Life Group Questions

2. What does it mean to despise the word of the Lord, and how did David demonstrate this through his actions? Describe some ways in which we are guilty of placing personal desires above God’s commands. What can we do to help avoid this?

3. What consequence did God announce for David’s sin, and what does that tell us about the seriousness of disobedience? Are you surprised by the consequences David faced? How would you respond to someone who said God was unfair in his punishment?

4. Why is it dangerous to confuse God’s patience with his approval of our actions (e.g., Israel, Jonah, etc.)? Why do you think God is patient with our sinful attitudes and actions? Have you ever felt as though you were “pushing” God’s patience? Explain.

5. How did David’s confession, “I have sinned against the Lord” help us understand personal accountability for sin? How does David’s sin against the Lord relate to his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah? Explain how David’s confession of sin, the Lord “putting away” (i.e., forgiving) his sin, and David still facing consequences for his sin can coexist?

6. Read 1Samuel 15 and the account of Samuel with Saul. List at least three observations for similarities and differences between 1Samuel 15 and 2Samuel 12. How did the writer’s account of Saul’s confession differ from his account of David’s? What, if anything, do you think the writer wants us to see in the larger context?