May 2 | Discovery

Study Questions for Groups

By Michael C. Mack

1. Whom and how did you serve others last week?

2. What was the biggest challenge you faced over the past week?

Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 1 Samuel 8:4-22 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions.

Ask the third person to retell the story in their own words.

3. What most stands out to you in this passage?

4. Let’s dig deeper:

• What motivations (or excuses) are voiced by the Israelite elders and people?

• What words would you use to describe their attitudes?

• How would you characterize Samuel’s response to the people?

• How would you characterize God’s response?

• The word listen is repeated four times in this passage. Of what significance is listening?

• In what ways would a human king “reign over” the people and “claim his [own] rights”?

• God’s “permissive will” is defined basically as what God permits even though it is not his perfect will and may not have his full blessings. How do you see his permissive will at work in this passage?

5. What do you learn about God, especially about his sovereignty, from this passage?  

6. What do you learn about people?

7. In what practical ways can you live with God as your king?  

8. How would you describe your kingdom purpose?

9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .”

10. What challenge do you anticipate this week as you serve others?

For Next Week: Read and reflect on 1 Samuel 10:20-24; 13:13-14; 15:10-24. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.