a group?

We recommend you start with a party! Have a meal together, do something fun, laugh together. This is a great way to break the ice with your group before you begin your study. You can incorporate this party into your fi rst night or get together before your fi rst study.

Where do we fi nd new members for our group?

We encourage you to pray and then brainstorm a list of people from work, church, your neighborhood, your children’s school, family, the gym and so forth. We all have a tribe…friends…people with whom we do life together. No matter how you fi nd members, it’s vital that you stay on the lookout for new people to join your group. The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know!

How long will this group meet?

David: Rise Fall Redemption is a 6-week study. Most groups meet weekly, but every other week can work as well. After it’s over we encourage you to keep going! At the end, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Some groups launch relationships for years to come, and others are stepping-stones into another group experience.

What if this group is not working for us?

You’re not alone! This could be the result of a personality confl ict, life stage diff erence, geographical distance, level of spiritual maturity, or any number of things. Relax. Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this six-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or fi nd another. You don’t typically buy the fi rst car you look at or marry the fi rst person you date, and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before the six weeks are up—God might have something to teach you!

How do we handle childcare for our group?

Childcare may be a barrier for families engaging in a Life Group, so before it starts make sure you have a plan! You may off er shared care at your house, have all kids at another nearby house, or encourage parents to get their own childcare. New Life off ers Childcare Reimbursement for Life Groups. Go tonlchurch.com/groups for more info and to submit a reimbursement request.

56D A V I D

HOST TIPSTake a second to let us know you’re meeting.Our team would love to encourage you while you host this group. Please take 30 seconds to let us know you are meeting by registering your group at nlchurch.com/groups or emailing our team at [email protected].

Sweaty palms are a healthy sign.The Bible says God is gracious to the humble. Remember who is in control; the time to worry is when you’re not worried. Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to use.

Bring your uniqueness to the study. Lean into who you are and how God wants you to uniquely facilitate the study. Be authentic! You don’t need to try to be anyone but yourself.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. We have made this study to be easy for you to facilitate! The best thing you can do to prepare each week is to pray for the people in your group. We encourage you to take a peek at the upcoming session in this study guide before each session. You can even preview the video if it will help you feel more confi dent.

57D A V I D

Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and He knew that you would host this group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for the fi rst time or the hundredth time, you will be blessed as you serve.

Don’t try to do it alone.Enlist others to help lead your group. Ask people to help read portions of the study, to lead in prayer or to organize snacks or a serving project. You might just fi nd a future Life Group leader in your group. This doesn’t need to happen overnight, but consider how you can help someone in your group facilitate a Life Group of their own in the future. As God entrusts more people to our church we will need more people to host a Life Group.

When you ask a question, be patient. Someone will eventually respond. Sometimes people need a moment or two to think about the question. Keep in mind, if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else. After someone responds, affi rm the response with a simple “thanks.” Then ask, “How about somebody else?” Be sensitive to new people or reluctant members who aren’t ready to say, pray or do anything. Don’t feel the need to follow up their responses with your own answer. Your job is to facilitate discussion, not be the source for every answer.

Provide transitions between questions. When guiding the discussion, always read aloud the transitional paragraphs and the questions. Ask the group if anyone would like to read the paragraph or Bible passage. Don’t call on anyone, but ask for a volunteer, and then be patient until someone begins. Be sure to thank the person who reads aloud.

Break up into smaller groups if your group gets too big. If your group has more than ten people, we encourage you to have the group gather in discussion circles of fi ve or six people during the Watch It, Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply more quickly what they’re learning and ultimately get more out of it.

58D A V I D

LIFE GROUP ROSTER

NA

ME

EM

AIL

CE

LL

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59D A V I D

LIFE GROUP PRAYER JOURNAL

SESSION 1

SESSION 2

SESSION 3

SESSION 4

SESSION 5

SESSION 6

Prayer Requests Answered Prayers

60D A V I D

LIFE GROUPCALENDARPlanning and calendaring can help ensure the greatest participation at every meeting. At the end of each meeting, review this calendar. Don’t forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, or service projects.

Date

2/16 Steve andLaura's

Joe Bill1

Lesson LeaderHost Home Dessert/Meal

61D A V I D

SERVING WITHYOUR GROUPGrowing means Serving. Each Life Group at New Life is designed to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus. A natural outfl ow of that growth will be a desire to serve. We encourage you to do a service project with your group. Not only does serving together bring everyone closer together it is the way we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.

How often should we serve? We encourage you to do a serve project sometime during this Life Group Study. For ongoing groups we encourage fi nding at least 2-3 times per year to serve. Try to make this part of the culture of your group and not just a one-time event.

Where should we serve? We encourage every Life Group to serve through one of our Community Partners. New Life has partnered with local organizations that we encourage groups to connect with. A list of our community partners can be found on the next page.

62D A V I D

NL Community Partners• The Salvation Army, Renton • Renton Meal Coalition• Birthday Dreams• Vision House• Vine Maple Place• Maple Valley Food Bank & Emergency Services• Northwest Harvest - Kent Warehouse• Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission• Volunteer Chore Services (Catholic Community Services)• World Relief - Seattle• World Vision - Pacifi c Northwest• Habitat For Humanity Seattle/South King County• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Puget Sound• Highline Area Food Bank• Hospitality House• YoungLife• Transform Burien• Kent Food Bank

To contact these Community Partners, visit our website at nlchurch.com/nlserves and fi nd the organization you would like to work with. When talking with the organization remember to take the following steps:

1. Identify yourself as a Life Group from New Life Church.2. Identify an upcoming opportunity from the organization.3. Schedule your volunteer time at least 2 weeks out from when

you call.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

63D A V I D

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64D A V I D

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DAVID: RISE FALL REDEMPTION. - New Life Church · 2017-01-27 · SESSION 2: Giant Killer SESSION 3: Friend SESSION 4: Outlaw SESSION 5: Sinner SESSION 6: Legend DR. TROY H. JONES