Hope in Life (Mark 16:1-8)

Today we unpack some of the main points from yesterday's sermon and examine patterns we've seen throughout 1 Samuel. 

Why is it significant that Samuel continues to remind the people that they sinned against God by demanding a king? How can our hearts shift toward being grieved by our sin and not just the consequences of that sin? Why must we remain steadfast in our faithfulness to God? 

AND: What is Eric's favorite ice cream/syrup flavor? 

1 Samuel 11-12 reminds us that we do have an enemy who is trying to steal our affections and allegiance away from God. However, we also have a Savior who restores us and brings us back to the Lord. 

What is our response to God's faithfulness to deliver us? How can we truly be faithful to Him? 

Today, we wrestle through our own tensions surrounding God's plan to instate Saul as Israel's king. While we see many flaws in Saul's character, we also know that he is one of the many imperfect people the Lord has used to carry out His perfect plans. 

Additionally, we hit on ways we have seen God reshape our own hearts both in the past and the present. 

BONUS: Eric gets usurped from his hosting role!!

1 Samuel 9 and 10 introduce us to Saul, God's first chosen king for Israel. Although the events of this passage seem random, we know that they are all pieces of God's plan to appoint a king. 

How do we see God directing us toward His plans in our own lives? How is He changing our hearts to prepare us for what He has before us? 

How have we demanded things of God like Israel did? What was the outcome when He provided those requests? What things are we currently longing for that the Spirit brought to mind through yesterday's sermon? 

Bonus: in a wild turn of events, Eric fails to answer today's intro question!

In 1 Samuel 8, Israel grows tired of the system of judges that God had set in place and demand a king. 

Their dissatisfaction challenges us to consider ways we may be discontent with our own lives and how that can impact our view of God. 

Today, the conversation on coincidences and the sovereignty of God continues. Do we view everyday occurrences in our own lives as under God's control? What specific ideas from these three chapters convicted our own hearts? 

This episode begs the question: will Eric ever try pogo sticking again? 

Does anything happen by coincidence? These chapters in 1 Samuel reveal God's providential hand in all things -- for His glory and for the good of His people. 

What are we expecting from God in each of our lives? How do we move forward when we feel defeated? Our discussion of 1 Samuel 4 brings about these questions, as well as recognition of God's sovereignty and His faithfulness to do all He has promised. 

TIP: don't keep your leftovers as long as Betty so you don't end up like her. 

This week's passage challenges us to remember that God's plans are sovereign, even when they don't play out in ways we expect or desire.