Part 2 – I'm Not Valuable
Leader Guide
We can be so easily influenced by others. They tell us we need more or less. We need to be bolder or quieter. We need to be older or younger! The truth of God needs to ring loudly and clearly in our hearts and minds. Then we must choose to believe what God says, not what others say about us, our abilities, or our value.
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
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. How valuable are you to you? What lie do you tell yourself?
2. Read 1 Samuel 17:12-20. Briefly, what was going on? What was David’s role and his attitude to his father? What characteristics does this suggest? Read 1 Samuel 17:4-11. What had been happening on the battlefield before David arrived?
Leader’s Note: Though David was already appointed to be the next king of Israel, he was relegated to the fields and the sheep. He was the youngest of eight: three were at war and the others probably had more responsibility around his father Jesse’s estate. David was instructed to run back and forth, checking on his brothers, and taking them supplies. David obeyed, took care of his responsibility at once, and got a replacement shepherd. He took off right away to obey his father’s instructions. He was humble and obedient. Recognizing his true humility matters when he is attacked by his brother (in the next question).
3. Read 1 Samuel 17:26, 28-30. What do you feel is David’s attitude when he first learns of the challenge? What does his brother assume is his opinion? How was the enemy trying to accuse David and lessen his sense of confidence and worth? How did David turn from the lies? How does this apply to you and the message point: Turn away from the lies and turn to the truth. How have you personally had to do this and choose to listen to God’s truth?
Leader’s Note: David was stunned and offended at the insults to his God. He took in the situation with God’s perspective, and it upset his fearful brother. Eliab assumes the worst: that David has abandoned his sheep and that he is there for curiosity. He was very offended at his presumptuous, boastful attitude. But they were not bragging, boastful remarks. But he was not being boastful; he was not just idly curious and gossiping. Similarly, we sometimes feel we are not worthy to worship, to serve, to even attend with God’s people. Other people’s opinions are not spiritual truth. Their words can hurt us, but we must turn away.
4. Read 1 Samuel 17:33-37. Again, David is treated dismissively. By whom? What difficulties had David already been through that “qualified” him? Read 1 Samuel 17:38-40. Once Saul agreed to let David fight Goliath, what did he do? Why was that wrong? Why did David have more confidence in a slingshot than in a sword and armor? Have you ever been pressured (as Saul pressured David) to do things someone else’s way? Do you turn to a self-help book or expert instead of the Word of God? How do you stay focused on God’s plan?
Leader’s Note: David was not too young; he was not unqualified. He was not dependent on armor or might. He was dependent on the Lord God (vs. 37). What God has brought us through before, He can and will do again!
5 Action Step: “If only” makes us long to be something God did not create us to be. Who are you being pressured to “be” by others? Or, how are you pressuring yourself? As a group, repeat this important point: I am valuable in the eyes of Jesus; He created me on purpose and for a purpose. My value is not based on how others see me, but how my God sees me.
Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for creating me as You want me to be. Help me see through the lies of the enemy. Help me lean on You and remember all the ways You have upheld me in the past. Help me remember You can and still do what You promise. Show me Your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
This weekend’s message referred to King David as an example of someone who used every skill and ability he was given by God to its fullest, to fulfill God’s purposes in his life. Check it out!
6. Read 1 Samuel 16:6-13. What was Samuel told about the first two sons by God? What is the one thing that God requires most of all? When we meet David, what gifts does he already have? What immediate gift was he given at his anointing?
Leader’s Note: God told Samuel to quit looking at the exterior, their height, age, birth order, or appearance. God looks at the heart that is seeking Him! David is somewhat good-looking, though young. He is at once gifted at his anointing with the Spirit of God being poured out on him. In those days, the Spirit did not indwell every God-follower. This was a special gifting by God to empower David.
7. Read 1 Samuel 17:20-37. What do you see immediately in verse 20? Why was his brother angry at him? How did David respond? Was he boastful? How would you describe his responses to the King?
Leader’s Note: David obeyed, took care of his responsibility at once, and got a replacement shepherd. He took off right away to obey his father’s instructions. David took in the situation with God’s perspective, and it upset his fearful brother. Eliab assumes the worst: that David has abandoned his sheep and that he is there for curiosity. He was very offended at his presumptuous, boastful attitude. But they were not bragging, boastful remarks. David was confident that God was with him and had prepared him. He listed his victories, which he attributed to God.
8. Read 1 Samuel 21:8-10. What is David’s current situation? (There is more detail in Chapter 21.) What do you think about David’s request for a sword? How does this differ from his response to Saul’s offer of armor? What is the immense irony in this about-face? This was not always David’s confidence. Read Psalm 44:5-7.
Leader’s Note: When David is running from King Saul, he enters to the priest, asks for the Bread of Presence from the tabernacle, and asks for weaponry. Unlike his utter confidence in God in the fight with Goliath, he now to turns to the (useless!) sword of Goliath to defend himself (though it did Goliath no good at all!).