Leadership Qualities: Obedience to God
(Click on the following link to view Lesson 2)
http://media1.razorplanet.com/share/510947-6339/siteDocs/EWC-MM-ObedienceToGod.doc
Scripture Readings
1 Samuel 15
Exodus 32:1-24
Daniel 3:16-18
John 14:15, 23-24
Matthew 26:36-39
Discussion Questions (based on Scripture Readings and Dr. Boa's message)
Saul disobeys the Lord, blames others, and is rejected as king.
Read "Leadership Qualities: Obedience to God", by Dr. Kenneth Boa and listen to his audio message online.
1. What did you learn in this message that you applied to your life this week?
2. Explain the "Gethsemane Mindset" as it is described in the message.
Read 1 Samuel 15:1-3
As chapter 15 opens, the prophet Samuel brings a critical message to King Saul. We recall that Samuel had anointed Saul as king at the direction of the Lord. Now, the Lord has a direct command for Saul and delivers it through Samuel. The Amalekites are enemies of Israel and had been a hindrance to them when the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt. The Lord now commands Saul to kill all Amalekites, including their women and children, and all of their livestock.
3. Has God ever directed you to do something that seemed impossible? What was it?
4. Is God directing you to do something now that appears too big or too outlandish? What
is it?
Read 1 Samuel 15: 4-12
Saul goes to war against the Amalekites and sets an ambush against them. But, Saul redefines the Lord's command. Instead of killing all the Amalekites, he spares the king, Agag. Instead of slaughtering all their livestock, he saves the best animals. Then, he goes to Carmel and erects a monument to himself.
5. Why do you think Saul decided to spare King Agag?
6. What do you think were Saul's reasons for keeping the best livestock, even after he was
told to slaughter them all?
7. In what areas in your life do you redefine your obedience to God?
8. How do you rationalize your "redefined" obedience?
9. In what areas of your life do you have the most difficulty obeying God?
Read 1 Samuel 15:13-20
The Lord regrets that he made Saul king. He reveals His feelings to Samuel. When Samuel confronts him, Saul immediately protests his innocence. He claims that he kept the prize sheep and cattle so he could make a sacrifice to Samuel's Lord. Besides, he claims it was really his idea in the first place. He blames his army.
10. How did Saul try to rationalize that his disobedience was really his obedience?
11. How do you rationalize when you are disobedient and don't want to admit it?
12. In what way do you believe that living a completely obedient life can cost you your
career, friendships, and social status?
13. In what areas are you using your hard work, sacrifice, or generosity to make up for
being disobedient?
Read 1 Samuel 15:21-35
Samuel rebukes Saul, declaring that the Lord values obedience over sacrifice and rejects rebellious and presumptuous leaders as sorcerers and idolaters. The Lord rejects Saul as king, promising to anoint another. Saul pleads with Samuel, saying that the real reason he was disobedient was his fear of the men in his army. Nevertheless, Samuel tells Saul that the Lord does not go back on His word and that he indeed was rejected.
14. God regards the sins of rebellion and presumption as sorcery and idolatry. Where are
you being rebellious or presumptuous in your life?
15. What must you give up in order to be obedient to God in all things?
16. What monuments to yourself must you tear down?
17. Specifically, what price must you pay to be obedient to God in all areas of your life?
Read Matthew 26:36-39
Jesus knows that the hour has come when He will be betrayed, mocked, scourged, stripped naked, nailed to the cross, forsaken by His Father, and die. As the Son of God, Jesus has the power to do whatever He wants. During His agony in Gethsemane, Jesus is in brutal anguish and distress. He throws Himself to the ground and calls out to His Father, "My Father, let this cup pass from me! Yet not what I will, but what you will" (v.39). And again He cries out, "My Father, if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, Your will must be done" (v.42). In obedience, Jesus goes to the cross.
18. Is there a cup that God is calling you to drink? What is it?
19. What are you doing today that is a reflection of your will and not God's will?
20. What steps are you taking today to be Christ-like in your obedience?
21. Who is helping you to take these steps on a daily basis?
22. Will you seek that help today?
Memory verse: Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, He threw Himself down with His face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet not what I will, but what You will."