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 2 Samuel 12/Psalm 51

David certainly had stuff to repent of. For someone described as a man after God’s own heart, it is alarming to read about his adultery and subsequent murder to cover his tracks.

His psalm of repentance in Psalm 51 however is one of the great milestones of the Bible in helping us return to God.

‘Above all else guard your heart says the proverb. What was it about David’s life that allowed him to become so hear hearted, so blind to right and wrong in the story of Bathsheba?
It has been said that the greatest spiritual danger comes when we no longer sense the need to repent. What are the stages that you recognise in becoming hard hearted? How could that progression be stopped?
In Psalm 51 David says ‘Against you, you only have I sinned’ v 4. What does that mean? Surely he sinned pretty big time against Bathsheba and Uriah?
What was it that brought a change of heart, repentance to David? What place does prophetic or preaching ministry have in challenging sin today?

It has often been said it’s good to keep short accounts with God. Consider the Lord’s prayer as a discipline to keep your heart soft and repentant.

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July 19, 2021

Heart of David Series: Friendship | Dave Day at 8.30am | 18 July 2021

Guest User

July 19, 2021

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

18 July 2021 - 8.30am Service

The Heart of David Series: Friendship

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 20 and Psalm 55

One of the most iconic friendships in Scripture is the friendship of David & Jonathan. (1 Sam 20).

There is a covenantal love that goes beyond self-interest, or the grave. Yet David who was clearly capable of great loyalty and great love, also experienced and practiced betrayal in relationships. Psalm 55 expresses his sense of pain at broken relationship (v 14).

Friendship is extremely powerful in our lives, and Jesus himself said to his disciples ‘I no longer call you servants, but friends’. How can our friendships sustain us and enrich us including in our discipleship? How do we handle the pain of loneliness or betrayal?

In marriage we make solemn covenantal promises to one another. Is there a place for that kind of covenant in other relationships? What are the relational loyalties in your life right now? How do they affect your faith?
How did Jonathan & David handle the ‘comparison trap’, and their own personal ambitions, in walking out their friendship?
Jonathan’s friendship with David angered his father, Saul. Have you ever experienced conflict when your friendship (and faith) loyalties have angered your family? How have you navigated those tensions?
What does ‘betrayal’ in friendship look like? How can Church handle breakdown in relationship between two people in community? What happens when a dating couple in a small group split up for example?
How can great friendships avoid becoming cliques?

It’s worth thinking in our small groups how we can build deep and trusting friendships, but also make room in those communities for new people. How do we make that work in practice?

C.S. Lewis writes brilliantly on friendship and relationships in his book ‘The Four Loves’.

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July 12, 2021

Heart of David Series: Courage | Jo Appleton at 8.30am | 11 July 2021

Guest User

July 12, 2021

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).