How can we all be people after God’s own heart?

11 July 2021 - 8.30am Service

The Heart of David Series: Courage

In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.

The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.

Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read 1 Samuel 17 and Psalm 18

1 Samuel 17 is the story of David & Goliath, and Psalm 18 is a psalm that speaks of God equipping David for battle ‘he trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze’ v 34.

We are probably somewhat uncomfortable with the battles and bloodshed that are part of the Old Testament story. Certainly God himself says to David (1 Chronicles 22:8) that he is too much of a man of blood to build a temple for God.

Yet to be a man after God’s own heart and to have a warrior heart is not a contradiction to the Old Testament world view that sees God as a warrior God.

For us it’s important to remember the words of Paul in Ephesians 6 ‘our struggle is not with flesh and blood’.

What are the good qualities of a warrior spirit? How do we celebrate these in Church culture? (Salvation army history?)
How important is it for followers of Jesus to have courage? (N.B. Revelation 21:8)
What ‘giants’ might we need to fight today? What are the Lord’s battles today? (1 Sam 17:47)
What is the link between the warrior spirit and God’s heart for justice and His Kingdom to come? Did Jesus ever demonstrate a ‘warrior’ spirit?
How are we trained for spiritual warfare?
In what ways does fear stop us doing what God has called us to do in our personal or community lives?

As Christians we are not always good at confronting power. It’s easier to care for the powerless. But all through Church history there have been amazingly courageous men and women who have led and inspired the Church to face the challenges of the age? Who are your inspiring ‘Spiritual Warriors’? (Harry Kane doesn’t count).