Discussion Guide
We are beginning a series called the American Scheme! What some may see as an ideal (the American Dream) is instead a nicely packaged, destructive scheme that prevents us from achieving God’s best. This week we consider what happens when we allow comparison, jealousy, and envy to steal our contentment and gratitude. What an appropriate season to refocus from a scarcity mindset to how we can generously support and celebrate with others!
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Okay, be honest. When Christmas cards start showing up in the mail...A) You’re like: “Yay! Look at these cute babies and matching pajamas! I love this!’ or B) You’re like: “Great...everyone else is coordinated, smiling, and has their life together. Meanwhile, I’m just trying to remember if I even fed the dog today?” Which one hits closer to home? And why do you think that is? What's one thing you can do this year to make Christmas cards feel healthier—whether you're sending them or just receiving them?
Note: It’s wild how something as small as a Christmas card can poke at our hearts. Comparison sneaks in, and if we don’t deal with it, it can grow jealousy. That’s exactly what happened with Saul and David. Saul didn’t start out as a jealous person, but he allowed those feelings to go unchecked, and it led him down a destructive path. Let’s look at that and see how we can prevent that.
2. Read 1 Samuel 18:6-7. Who did the women in the passage come out to see? Based on this passage and previous passages about King Saul, does it appear to you (as an outsider) that he has advantages for which he could be thankful?
3. Read 1 Samuel 18:8-9. When King Saul notices that David’s perceived success and popularity is greater than his own, what emotions bubble to the surface? Likewise, when you notice that a peer or competitor receives recognition for their success, how do you respond? What emotions bubble to the surface and how do you choose to express them?
4. Read 1 Samuel 18:10-12; Matthew 16:24-26. In what way does Saul try to save his own life in the passage? What is the result? How does Matthew 16:24-26 apply to Saul’s situation and the result of his decision to try to kill David?
Deeper Dive (Optional): Read 1 Samuel 18:20-30. Discuss the ways that Saul tries to scheme his way to having the upper hand over David. He comes up with some crazy ideas. What is the result? Does Saul’s plan work out the way he wanted it to? Why do you think David continues to come out on top? What do you think Saul should have learned from the pattern of trying to hurt David and seeing his plans foiled by God?
Discuss the ways you may occasionally try to scheme your way to success? When do your plans fail? When have they succeeded? Does your experience line up with what you observe in the passage?