Characteristics of a Godly Leader | 1 Samuel

Summary

The book of 1 Samuel is primarily about the fall and rejection of Israel’s first king, Saul, and the rise of their second king, David. Throughout the change, God shows he’s in control and does not have to settle for a leader of his people with talent but holes in their character. In all of this, David is a good leader but not a perfect leader. This encourages us to look forward to Jesus as the better David and the one worth following above all.

Key Takeaways

Godly leaders have:

• Trust in God’s power, provision, and protection (1 Samuel 17:45-47, 50)
• Passion for God’s glory (1 Samuel 17:46)
• Priority on God’s plans (1 Samuel 23:1-4)
• Patience for God’s timing (1 Samuel 24:4-6)
• Sensitivity to God’s conviction (1 Samuel 24:5)

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• Saul put his trust in what he had, but David put his trust in who had him. Where is your trust placed today?
• Who do you see as the ultimate leader in your life? What are situations in which you are tempted to try to take matters into your own leadership instead of letting God lead?
• A key difference between Saul and David is that David asks what God’s will is while Saul assumes what it is. Are you more inclined to ask or assume?
• Spend some time reflecting on moments when putting your trust in God and His leadership has felt hard. What are ways that God has shown up to prove he is a trustworthy leader? Whether it is hard or easy to see God as this leader, spend some time with community looking at Scripture to remind you of God’s trustworthiness.