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 peopleโtwo readers and one retellerโto 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. Letโs dig deeper:
โข What motivations (or excuses) are voiced by the Israelite elders and people?
โข What words would you use to describe their attitudes?
โข How would you characterize Samuelโs response to the people?
โข How would you characterize Godโs response?
โข The word listen is repeated four times in this passage. Of what significance is listening?
โข In what ways would a human king โreign overโ the people and โclaim his [own] rightsโ?
โข Godโs โpermissive willโ 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: โThis week, I will . . .โ
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 weekโs supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.






