20240609 GOD AT WORK When God gives you what is bad for you (1 Samuel 8)

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The One Thing: When God gives you what is bad for you.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:4-20; 11:14-15

Know
K1 Imagine if God set up a forcefield to prevent us ever doing anything sinful? How would this world operate? What would it look like?

Grow
G1 Why did the Israelites demand a king despite Samuel's warnings and God's guidance up to that point? What does this reveal about their relationship with God and their understanding of leadership?
G2 Samuel outlines several negative consequences of having a king, including conscription, forced labor, and taxation (1 Samuel 8:11-18). Why do you think the Israelites were willing to accept these potential consequences? How does this reflect human nature or societal pressures?
G3 How does God’s response to Israel’s request for a king (1 Samuel 8:7-9) reflect His understanding of human free will and His role as their divine leader? What can we learn from God’s willingness to grant their request despite knowing it wasn't in their best interest?
G4 Scot McKnight discusses the transition from a theocracy to a monarchy in the biblical narrative. How does this transition reflect the changing dynamics of Israel’s relationship with God and human leaders?
G5 How do the issues and concerns raised in 1 Samuel 8 regarding the desire for a human leader compare to modern-day leadership and governance? What lessons can contemporary societies draw from this biblical narrative about the nature of leadership and the expectations of those who are led?

Show
S1 Who is (or has been) your Samuel: someone that God has used to speak truth or warning into your life? How have you responded?